Senior Psychologist, CF (Specialist)-Salinas Valley State Prison (SVSP)

About the role

Located at Salinas Valley State Prison (SVSP) in Soledad, CA (Monterey County). This is a limited term Senior Psychologist, CF (Specialist) position that may be extended or become permanent. The department’s vision is to enhance public safety and promote successful community reintegration through education, treatment and active participation in rehabilitative and restorative justice programs. Its mission is to facilitate the successful reintegration of individuals in its care back to their communities equipped to be drug‑free, healthy, and employable members of society by providing education, treatment, rehabilitative, and restorative justice programs in a safe and humane environment.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate the institution’s suicide prevention program, including training, suicide risk evaluations, internal reviews of suicide attempts and completed suicides, and institutional audits, reviews, and improvement of suicide prevention practices.
• Coordinate and monitor the Mental Health Program’s training activities.
• Have oversight of the psychological assessment program.
• Maintain order and supervise the conduct of the incarcerated population.
• Protect and maintain the safety of persons and property.
• Some travel is required.

Benefits

• Eligible for a $10,000 one‑time recruitment and retention stipend after six months of employment with CCHCS.
• Eligible for a monthly recruitment and retention differential during the first year, totaling up to $20,000.
• Eligible for a $5,000 referral bonus for CDCR/CCHCS employees who refer a candidate that is hired and remains employed for 90 days.
• Eligible for a 15 % pay differential (equivalent to 15 % of monthly base pay) for employees who provide direct patient care >50 % of the pay period in the Psychiatric Inpatient Program (effective May 1, 2022).
• Participation in the Personal Leave Program 2025 (PLP 2025): full‑time employees in Bargaining Unit 19 receive a 3 % base‑salary reduction and accrue 5 PLP leave credits monthly through June 2027 (prorated for part‑time and permanent intermittent employees).

Pay

Salaries are subject to the PLP 2025 3 % reduction (with associated leave credits) and do not reflect recent changes. The position may receive the 15 % psychiatric inpatient pay differential where applicable. This is a limited term appointment that may be extended or become permanent.