JOB TITLE: PSYCHOLOGICAL SERVICES SPECIALIST, DHS

JOB CODE: 43021

DEFINITION: This is professional work providing psychological services at a treatment facility within the Department of Human Services (DHS).

An employee in this job applies psychological principles, practices, and techniques to provide treatment and care to individuals with psychiatric disorders, mental illness, intellectual disabilities, or comorbid conditions. Work involves administering psychological tests and assessments; providing clinical behavioral analyses; developing, implementing, and evaluating psychological and behavioral treatment plans; providing individual and group therapy and counseling; and collaborating with interdisciplinary team members to formulate individual treatment goals. Work is reviewed by a professional manager for effectiveness, adherence to established standards, and the achievement of treatment and rehabilitation goals.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: (NOTE: The examples of work are representative of the work, but every position classified to this job may not perform all examples of work listed. Conversely, this is not an all-inclusive list of work examples.)

• Administers, scores, and interprets a variety of psychological tests to measure intellectual capacities, aptitudes, competency, achievement levels, social development levels, personality traits, and neuropsychological functioning.

• Performs clinical functional behavioral assessments of individuals’ observed behaviors to identify areas of strengths and weaknesses, root causes of behaviors, and to develop, implement, and evaluate behavioral treatment plans.

• Develops individualized treatment plans and facilitates individual counseling sessions based on individuals’ needs.

• Develops program materials and facilitates group counseling sessions on a variety of subjects such as impulse control and addiction management.

• Meets with licensed psychologists to discuss case assignments, interview findings, and clinical observations and assessments.

• Collaborates with multidisciplinary treatment teams and other facility staff to implement, monitor, and evaluate individual and group treatment programs and their effectiveness.

• Researches and recommends new treatment methods, techniques, and best practices to develop new programs and improve program outcomes.

• Prepares and maintains appropriate clinical records, reports, and other documentation.

• Participates in psychological services research projects.

• Performs related work as required.

ENTRY LEVEL KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of the principles of psychology and related behavioral sciences.

• Knowledge of the principles and techniques of administering, scoring, and interpreting psychological and behavioral assessments.

• Knowledge of psychological techniques utilized in therapeutic interventions.

• Knowledge of the application of psychology to individual and group behavior.

• Knowledge of principles and methods of human motivation and behavior change.

• Knowledge of industry ethics and professional conduct principles.

• Knowledge of mental illness and intellectual disabilities and the associated social implications in relation to individuals and their environments.

• Knowledge of the principles and methods of statistical research and experimental design as applied to the field of psychology.

• Ability to develop recommendations based on the interpretation of psychological reports.

• Ability to develop and implement treatment plans.

• Ability to elicit psychological information from individuals.

• Ability to communicate effectively orally.

• Ability to communicate effectively in writing.

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: (NOTE: Based on the Entry Level Knowledges, Skills, and Abilities):

• A master’s degree in a behavioral science, counseling education, rehabilitation, human development or a closely related field.