Clinical Psychologist I​/Correctional Health

EXAM NUMBER Y8695C-DOJ

This opportunity will remain open until the needs of the services are met and is subject to closure without prior notice.

Open Competitive
- EMERGENCY

May 27, 2025 at 12:00 P.M., (PT)

Los Angeles County is under a Department of Justice Consent Decree to improve conditions and mental health care in County jails, as well as supporting justice‑involved populations post‑release. We are looking for qualified and passionate individuals to help us in the mission of providing a range of services both in the jail and community. If you are looking for a new career that will directly benefit the justice‑involved population of LA County, this may be the opportunity for you.

The Los Angeles County Department of Health Services (DHS) is seeking qualified candidates to fill emergency Clinical Psychologist I vacancies related to the DOJ Consent Decree.

Under the emergency order, applicants who meet the requirements may be hired for an initial period of up to 90 days, with an opportunity for permanent County employment. During your initial work period, you will be assessed on your work performance. This assessment will be weighted 100%. Those who successfully pass the assessment will be considered for permanent appointment to Clinical Psychologist I.

Under close supervision, serves as a staff psychologist by applying psychological principles in the following major areas: assessment, treatment, research, training, and clinical consultation.

• Conducts diagnostic evaluations of inmates in lock‑up settings to determine clients' post‑release level of care needs and to determine mental health needs while in custody and make referrals to treatment interventions to serve the criminal justice population.
• Uses forensic psychological training to assess diversion suitability and competency to stand trial.
• Provides updates to the court on a regular basis; presents in court for all necessary hearings; and provides testimony on behalf of clients.
• Assists providers to understand the needs of the court, requirements for treatment and legal standards for the specific penal code section applicable to the clients.
• Acts as consultant about competency evaluations to other clinicians.
• Assists judicial officers and attorneys understand availability of services to facilitate realistic understanding of treatment possibilities.
• Provides liaison services between court officers and treatment providers.
• Be able to answer legal questions about clients with attorneys and mental health providers.
• Assures the court receives timely progress report updates according to the court orders.
• Understands legal stipulations and takes those stipulations into consideration when developing care plans.
• Collaborates with and offer mental health training to probation officers, law enforcement, and other justice partners who will work with the population of clients with co‑occurring mental health and substance use disorders.
• Evaluates client response to treatment, modifies treatment strategies and includes the client as part of the decision‑making process.
• Utilizes a variety of treatment modalities such as psychotherapy, behavior modification, and various evidence‑based or promising practices such as cognitive‑behavioral therapy.
• Reviews relevant records and information from both the criminal justice system and the mental health system when making treatment recommendations.
• Retrieves the reports for the court as needed.

A Doctorate from an accredited university in Psychology, Educational Psychology, education with the field of specialization in Counseling Psychology, or in a discipline deemed equivalent by the State of California Department of Consumer Affairs, Board of Psychology. You MUST meet the above requirement(s) in order to be appointed to fill any vacancies related to this recruitment.

A waiver issued by the California Department of Mental Health in accordance with Welfare & Institutions Code Section 5751.1-2. Waivers for newly‑trained psychologists shall not exceed five years from the commencement of…