Summary

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

Duties

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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 offender's 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's correctional responsibilities precede all others required by this position and are performed on a regular and recurring basis.

Requirements

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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.

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 in the administration and interpretation of objective and projective assessment instruments including intellectual, personality, and neuropsychological assessment techniques.
• Experience in evaluating and/or supervising the evaluation of inmates to assess competency to stand trial and/or the offender's responsibility for his behavior at the time of the offense.
• Experience in formulating treatment program decisions, referring medical problems to the Medical Officer, and assisting in decisions to transfer inmates to a more appropriate or specialized facility.
• Experience in appraising the attitudes, personality dynamics and overall level of adjustment of inmates resulting from participation in current institutional programs and/or from the implementation of new, demonstration and innovative projects.

AND

Selective Placement Factor:

Applicants applying for this position MUST also possess the following Selective Placement Factor. In 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 institution, applicants can be considered up to age 39.

The representative rate for this position is $133,744 per annum ($64.08 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.

NOTE: A 25% GROUP RETENTION INCENTIVE WILL BE OFFERED TO SELECTEE(S) WHO MEET THE CRITERIA FOR GROUP RETENTION INCENTIVE.

Benefits

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A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.