About Job

Under the direction of the Chief Psychologist and Supervising Psychologist, the Senior Psychologist Specialist, Neuropsychologist provides support and consultation to unit-based psychologists and other clinicians in the Department of State Hospitals system. Neuropsychologists also have the opportunity to contribute to the pre-doctoral internship program and other departments or programs in the hospital.

The incumbent will be responsible for the following duties but not limited to:

Provide centralized, hospital-wide neuropsychological assessment of patients by referral from treatment teams and unit psychologists.
Medical chart reviews, clinical neuropsychological patient interviews.
Diagnose neuropsychological impairment, develop and recommend patient-specific clinical management interventions.
Communicate neuropsychological evaluation results via written and, as needed, via oral reports.
Continually assess neuropsychological instruments.
Consultation regarding neuropsychological evaluations and/or rehabilitation.
Provide assessment support and consultation.
Provide consultation to Psychology Department, hospital administration, and other staff regarding the functioning of the Neuropsychology Service.
Provide cognitive remediation treatment / training for patients either in one-on-one or group setting.
The Senior Psychologist Specialist in Neuropsychology will provide advanced training in the selection, administration and interpretation of neuropsychological assessment procedures and other neuropsychological issues as requested.
Assist with development of aggregate databases for neuropsychological assessment and cognitive screening data.

Click here for additional information regarding Psychologist careers with Department of State Hospitals.

Click on the link to complete the Department of State Hospitals Recruitment Survey: DSH Recruitment Survey

You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement.

Working Conditions

This position requires you to work within the Secured Treatment Area (STA).

Telework and/or alternate work schedules may be available for this position once required training has been completed within selected timeframes established by the department.

Minimum Requirements

You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

SENIOR PSYCHOLOGIST (HEALTH FACILITY) (SPECIALIST)

Additional Documents

Job Application Package Checklist
Duty Statement

Position Details

Job Code #:

JC-482439

Position #(s):

455-000-9839-XXX

Working Title:

Neuropsychologist (Senior Psychologist Specialist)

Classification:

SENIOR PSYCHOLOGIST (HEALTH FACILITY) (SPECIALIST)

$10,513.00 - $13,531.00 U

New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.

# of Positions:

Multiple

Work Location:

San Luis Obispo County

Telework:

Hybrid

Job Type:

Permanent, Full Time

Facility:

DSH - Atascadero

Department Information

The Department of State Hospitals – Atascadero is a secure public sector hospital providing inpatient forensic services for mentally ill adult males who are court committed throughout the State of California. Located on the central coast of California, the Department of State Hospitals – Atascadero is in the vicinity of destination locations such as San Luis Obispo, Paso Robles, and Morro Bay, with easy access to beautiful beaches, serene natural settings and many historical landmarks. We invite you to join our professional and talented workforce.

Department Website: https://www.dsh.ca.gov

Special Requirements

The position(s) require(s) a Drug Screening be passed prior to being hired.
The position(s) require(s) a Background Investigation be cleared prior to being hired.
The position(s) require(s) Medical Clearance prior to being hired.

The Medical Staff of Department of State Hospitals - Atascadero requires Senior Psychologist (Specialist) candidates meet the Medical Staff criteria for privileging set forth in the facility bylaws.

The State of California hiring process includes two separate steps, taking an Exam and applying for a Job vacancy. Contact DSHA_Mathiesen_Neuropsychology@dsh.ca.gov for guidance through these steps.

For applicants currently completing their postdoctoral fellowship: submit your application as instructed below. You will complete the exam after the application process. Contact DSHA_Mathiesen_Neuropsychology@dsh.ca.gov can explain the timeline and if your training differs to see if you meet the hospital’s credentialing requirements. Applicants completing postdoctoral fellowships are encouraged to apply as early as possible before the completion of their postdoc program. At the discretion of the hiring authority, start dates for selected candidates may be coordinated with the end of postdoc training.

For applicants who have completed their postdoctoral fellowship in Neuropsychology, you may take the exam and submit your application. Please follow this link to be taken to the Sr. Psychologist (Specialist) exam bulletin: Senior Psychologist (Specialist) Exam Bulletin

The preferred method to apply for the exam is to email the STD 678 to: SeniorPsychologistSpecialist@dsh.ca.gov

All interested candidates must submit a Standard State Application Form (STD. 678), with original signature, and indicate Sr. Psychologist (Specialist) and 455-000-9839-XXX and JC-463959 and JC-478596 in the Examination/Job Title Section and you must also include: a copy of your current CV that includes months and years of experience, a formal letter of interest outlining your experience and qualifications for the position, two sample Neuropsychological Assessment reports written in the past two years, and a copy of your graduate diploma with your application.

The Medical Staff of Department of State Hospitals - Atascadero requires Senior Psychologist (Specialist) candidates meet the Medical Staff criteria for privileging set forth in the facility bylaws.

Application Instructions

Completed applications and all required documents must be received or postmarked by the Final Filing Date in order to be considered. Dates printed on Mobile Bar Codes, such as the Quick Response (QR) Codes available at the USPS, are not considered Postmark dates for the purpose of determining timely filing of an application.

Final Filing Date: 8/4/2025

Who May Apply

Individuals who are currently in the classification, eligible for lateral transfer, eligible for reinstatement, have list or LEAP eligibility, are in the process of obtaining list eligibility, or have SROA and/or Surplus eligibility (please attach your letter, if available). SROA and Surplus candidates are given priority; therefore, individuals with other eligibility may be considered in the event no SROA or Surplus candidates apply.

Applications will be screened and only the most qualified applicants will be selected to move forward in the selection process. Applicants must meet the Minimum Qualifications stated in the Classification Specification(s).

