Psychologist, Correctional Statewide

Role overview

The Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services is hiring a doctoral-level psychologist to provide independent mental health services in correctional facilities. This role supports the care, stabilization, and rehabilitation of incarcerated adults, while also overseeing the mental health function at the facility level.

Employees in this position may be able to work from home for one day each week after the probationary period ends.

Work location

This recruitment is intended to cover both present and future openings anywhere in Maryland. Applicants should choose every location they are willing to accept.

Current vacancies are available at Jessup Correctional Institution in Anne Arundel County, Eastern Correctional Institution in Somerset County, and a Baltimore City location at 6776 Reisterstown Road, Baltimore, MD 21215.

Key duties

The psychologist will evaluate mental health and behavioral concerns, deliver therapy, support crisis response, and guide treatment planning for incarcerated individuals. The position also involves supervision of mental health staff and coordination with other institutional teams.

Responsibilities

• Assess the psychological and behavioral condition of incarcerated individuals and determine appropriate mental health support using testing and psychotherapeutic methods.
• Provide individual and group counseling inside the correctional institution.
• Respond to crises by helping de-escalate situations and applying crisis intervention and suicide prevention planning.
• Create and carry out treatment and rehabilitation plans for people needing ongoing therapeutic care.
• Identify mental health needs and refer individuals to psychiatric services, inpatient care, case management, or community-based support after release.
• Offer clinical supervision and management support to the facility's mental health and psychology team.
• Record treatment activity and client-related events in the electronic health record.
• Advocate for mental health needs in administrative, custody, segregation review, medical review, quality assurance, psychiatric consultation, and suicide prevention meetings.

Requirements

• Doctorate in psychology or a related field from an accredited institution that is accepted by the Maryland Board of Examiners of Psychologists.
• At least two years of experience in psychological services or psychological research.
• Maryland licensure as a psychologist before a permanent appointment is made.
• If applying before licensure, the license must be submitted later so the application can be moved out of pending status.
• Ability to meet Maryland Correctional Training Commission selection standards before probationary appointment.
• Completion of the required prescribed training program before permanent appointment after probationary hire.
• Strong spoken and written English communication skills.
• Ability to work respectfully with diverse populations and communication styles.
• Professional fluency in Spanish, Mandarin, Korean, or another language is beneficial.
• Military service may be used as a year-for-year substitute for the required education and experience when the service matches the specified clinical psychology or psychology specialty background.

Perks & benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage at low cost
• Paid leave, including vacation-style annual leave and sick leave
• Six personal leave days for new employees, prorated by hire date
• Paid parental leave of up to 60 days
• At least 12 paid holidays each year
• State pension retirement benefits with credit toward a 20-year pension
• Reimbursement for eligible coursework and CEU-related release time
• Reimbursement for required licensure or certification costs
• Tuition reimbursement through the Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program
• Opportunity for advancement and professional development
• One day of telework after completion of probation

Application instructions

Online applications are preferred. If an online submission is not possible, the paper application and supplemental questionnaire may be emailed to [email protected], and the documents must arrive by the closing date.

Any requested supporting documents should ideally be uploaded with the application. If uploading is not possible, the requested items may be emailed to [email protected] with the recruitment number in the subject line. Only materials specifically requested for this recruitment will be accepted.

Questions about the recruitment may be directed to the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services, HRSD-Recruitment Division at 410-585-3999, or to Tiara Mills at [email protected]. If there are technical issues with the online application, contact the DBM Recruitment and Examination Division at [email protected] or 410-767-4850.

Equal opportunity and encouragement

Veterans are thanked for their service. Candidates with disabilities and bilingual applicants are encouraged to apply. Maryland states that it is an equal opportunity employer committed to building a workforce that reflects the diversity of the state.