Psychology Technician

Summary

Corrections professionals who foster a humane and secure environment and ensure public safety by preparing individuals for successful reentry into our communities.

Duties

Responsible for performing secretarial and technical duties to include but not limited to the administration and mechanical or computerized scoring of a variety of psychological tests; management and daily operation of the facilitys Psychology Data System (PDS); assisting and coordinating with Psychologists in special projects (e.g. Suicide Prevention Program); scheduling of appointments; record/file keeping; and a variety of other clerical/secretarial duties.
Under the supervision of a psychologist is responsible for the administration mechanical or computerized scoring and distribution (or storage) of a variety of psychological tests including Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) and the Millon Clinical Multiaxial Inventory.
Responsible for the implementation of the Bureau of Prisons (BOP) automated/computerized psychology data entry system including initial implementation of Psychology Data System (PDS) training of all psychology staff routine data entry and retrieval automated test scoring and reconciling discrepancies in the files.
Types duplicates and distributes letters memos agendas forms certificates meeting minutes and reports for the Chief Psychologist.
Along with all other correctional institution employees incumbent is charged with responsibility for maintaining security of the institution. The staff correctional responsibilities precede all others required by this position and is performed on a regular and recurring basis.

Requirements

Conditions of employment

Career Transition Programs (CTAP) : This program applies to Federal and/or DOJ employees who meet the definition of surplus or displaced from a position in the competitive service. To receive selection priority for this position you must:

1. Meet CTAP eligibility criteria;
2. Be rated well-qualified for the position scoring at least half of the total possible points for the vacancy KSAs or competencies; and
3. Submit the appropriate documentation to support your CTAP eligibility:
   • A copy of the agency notice (i.e. separation notice or agency RIF letter)
   • Most recent performance appraisal and
   • Most recent SF-50 showing current/former position grade promotion potential and duty location.
   • See USAJOBS Career Transition Programs for more information.

EEO Statement/Policy: The United States government does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race color religion sex pregnancy national origin political affiliation sexual orientation marital status disability genetic information age membership in an employee organization retaliation parental
status military service or other non-merit factor. More information can be found here: U.S Department of Justice - Equal Employment Opportunity Policy

Key Requirements:

• U.S. Citizenship is Required.
• See Special Conditions of Employment Section.

Qualifications

To be considered for the position you must meet the following:

Basic Requirements:
Applicants must have one-year specialized experience equivalent in difficulty and complexity to the next lower grade level. (For positions at GL-4 and above): experience that involved the observation of and assistance in the application of techniques relating to behavior capacities traits interests and activities of either humans or under laboratory conditions animals. Experience may have been gained in connection with a program of research or direct services in psychology that gave a practical understanding of some of the principles methods and techniques of psychology needed to assist professional psychologists.

OR
Education:
One year of graduate education or 27 quarter hours of graduate education in the related field of the position.

NOTE: Graduate education or an internship meets the specialized experience required above GS-5 only in those instances where it is directly related to the work of the position.

Experience:
Some examples of the qualifying experience are:

GL-07:
Experience in administering scoring distributing and storing a variety of psychological tests.
Experience assisting in researching interpreting and applying a variety of complex regulations rules and laws regarding psychological procedures and practices.
Experience in implementation of the BOPs automated/computerized psychology data entry system including initial implementation of PDS training of all psychology staff routine data entry and retrieval automated test scoring and reconciling discrepancies in the files.
Experience in obligating expenditures preparing purchase orders requisitions and maintaining accounting of department expenditures and adjustments.
Experience in providing security escort for volunteers guest speakers and visitors including running NCIC background checks and preparing paperwork for volunteers guest speakers and visitors.

OR

Combination of Education and Experience:
Equivalent combinations of education and experience are qualifying for all grade levels and positions for which both education and experience are acceptable.

If applicable credit will be given for paid and unpaid experience. To receive proper credit you must show the actual time (such as the number of hours worked per week) spent in activities.
**Your eligibility for consideration will be based on your responses to the questions in the application.**

Education

ONLY if education is a requirement/substitution for specialized experience applicant MUST upload legible transcripts as verification of educational requirement. Transcripts MUST be uploaded and electronically linked from USAJOBS at the time you apply and MUST include identifying information to include School Name Student Name Degree and Date Awarded (if applicable). All academic degrees and coursework must be completed at a college or university that has obtained accreditation or pre-accreditation status from an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. For a list of schools that meet this criteria Click Here.

Foreign Education: For information regarding foreign education requirements please see Foreign Diploma and Credit Recognition at the U.S. Department of Education website: Recognition of Foreign Qualifications.

If you are selected for this position and qualified based on education (i.e. basic education requirement and/or substitution of education) you will be required to provide an OFFICIAL transcript prior to your first day on duty.

Additional information

In accordance with 5 U.S.C. 3307 a maximum entry age of 36 has been established for original appointment to a position in a Bureau of Prisons institution.

The representative rate for this position is $62235 per annum ($29.82 per hour).

Special Conditions of Employment Section:

Appointment is subject to satisfactory completion of a urinalysis physical and background investigation.

All applicants are subject to National Crime Information Center (NCIC) and credit checks.

All applicants not currently working in an institution will be required to complete a qualification inquiry regarding convictions of misdemeanor crimes of domestic violence in order to be authorized to carry a firearm.

Successful completion of the Introduction to Correctional Techniques three-week training course at Glynco Georgia is required.

The addresses listed on the USAJOBS account/resume must be the primary residence at the time of application. You may be required to provide proof of residence.

Additional selections may be made if vacancies occur within the life of the certificate.

Although competitive and non-competitive applications are being accepted the selecting official may elect to have only one group reviewed.

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government passionate about the ideals of our American republic and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

Required Experience:

IC