Clinical Psychologist (Forensics Unit Psychologist)

Summary

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

Duties

The position requires a forensic examination specialist trained by Federal law as a licensed psychologist who is cognizant of courtroom procedures and is familiar with the issues of competency and responsibility as they relate to examinations ordered under Title 18 U.S. Code Sections 4241 and 4242.

Evaluates and/or supervises the evaluation of inmates to assess competency to stand trial and/or the offenders responsibility for his behavior at the time of the offense. Prepares reports which detail the findings in support of the opinion rendered. This must include the ability to administer score and interpret a wide variety of psycho-diagnostic assessment instruments. Must also be prepared to explain or discuss these opinions as an expert witness before the court.

Assists in interdisciplinary classification of inmates by identifying behavioral emotional personality disorders organic mental disorders alcohol or drug dependencies and/or self-destructive potential and the subsequent development of suitable suggested programs for the individual inmate.

Formulates treatment program decisions referring medical problems to the Medical Officer and assists in decisions to transfer the inmate to more appropriate or specialized facilities.

Examines candidates for the Witness Protection Program of the Office of Enforcement Operations. Is expected to organize and conduct pre-release reviews on inmates to determine if they suffer from a mental disease or defect that would present a danger to the persons or property of others upon release.

Plans and performs both individual and group psychotherapy on a regularly scheduled basis. Consults with interdisciplinary staff teams in assessing program needs and in developing and implementing program plans for individual inmates. Must have the ability to develop psychological treatment modalities for severely disturbed inmates.

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 are performed on a regular and recurring basis.

Requirements

Conditions of employment

Career Transition Programs (CTAP or ICTAP) : These programs apply 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 or ICTAP 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.

NOTE: Applicants claiming CTAP or ICTAP eligibility must complete all assessment questions to be rated under the established ranking criteria.

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:

Satisfactory completion of all the requirements for a doctoral degree (Ph.D. or equivalent) directly related to full professional work in clinical psychology is required.

NOTE: Applicants may have received this degree in either clinical or counseling psychology.

AND

In addition to the basic requirements applicants must have:

Education:

There is no substitution of education for specialized experience for this position.

Experience:

At least one year of specialized experience equivalent in difficulty and complexity to the next lower grade level. To be creditable this experience must have equipped the applicant with the particular qualifications to successfully perform the duties of the position and that is typically in or related to the position to be filled.

Some examples of the qualifying experience are:

• Experience which demonstrates the ability to administer score and interpret a wide variety of psycho-diagnostic assessment instruments i.e. projective instruments of personality assessment intellectual tests screening tests for evidence of organic brain damage and tests or inventories of interests aptitude and achievement.


• Experience in performing individual and group psychotherapy.


• Experience assisting with formulating appropriate treatment programs and recommending accommodations or program transfers when appropriate.


• Experience in providing the full range of professional psychological services to inmates.

AND

Selective Placement Factor:

Applicants applying for this position MUST also possess the following Selective Placement the event you do not possess the Selective Factor you will be found ineligible.

• Applicants must hold a full current and unrestricted license to practice psychology at the doctoral level in a State Territory Commonwealth of the United States (e.g. Puerto Rico) or the District of Columbia.

NOTE: All applicants must electronically upload a copy of their license at the time they apply to the vacancy announcement. The documentation provided MUST show the expiration date of the license. Failure to provide this documentation will result in loss of consideration for this position.

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.

Additional information

Although 5 U.S.C. 3307 established a maximum entry age for original appointment to a position in a Bureau of Prisons institutions applicants applying for this series can be considered at any age .

An approved age waiver prior to entry on duty is required. Age waivers are not required for:

• Applicants with prior federal law enforcement coverage.
• Qualified Preference Eligible Veterans.

If you are above the maximum entry age and have prior federal law enforcement coverage you must submit an SF-50 to verify prior coverage.

Qualified Preference Eligible Veterans may be exempt from meeting the maximum age. Please refer to the Required Documents section for the appropriate documentation to submit to validate veteran eligibility.

Special Conditions of Employment Section:

Appointment is subject to satisfactory completion of a pre-employment and panel interview urinalysis physical and background investigation.

All applicants are subject to and must satisfactorily pass all screening requirements in relation to National Crime Information Center (NCIC) and credit check.

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.

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

NOTE: A RETENTION INCENTIVE UP TO 25% MAY BE OFFERED TO SELECTEE(S) WHO MEETS THE CRITERIA FOR RETENTION INCENTIVE.

NOTE: A 50% RECRUITMENT INCENTIVE WILL BE PAID TO SELECTEE(S) WHO MEETS THE CRITERIA FOR RECRUITMENT BONUSES.

Reasonable Accommodation (RA) Requests: If you believe you have a disability (i.e. physical or mental) covered by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended that would interfere with completing the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments you will be granted the opportunity to request a RA in your online application. Requests for RA for the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments and appropriate supporting documentation for RA must be received prior to starting the USA Hire CompetencyBased Assessments. Decisions on requests for RA are made on a case-by-case basis. If you meet the minimum qualifications of the position after notification of the adjudication of your request you will receive an email invitation to complete the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments based on your adjudication decision. You must complete all assessments within 48 hours of receiving the URL to access the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments if you received the link after the close of the announcement. To determine if you need a RA please review the Procedures for Requesting a Reasonable Accommodation for Online Assessments. ( 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:

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