CORRECTIONS CLASSIFICATION AND DIAGNOSTIC SPECIALIST                            2515

 

 

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS

Under general supervision, an employee in this class designs, develops and/or employs a correctional classification system to evaluate vital personal data elicited from inmates and/or DRC (Day Reporting Center) participants upon admission, and implements the resulting recommendation. In the DRC, emphasis is placed on client treatment. Work includes training and supervision of person­nel in the interpretation of classification instruments and interviewing tech­niques.  Does related work as required.

 

TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES

          Performs psychological evaluations of the criminal population for the purpose of making decisions regarding inmate/participant treatment and management, contact visits, potential violent behavior and potential suicide risk and competency to stand trial;

          Evaluates the social needs of the criminal population to determine potential social problems, both during incarceration and after release;

          Collects background information relevant to proper management and treat­ment of the offenders;

          Evaluates the population educationally and vocationally to design rehab­ilitation programs suited to the needs of the criminal population and the capabilities of the institution;

          Coordinates medical and substance abuse evaluations provided by County agencies;

          Trains personnel in the administration and interpretation of classification instruments;

          Coordinates data collection efforts among other criminal justice agencies concerned with the criminal population;

          Designs a monitoring and evaluation system to test the effectiveness of the classification system;

          Develops proposals for rehabilitation programs based upon the needs assessment from the classification system;

          Coordinates an inmate liaison committee as part of ongoing needs assess­ment;

          Supervises personnel assigned to Classification, treatment or DRC positions;

          Participates in group and individual therapy programs;

          Provides supervision and consultation for staff assigned to classification or treatment positions.

 

FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS

Thorough knowledge of correctional classification principles and practices; good knowledge of counseling and interviewing techniques; good knowledge of psycho diagnostic tests and measurements; good knowledge of personality develop­ment and the factors which contribute to mental, emotional and social maladjust­ment and deficiencies; good knowledge of educational disabilities and methods of remedial instruction; good knowledge of research techniques; ability to express oneself clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; good judg­ment; physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position.

         

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

           OPEN COMPETITIVE

           Possession of a Psychologist's license, issued by the New York State Department of Education, at the time of appointment; and three (3) years of experience in correctional classification.

 

 

R12/02/01

SUFFOLK COUNTY

Competitive