SENIOR PSYCHOLOGIST (HEALTH FACILITY) (SPECIALIST)
About the role
The Senior Psychologist provides facility-wide and department-wide technical expertise, policy recommendations, training, and consultation regarding psychological and behavioral services and supports for persons with developmental disabilities, dual diagnoses, and severe challenging behavior.
This position requires full range of body motion including manual and finger dexterity, eye-hand coordination, standing and walking for extensive periods, carrying and lifting items of various weights, climbing, pushing, bending, stooping, corrected vision and hearing to normal range, and effective verbal communication. The role involves working under stressful conditions or irregular hours and ongoing interaction with clients.
Travel to DDS locations throughout California, including state-operated facility locations (e.g., Porterville Developmental Center), may require overnight stays. The position is currently limited term with the possibility of becoming permanent.
Effective October 1, 2025, State employees are subject to a salary reduction of three (3) percent in exchange for five (5) hours per month of Personal Leave.
Responsibilities
- Manage an assigned caseload to meet the needs of individuals with intellectual disabilities, psychiatric disorders, and autism spectrum disorders.
- Participate as an interdisciplinary team member in planning conferences, coordinating and developing behavior programs, coordinating psychiatric, neurological, and psychotropic medication consultations, and providing specialized therapeutic interventions.
Requirements
- Possession of a valid license as a Psychologist issued by the California Board of Psychology.
- Possession of an earned Doctorate Degree in Psychology from an educational institution meeting the criteria of Section 2914 of the Medical Board of California’s Business and Professions Code.
- Must pass a Drug Screening and Medical Clearance prior to being hired.
- Must provide a copy of your Psychologist License prior to being hired.
- Must have a valid driver’s license and identification card.
Pay
$10,828.00 - $13,937.00 per month. New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.
Benefits
As a state employee working for the Department of Developmental Services, you and your family will have access to excellent medical, dental, and vision insurance benefits in addition to retirement benefits. Benefit eligibility may be based on job classification, bargaining unit, time base, and length of appointment. Additional benefits may also be outlined for specific bargaining units in employee collective bargaining contracts.
For more information, visit the State Employees - CalHR Benefits Website and the CalPERS Health Benefit Summary 2026.
Work Location
Canyon Springs is located in Riverside County in Cathedral City, 110 miles southeast of Los Angeles in the Coachella Valley. The area offers recreation and cultural attractions including golf, tennis, desert preserves, parks, rock climbing, hiking, biking, museums, art galleries, and theater. Nearby Palm Springs is a well-known city, and the Coachella Valley is increasingly becoming a year-round home for many. Schools and shopping are available in the area.
Facility website: Canyon Springs
Department website: Department of Developmental Services