PSYCHOLOGY ASSOCIATE

Job Summary:

The Arizona Department of Corrections, Rehabilitation & Reentry (ADCRR) is seeking a psychology associate to help support the Contracted Healthcare Provider (CHP) in meeting contract compliance with the healthcare contract and other regulatory guidelines. The Psychology Associate will work collaboratively with other mental health professionals and contribute to the development of treatment strategies, help implement treatment plans and assist in research for inmates within ADCRR.

Job Duties:

- Participates in multidisciplinary treatment team meetings to discuss inmate cases, share insights and coordinate care across disciplines
- Participates in quality improvement initiatives and research projects aimed at enhancing the delivery of healthcare services within the correctional facilities
-Provides education to CHP Staff on crisis intervention and support to inmates experiencing acute mental health crises, including suicide risk assessments and safety planning
-Provides guidance and support to correctional facility staff on contractor-related matters
-Conducts comprehensive chart reviews and provides feedback on quality of care for managing and treating patients
-Maintains accurate and up-to-date documentation of clinical assessments, evaluation and treatment plans, and other relevant records in accordance with departmental policies and procedures
-Supports the collaborations with contractors, external healthcare providers and community resources to coordinate continuity of care for inmates transitioning from correctional facilities to community settings
-Participates in meetings and committees
-Helps draft policies, protocols, processes, reports and benchmarks to further enhance quality assurance and timely access to care
-Participates in the development and implementation of effective and efficient standards
-Provides recommendations on updates to existing clinical practice guidelines and policies and procedures as assigned by the ADCRR Medical Director, Dental Director, and Mental Health Director
-Drives on State Business
-Other duties as related to the position

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge of:

-ADOA Personnel Rules and ADCRR policies and procedures
-Psychology and related disciplines
-Psychological tests, measurements, treatment techniques and practices

Skill in:

-Verbal and written communication
-Conducting research
-Compiling, evaluating and analyzing information
-Establishing and maintaining interpersonal relationships
-Time management
-Organizational skills
-Decision making and problem solving techniques
-Synthesizing and presenting information to support project and agency objectives
-Work management and leadership
-Interviewing
-Computer use and applicable software

Ability to:

-Interpret diagnostic interviews and test data
-Conduct individual and group psychotherapy
-Analyze behavioral deficits
-Develop plans for implementing and monitoring rehabilitation activities in skill acquisition and behavior management
-Communicate effectively
-Provide guidance to others and establish rapport with diverse populations including individuals with severe and persistent mental illness

Selective Preference(s):

A minimum of 5 years of experience providing mental health services to incarcerated populations.

Independently Licensed Clinical Social Worker/Arizona Board of Behavioral Health Examiners (AZBBHE).

Pre-Employment Requirements:

Must possess a Master’s Degree and a current and active independent License from the Board of Behavioral Health Examiners (AZBBHE). The Independent license would include LPC, LCSW, and LMFT.

Candidates must be licensed in the State of Arizona as a Licensed Associate Counselor (LAC); Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC); Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW); Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW); or a Psychologist.

Employment is contingent on the selected applicant passing a background investigation and drug test consistent with Arizona Revised Statutes.

In an effort to maintain a safe environment, all employees are required to take a Tuberculosis (TB) test during their New Employee Orientation and every year thereafter.

If this position requires driving or the use of a vehicle as an essential function of the job, then the following requirements apply. Any employee operating a motor vehicle on State business must possess and retain a current, valid class-appropriate driver’s license, complete all required training, and successfully pass all necessary driver’s license record checks. The license must be current, unexpired, and neither revoked nor suspended. Employees who drive on state business are subject to driver’s license record checks, must maintain acceptable driving records, and must complete all required driver training. An employee who operates a personally owned vehicle on state business shall maintain the statutorily required liability insurance (see Arizona Administrative Code (A.A.C.) ).

If this position requires driving or the use of a vehicle as an essential function of the job to conduct State business, then the following requirements apply:

All newly hired State employees are subject to and must successfully complete the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify).

Benefits:

We offer an excellent and affordable comprehensive benefits package to meet the needs of our employees:
- Vacation and sick days with 10 paid holidays per year
- Paid Parental Leave-Up to 12 weeks per year paid leave for newborn or newly-placed foster/adopted child (pilot program).
- Robust and affordable insurance plan to include medical, dental, life, short-term and long-term disability options
- Exceptional retirement program
- Optional employee benefits such as deferred compensation plans, credit union membership, and a wellness program
- An incentivized commuter club and public transportation subsidy program

Learn more about the Paid Parental Leave pilot program . For a complete list of benefits provided by The State of Arizona, please visit our

Retirement:

Positions in this classification participate in the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS). Enrollment eligibility will become effective after 27 weeks of employment.

Current ADCRR Employees: Consult with your respective Human Resources Liaison if you are in a different retirement plan than the one indicated above.