Patton State Hospital, Human Resources Department, is accepting applications for at least one (1) Permanent, Full-time Psychologist-Health Facility-Clinical-Safety positions. The Psychologist works under the administrative direction and clinical direction of the Chief Psychologist and the local Senior Psychologist Supervisor.
Psychologists are critical members of an interdisciplinary treatment team in a dynamic forensic psychiatric inpatient setting serving patients with a range of diagnoses, levels of functioning, and forensic commitments. Psychologists contribute to the team and hospital at-large through their specialized skills in assessment, treatment, and consultation.
Assessment: Psychologists at DSH-Patton regularly complete psychological intake assessments, which help to guide treatment focused on patient forensic discharge goals. There are opportunities for providing psychological assessments during any point in a patient’s commitment to assist with treatment progress. This is an excellent setting for assessment-focused psychologists who want to work in a forensic setting, and there are ample opportunities to conduct assessments involving neurocognitive measures, personality testing (e.g., MMPI-3 and PAI), suicide risk assessments, and violence risk assessments. Regular training is provided regarding various assessment measures and best-practices for implementing them in a forensic setting. Psychologists conduct annual violence risk assessments using a structured professional judgment approach guided by the HCR-20-V3 or START. Psychologists also conduct assessments for more acute risk of harm to self and others using instruments such as the Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale (CSSRS) and Dynamic Appraisal of Symptoms of Aggression (DASA). In coordination with our Forensic Evaluation Department, psychologists on competence to stand trial units assist with screening for symptom validity and performance validity.
Forensic Treatment: Psychologists use data collected through their assessments to apply evidence-based individual and group treatments focused on facilitating patient progress toward forensic discharge goals (e.g., competency restoration, reduction of violence risk). There are opportunities to provide forensic treatment to patients committed under various commitment codes, including Incompetent to Stand Trial, Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity, and Offenders with a Mental Disorder. Psychologists develop, implement, and facilitate behavior treatment plans. They serve as behavioral consultants to clinical and nursing staff. They assist with crisis management on treatment units. Psychologists also develop and implement behavioral interventions for high-risk medical refusers. As a member of the interdisciplinary treatment team, Psychologists document psychological services, assist in preparation of treatment plans, and write progress notes for patients on their caseloads as required. Monthly notes are completed for patients who are receiving psychotherapy services, and quarterly notes are completed as clinically indicated. Psychologists complete the Psychology section of the Special Incident Report (SIR) for behavioral SIRs.
Consultation: Psychologists at DSH-Patton frequently consult with a variety of key stakeholders within the hospital and outside agencies as needed. This is a dynamic position that requires consultation with the team psychiatrist and interdisciplinary team members regarding patient care and progress toward forensic discharge goals. These positions involve collaboration with the interdisciplinary team in scheduled treatment team meetings, progress reviews, and dispositional meetings, as well as attendance in morning meetings and other unit-based meetings. Psychologist also regularly consult with forensic evaluators in the Forensic Evaluation Department, and Psychologists have opportunities to serve as expert witnesses who provide court testimony regarding their patients’ progress in treatment.
You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement.