How To Apply

Complete Application Packages (including your Examination/Employment Application (STD 678) and applicable or required documents) must be submitted to apply for this Job Posting. Application Packages may be submitted electronically through your CalCareer Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. When submitting your application in hard copy, a completed copy of the Application Package listing must be included. If you choose to not apply electronically, a hard copy application package may be submitted through an alternative method listed below:

Address for Mailing Application Packages

You may submit your application and any applicable or required documents to:

Department of State Hospitals

DSH - Atascadero Postal

Attn: DSH - Atascadero Employment Office

PO Box 7005

Atascadero, CA 93423-7005

Address for Drop-Off Application Packages

You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:

Department of State Hospitals

DSH - Atascadero Drop Off

DSH - Atascadero Employment Office

10333 El Camino Real

Atascadero, CA 93422

Building 105

08:00 AM - 04:30 PM

Required Application Package Documents

The following items are required to be submitted with your application. Applicants who do not submit the required items timely may not be considered for this job:

Current version of the State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678 (when not applying electronically), or the Electronic State Employment Application through your Applicant Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. All Experience and Education relating to the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification should be included to demonstrate how you meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position.
Resume is optional. It may be included, but is not required.
Other - You must include a copy of your current CV that includes months and years of experience.
Other - You must include a formal letter of interest outlining your experience and qualificaitons for the position.
Other - You must include two sample Neuropsychological Assessment reports written in the past two years.
Other - You must include a copy of your graduate diploma with your applicaiton.

Applicants requiring reasonable accommodations for the hiring interview process must request the necessary accommodations if scheduled for a hiring interview. The request should be made at the time of contact to schedule the interview. Questions regarding reasonable accommodations may be directed to the EEO contact listed on this job posting.

Desirable Qualifications

In addition to evaluating each candidate's relative ability, as demonstrated by quality and breadth of experience, the following factors will provide the basis for competitively evaluating each candidate:

Competitive applicants will have postdoctoral training and experience conducting neuropsychological assessments. Relevant experiences may include evaluations and consultative feedback for patients with a range of neurological conditions and/or who are severely mentally ill and being treated in acute inpatient and/or forensic settings. The ability to conduct culturally informed neuropsychological assessments is highly desirable. Experience with cognitive remediation and/or with patients in forensic contexts is desirable but not required.

Spanish Bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply.

Completion of an earned doctorate in clinical psychology.

Completion of a two-year, formal postdoctoral residency in clinical neuropsychology.

Applicants from diverse backgrounds, particularly those who are fluent in and can conduct evaluations in Spanish, are strongly encouraged to apply.

It is recommended that the candidate possess a valid Psychologist license in the State of California. Unlicensed candidate may be appointed but must secure a license within 4 years and may be waived for an additional year, but not to exceed 5 years.

Benefits

There are many benefits to joining our team! The State of California has a generous benefits package including:

Medical Benefits, including health, dental, and vision insurance
Paid Holidays and leave
Defined benefit retirement program
Savings Plus Program (401(k), 457)
Commute Program
Employee Wellness Program
Employee Assistance Program

Additional benefit information can be found on the CalHR website and the CalPERS website.

Contact Information

The Hiring Unit Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position or application process.

Department Website: https://www.dsh.ca.gov

Hiring Unit Contact:
DSH-Atascadero Employment Office
(805) 468-3384
ASHEmployment@dsh.ca.gov

Please direct requests for Reasonable Accommodations to the interview scheduler at the time the interview is being scheduled. You may direct any additional questions regarding Reasonable Accommodations or Equal Employment Opportunity for this position(s) to the Department's EEO Office.

EEO Contact:
Pearl Melena
(805) 468-2007
Pearl.Melena@dsh.ca.gov

California Relay Service: 1-800-735-2929 (TTY), 1-800-735-2922 (Voice) TTY is a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf, and is reachable only from phones equipped with a TTY Device.

Minimum Qualifications & Eligibility

In order to be considered, you must satisfy one of the following requirements by appointment:
1. BE LIST ELIGIBLE: Successfully complete the competitive State civil service exam pertaining to this classification at Senior Psychologist Specialist Exam Bulletin, OR
2. BE TRANSFER ELIGIBLE: Have current employment with the State of California in the same classification or in a classification that is comparable (employees who wish to be considered based on transfer eligibility must meet the minimum qualifications of the classification per DPA Rule 250), OR
3. BE REINSTATEMENT ELIGIBLE: Have obtained previous permanent employment with the State of California in the same classification or in a classification that is comparable.

Minimum Qualifications: License: Possession of a valid license as a Psychologist issued by the California Board of Psychology and possession of an earned Doctorate Degree in Psychology from an educational institution meeting the criteria of Section 2914 of the Medical Board of California's Business and Professions Code and

Either:

1: One year of experience in the California state service performing the duties of a Psychologist (Health Facility) (any specialty), or Staff Psychologist (any specialty); OR

2: Two years of postdoctoral, postinternship experience in the practice of psychology involving assessment and treatment and either training, research, consultation, or program planning in mental health services.

Additional Information

Selected candidates will be required to submit to a criminal history review utilizing Live Scan fingerprinting.

This position requires candidates to pass a Medical Evaluation. You will be required to submit to a Medical Evaluation and receive clearance prior to being hired.

Applications postmarked on the final filing date will be accepted. Scanned, copied or faxed applications will not be accepted.

Applications will be screened and only the most competitive will be offered an interview.

Any limited-term appointments may transition in to a permanent appointment.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The State of California is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.

It is an objective of the State of California to achieve a drug-free work place. Any applicant for state employment will be expected to behave in accordance with this objective because the use of illegal drugs is inconsistent with the law of the State, the rules governing Civil Service, and the special trust placed in public servants.