State of Maryland

ASTD16

PROFESSIONAL SERVICE        BARGAINING UNIT: F       NCP

A Psychology Associate I, Correctional is the entry level of Master’s degree professional psychology associate staff work to address the specific psychological problems found in correctional settings.  Employees in this classification perform specific duties determined by the program objectives of the institution.  Employees in this classification administer psychological tests and interpret the results.  Employees in this classification provide individual psychological counseling services and group therapy.  Employees in this classification are required to report their findings and to make recommendations to the appropriate authorities regarding the inmate’s institutional treatment program and potential for a successful adjustment on parole because actions taken by others on the basis of these findings and recommendations could adversely affect the safety of lives and property in the community.  Employees in this classification, under supervision of a licensed Psychologist, normally render all but the most complex and difficult psychological examinations and treatments.  Employees in this classification do not supervise other professional positions but may supervise non-professional and clerical employees.

Employees in this classification receive close supervision from a Psychologist licensed by the Maryland Board of Examiners of Psychologists.  Work effectiveness is evaluated through consultations, group conferences and review of communications.

Positions in this classification are evaluated by using the classification job evaluation methodology.  The use of this method involves comparing assigned duties and responsibilities of a position to the job criteria found in the Nature of Work and Examples of Work Sections of the class specification.

The Psychology Associate I Correctional is differentiated from the Psychology Associate II Correctional are differentiated on the basis of the degree of supervisory control exercised by the supervisor over these employees.  The Psychology Associate I learns to perform duties under close supervision while the Psychology Associate II performs the full range of duties and responsibilities under general supervision.

Under the supervision of a licensed Psychologist:

Conducts group therapy sessions;

Selects, administers, scores and interprets psychological tests for selected inmates;

Participates in the evaluation of inmates with relation to the diagnosis, treatment and/or guidance indicated for the individuals tested;

Collaborates with other professional persons in carrying out psychological research in correction work;

Prepares psychological, statistical and other reports containing findings, conclusions and recommendations:

Communicates with lay and professional groups to explain the program and to establish better relations with the general public;

Keeps abreast of professional literature and attends special conferences and seminars;

Participates in training students and non-professional personnel;

Performs other related duties.

Knowledge of the theories, principles and practice of psychology;

Knowledge of psychological and psychiatric concepts and terminology applicable to the correctional field;

Knowledge of the attitudes of persons serving sentences in correctional institutions;

Knowledge of the methods and objectives of a correctional institutional program;

Knowledge of the theories, principles and practices of modern parole and probation;

Knowledge of the elementary concepts of social sciences and the fundamentals of psychiatry;

Ability to supervise non-professional and clerical personnel;

Ability to instruct others in psychological work;

Ability to assist in coordinating the psychological program with the other activities within the institution;

Ability to work effectively with security personnel and members of other professional services;

Ability to properly interpret psychological information and to make sound recommendations;

Ability to plan and carry out psychological research;

Ability to meet any situation with tact, diplomacy, understanding, fairness and good judgment.

Education:   A Master's degree in psychology or a related field from an accredited college or university in a program acceptable to the Maryland Board of Examiners of Psychologists.

Experience: None.  

Prior to being appointed, candidates for this classification must apply to the Board of Examiners of Psychologists for an exemption from licensure.  Failure to obtain an exemption within six months of employment will result in termination, unless the Board grants an extension.

Prior to probationary appointment, candidates for this classification must meet all selection standards as set forth in the Code of Maryland Regulations by the Maryland Correctional Training Commission.  Candidates who receive a probationary appointment must satisfactorily complete a prescribed training program prior to permanent appointment. Selection standards of the Correctional Training Commission may be obtained from the Maryland Department of Safety and Correctional Services.

Class specifications are broad descriptions covering groups of positions used by various State departments and agencies. Position descriptions maintained by the using department or agency specifically address the essential job functions of each position.

This is a Professional Service classification in the State Personnel Management System.  All positions in this classification are Professional Service positions. Some positions in Professional Service classifications may be designated as Special Appointment in accordance with the State Personnel and Pensions Article, Section 6-405, Annotated Code of Maryland.

This classification is assigned to Bargaining Unit F- Social and Human Service Professionals classes.  As provided by State Personnel and Pensions Article, Section 3-102, special appointment, temporary, contractual, supervisory, managerial, and confidential employees are excluded from collective bargaining. Additionally, certain executive branch agencies are exempt from collective bargaining and all positions in those agencies are excluded from collective bargaining.

This classification is one level in a Non-Competitive Promotion (NCP) series.  NCP promotions are promotions by which employees may advance in grade and class level from trainee to full performance level in a classification series.  In order to be non-competitively promoted to the next level in a NCP series, an employee must: 1) perform the main purpose of the class, as defined by the Nature of Work section of the class specification; 2) receive the type of supervision defined in the class specification and 3) meet the minimum qualifications of the classification. 

Jul 2 1985 12:00AM

May 26, 2020 

Director, Division of Classification and Salary