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.

Minimum qualifications

Candidates need a doctorate in psychology or a closely related discipline from an accredited college or university, with the degree being acceptable to the Maryland Board of Examiners of Psychologists. They must also have at least two years of experience providing psychological services or conducting psychological research.

Military service may be substituted year for year if the applicant has relevant commissioned officer experience in clinical psychology or related psychology specialty codes within the U.S. Armed Forces.

Licensure and training

A Maryland psychologist license is required before a permanent appointment can be made. Applicants without the license may still apply, but their application will remain in pending status until the license is submitted to the Department of Budget and Management.

Before probationary appointment, candidates must satisfy the selection standards set by the Maryland Correctional Training Commission. Those appointed on probation must also complete the required training program before becoming permanent employees.

Communication and language needs

The ideal candidate will be fluent in spoken and written English and able to work respectfully with people from a wide range of backgrounds, beliefs, and communication styles in both confinement and community settings. Professional fluency in Spanish, Mandarin, Korean, or another language is considered an advantage.

Selection process

Applicants must ensure that their submissions fully demonstrate how they meet the advertised requirements. Only information received by the closing date will be reviewed, and successful candidates will remain on the eligible list for at least one year.

Assessment may be based on education, training, and relevant work experience. Applicants should provide complete and accurate details about all related education and employment.

Benefits

This state role includes access to low-cost health, dental, and vision coverage, along with generous leave and retirement-related benefits. Employees also have opportunities for professional development and reimbursement in certain situations.

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance at low cost
• Six personal leave days annually for new state employees, prorated by start date
• Ten days of annual leave per year
• Fifteen days of sick leave per year
• Up to sixty days of paid parental leave for birth or adoption
• At least twelve state holidays each year
• Credit toward a 20-year retirement pension
• Reimbursement for eligible classes and release time for job-related CEU training
• Reimbursement for licensure or certification costs required by the clinical specialty
• Tuition reimbursement through the Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program

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.

Additional role details

The position is graded at 22. The department highlights benefits such as pension, leave, competitive salary, and advancement opportunities, and notes that it is one of the largest agencies in Maryland with nearly 12,000 employees and a budget of more than $1 billion. The broader mission includes public safety, stronger institutional security, and restorative justice efforts that support successful reentry after release.