Job Description

Job Description and Duties

This advertisement is posted "Until Filled". Application review dates are as follows:

• 9/22/26
• 10/6/26
• 10/20/26

Under the direction of the Chief Psychologist and Senior Psychologist- Supervisor, the  Senior Psychologist Specialist, Neuropsychologist provides support and consultation to unit-based psychologists and other clinicians in the Department of State Hospitals system at the Department of State Hospitals - Atascadero (ASH). 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.

Eligibility: To be considered for this career opportunity, applicants must have eligibility by way of one of the following: reachable on a certification list, have transfer eligibility, or have reinstatement eligibility.

It is your responsibility to ensure that you meet the minimum qualifications specified in the examination bulletin/classification specifications.

If you do not have eligibility, you must take the exam. The examination is a separate process from applying for this vacancy.

Click here to take the Senior Psychologist- Specialist Examination

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 .

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.

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 and she 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 when it is available and submit your application.

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 four (4) years and may be waived for an additional year, but not to exceed five (5) years.

Benefits

There are many benefits to joining our team! The State of California offers a generous benefits package, including but not limited to:

• Medical Benefits (health, dental, and vision)
• Work life balance (some positions qualify for flexible work hours and schedules, and a minimum of 10 days of paid leave annually – specific accrual rates can be found here )
• Paid Holidays and leave (family medical leave, military leave, etc)
• Defined benefit retirement program with CalPERS
• Savings Plus Program (401(k), 457)
• School loan forgiveness under federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness
• Commute Program
• Employee Wellness Program (discounts to health clubs)
• Employee Assistance Program
• Medical/Dependent Care Reimbursement Accounts
• ScholarShare (college savings account)
• On-the-job training and professional development
• Most positions qualify for annual raises until you reach the maximum salary for that position, subject to meeting performance standards

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

These webpages are intended to provide general information. Benefit eligibility may be based on job classification, bargaining unit, time base, and length of appointment.

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 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 formal letter of interest outlining your experience and qualifications for this position
• Other - You MUST include a copy of your current CV that includes months and years of experience.
• Other - You MUST include two (2) sample Neuropsychological Assessment reports that were written within the past two years.
• Other - You MUST include a copy of your graduate diploma with your application.

Job Tags

Permanent employment, Full time, Internship, Remote work, Flexible hours

Similar Jobs