Position Description

Salary Grade: 11
Pay Range
Hiring Range: $52,251 - $62,701 Annually
Full Range: $52,251 - $73,151 Annually
Salary offers are based on the candidate's equivalent experience and internal equity with other employees within the same job classification.
Engages in competency to stand trial education with defendants court-ordered into the Restoration to Competency Program. Corroborates historical psychiatric information concurrently with behavioral observations. Documents forensic sessions and performs lesson planning in accordance with the defendant’s individual restoration plan as directed by the forensic psychologist.

Duties/Responsibilities

As defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, this classification may include any of the following tasks, knowledge, skills, and other characteristics. This list is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and tasks performed by incumbents of this class. Work assignments may vary depending on the department’s need and will be communicated to the applicant or incumbent by the supervisor.

• Conducts weekly sessions with defendants ordered into the program while following the directives outlined in the individualized Restoration plan by the forensic psychologist;
• Acquires releases of information from defendant participants (where possible) to further the need for historical supportive documentation (or lack thereof) of mental illness, defect or disability that may be interfering with the competency to stand trial skill set;
• Performs lesson planning based on the individualized restoration plan for each defendant as outlined by the assigned forensic Psychologist;
• Communicates via progress notes or in case staffing to allied team members within the program any significant change in status or condition of a defendant admitted into the program;
• Constructs a discharge plan for the court in cases of a Not Competent Not Restorable opinion on a defendant at the time of program completion;
• Participates in ongoing continuing education to acquire and maintain Certified Correctional Health Professional (CCHP) status as a measure of best practice in dealing with incarcerated individuals.

Minimum Qualifications

A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with a major in Education, Psychology, Law, Criminal Justice, or a related field as determined by the department head at the time of recruitment AND two years of experience in a psycho-legal profession.
(Relevant experience and/or education from an accredited college or university may be substituted.)

• Experience in public behavioral health and/or correctional behavioral health systems.
• Master’s degree in psychology, education, social work, or related behavioral health field.
• Experience working in the criminal justice system, including criminal court proceedings.
• Experience demonstrating knowledge of Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) diagnoses and criteria.
• Experience with/familiarity with Rule 11 process, competency proceedings, or forensic work.
• Experience with/basic awareness of psychopharmacology.
• Experience communicating effectively, both verbally and in writing, including written presentations and preparation of complex materials in professional report formats.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish).

Supplemental Information

Licenses and Certificates: Valid driver license is required at time of application. Valid AZ driver license is required at time of appointment. The successful applicant will be subject to a 39-month DOT Motor Vehicle Record review to determine applicant’s suitability to operate county vehicles in accordance with Pima County administrative procedures. Failure to obtain and maintain the required licenses and certifications shall be grounds for termination. Any offer of employment resulting from this recruitment is contingent upon Fleet Services’ review and approval of the candidate’s driving record.
Special Notice Items: The County requires pre-employment background checks. Successful candidates will receive a post-offer, pre-employment background screening to include verification of work history, education, and criminal conviction history. A prior criminal conviction will not automatically disqualify a candidate from employment with the County.
Physical/Sensory Requirements: Physical and sensory abilities will be determined by position.
EEO Information: Pima County Government is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We are committed to an inclusive and diverse workforce and will not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, gender, sexual orientation, kinship, political interest, or any other characteristic protected by law.