Psychologist I - UEDC

About the Role

The South Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) is expanding its team and recruiting Licensed Psychologists, Licensed-Eligible Psychologists, and Post-Doctoral Residents. This position is eligible for a $10,000 sign-on bonus. We are looking for professionals interested in a forensic setting specializing in evaluations of juvenile justice-involved youth undergoing court-ordered evaluations, as well as delivering evidence-based, informed, youth-centered therapeutic engagement, treatment, and rehabilitation. DJJ offers a high-quality work environment and commitment to best practices in our field.

Mission

It is the mission of the South Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) to impact and transform young lives, strengthen families, and support safer communities through targeted prevention and rehabilitation.

Job Purpose

Under limited supervision, develops and implements secure, facility based psychological services (evaluation, consultation, and therapeutic) for youth involved with SC Department of Juvenile Justice. In support and absence of facility Clinical Director, provides supervision of evaluation and therapeutic services provided by facility Mental Health Professionals.

Responsibilities

• Completes evaluations for youth who have no prior evaluation or outdated evaluations in order to assess diagnoses and treatment needs to determine the most appropriate placement.
• Conducts clinical interviews with youth and family members, record reviews, and consultations with DJJ County Office staff and other agencies involved with the youth.
• Completes court-ordered evaluations as needed.
• Administers and interprets psychological tests and prepares reports to be shared as needed for treatment purposes.
• Identifies youth with Serious Mental Illness or Intellectual Disability and makes referrals to the appropriate agencies.
• Participates in DJJ treatment planning and interagency staffing.
• Consults in cases of youth with special needs (e.g. mental health or developmental issues).
• Consults with DJJ County Office staff regarding problematic issues/cases.
• Attends interagency staffings as needed for evaluation and committed youth.
• Provides treatment services to youth, including individual and group therapy/counseling.
• Provides supervision of evaluation and therapeutic services provided by facility Mental Health Professionals in support and/or absence of facility Clinical Director.
• Provides interdisciplinary training to facility staff.
• Provides crisis intervention services on a rotating basis with other mental health professionals, including after hours on-call services.
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

Minimum Requirements

• A doctorate in applied psychology from an accredited college or university and experience in the practice of applied psychology.
• Thorough knowledge of current psychological theory/practice and psychological evaluation/assessment techniques.
• Ability to select, administer, and interpret psychological tests and effectively communicate findings.
• Ability to communicate effectively with juveniles, staff, relevant agencies, and the concerned public.
• Excellent writing skills required.
• Must be able to work in a secure facility setting and have the confidence/endurance to work in a sometimes hostile work environment with youth with varying behavioral health issues and challenges.
• Must be able to walk, lift 25 lbs.
• On-call duties are required and must be able to work varied hours if necessary.
• This position performs job duties relating to the custody, control, transportation, or recapture of youth within the jurisdiction of the Department of Juvenile Justice and the employee may have direct and indirect contact with youth within the jurisdiction of the Department of Juvenile Justice. Training applicable to these duties will be provided.

Preferred Qualifications

• A doctoral degree in applied psychology from an APA approved program in psychology.
• Possession of a current license to practice psychology in the State of South Carolina or license eligibility within two (2) years.

Compensation

• Licensed Psychologist: $111,959
• Licensed Eligible: $102,583
• Post-Doctoral Resident: $102,583
• $10,000 sign-on bonus available*

Benefits

• Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Health, dental, and life insurance
• 15 days annual (vacation) leave per year
• 15 days of sick leave per year
• 13 paid holidays
• State retirement plans and deferred compensation programs
• Discount Programs such as TicketatWork and WeSave