Introduction

The Connecticut Department of Correction (DOC) has exciting opportunities for experienced and qualified individuals to join Unified School District #1 (USD#1) as School Psychologists (Pupil Services Specialist).

This recruitment is continuous and may be used to fill openings in correctional facilities across the state.

Those who possess a School Psychologist (070) CT Endorsement are encouraged to apply directly to this recruitment! Click here to confirm you possess the appropriate license and that it is up-to-date.

*While the Pupil Services Specialist Classification has an umbrella of disciplines (i.e. social work, school counseling, etc.) this recruitment will be specifically used for hiring a CT certified School Psychologist.

Position Highlights

• SCHEDULE: first-shift, full time (35 hours per week,) Monday through Friday
• ACADEMIC CALENDAR: Unified School District (USD) #1 follows a 12-month school calendar, 222 school days per year.
• TRAINING: Candidates selected for hire, are required to attend a fourteen (14) week training at the CT DOC Training Academy. More details can be found in the 'Selection Plan' of this job bulletin.
• LOCATION: Positions may be directed to any one of our facilities based on the candidates Education Endorsement and Department needs.

Candidates new to the State of Connecticut will start on 'Step one' of the pay plan, in the tier that their highest level of education corresponds to. Starting salary is non-negotiable.

Masters Degree 6th Year Step 1 (minimum)
$75,900 $81,208 Step 13-15 (maximum)
$131,422 $140,620

The Connecticut Department of Correction Unified School District #1 is dedicated to providing quality educational programs for incarcerated individuals. Academic knowledge, vocational competencies and life skills integrated with technology are offered to students in a positive environment to foster lifelong learning, multicultural awareness and a successful transition to society.

The School Psychologist will perform a full range of pupil service functions for students within the district that include educational diagnosis, counseling, and psychological services. The School Psychologists will also collaborate with the State School Teachers to offer resources and assist in planning educational programs.

As a School Psychologist, you will have the opportunity to work in the following areas:

Liaison Activities
Acts as a liaison between:

• Students and former education placements
• Students and outside providers
• Outside agencies and local school programs
• The school program and institutional DOC components
• Interested parties and the school programs, particularly as it related to transition to the community

Direct Service

• Individual and group counseling of students with respect to the social, emotional, and psychological needs related to education; as well as vocational, educational, and career planning
• Uses crises intervention skills to mediate student problems
• Administers and analyzes psychological related assessments
• Creates IEP goals in the areas of self-determination, behavior, and transition
• Prepares and delivers classroom lessons and group presentations related to appropriate vocational, career, and social/emotional topics
• Implements and documents interventions

General Assessment & Placement

• Assists as needed with the general assessment program at the local site including the collection of information needed for educational and vocational placement and institutional classification
• Administers group and individual achievement and vocational assessment as needed
• Assists in development and administration of the process to make assessment data available or decision making
• Assists the school administrator in the development and implementation of an efficient process for the placement of students into appropriate program

More details can be found in the class specification

Selection Plan

IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR THIS RECRUITMENT:

• Please include any related endorsement certification(s) and/or licensure credential details within your application.
• Be sure to select all DOC facility locations you are interested and commutable to.
• Selected candidates may be required to present a lesson plan in front of students in one of our Correctional Facilities as part of the interview process.
• This is a hazardous duty* position.
  • Candidates selected for hire will be required to attend a 14-week hazardous duty training at the Maloney Center for Training & Staff Development located in Cheshire, CT. This training consists of both classroom and on the job training (one day of classroom presentation and nine days of "hands-on" physical training.) The Behavior Management Program training will education on the use of physical force as it applies to self-defense, and the maintenance of order and security within the inmate population. In order to graduate, trainees will be required to pass a written exam, as well as a practical skills test which will be scored.

BEFORE YOU APPLY:

• Meet Minimum Qualifications: Ensure you meet the Minimum Qualifications listed on the job opening by the job closing date. You must specify your qualifications on your application. The minimum experience and training requirements listed must be met by the close date on the job opening, unless otherwise specified.
• Educational Credits: List your earned credits and degrees from accredited institutions accurately on your application. To receive educational credits towards qualification, the institution must be accredited. If the institution of higher learning is located outside of the U.S., you are responsible for providing documentation from a recognized USA accrediting service which specializes in determining foreign education equivalencies to the contact listed below by the closing date listed on the job posting.
• Resume Policy: Per Public Act 21-69, resumes are not accepted during the initial application process. As the recruitment process progresses, candidates may be required to submit additional documentation to support their qualification(s) for this position. This documentation may include: a cover letter, resume, transcripts, diplomas, performance reviews, attendance records, supervisory references, licensure, etc., at the request and discretion of the hiring agency.
• Preferred Shift/Location: Select all location(s) and shift(s) you are willing to work on your application. Failure to do so may result in not being considered for vacancies in that specific location or shift.
• Timely Submission: All application materials must be received by the job posting deadline. You will be unable to make revisions once you officially submit your application to the State. Late submissions are rarely accepted, with exceptions only for documented events that incapacitate individuals during the entire duration of the job posting. Request exceptions by emailing [email protected].
• Salary Calculations: For current state employees, salary calculations are not necessarily comparable from one of the three branches of state government (i.e., Executive, Legislative, Judicial) to the other.
• Note: The only way to apply to this posting is via the 'Apply' or 'Apply Online' buttons on the official State of Connecticut Online Employment Center job posting.

AFTER YOU APPLY:

• Some email providers may experience delays or issues delivering messages. To avoid missing important updates-such as referral questionnaires or interview scheduling links-please check your Personal Status Board regularly. For added convenience, you can also enable text (SMS) notifications. To do this, log in to your Personal Status Board and select "Update My Contact Information."
• Referral Questions: This posting may require completion of additional Referral Questions (RQs), which must be completed by the questionnaire's expiration date. If requested, RQs can be accessed via an email sent to you after the job close date or by visiting your JobAps Personal Status Board (Certification Questionnaires section).
• Prepare For An Interview: Interviews are limited to those whose experience and training are most aligned with the role. To prepare, review this helpful Interview Preparation Guide to make the best impression!
• Stay connected! Log in daily to your JobAps Personal Status Board to track your status and check email (including spam/junk folders) for updates and tasks.
• The immediate vacancy is listed above, however, applicat