Position Description

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
POSITION DESCRIPTION FOR JOB POSTING
Position Number: 50702636	Description Activated On: 4/29/2026 10:42:45 AM

Position Purpose: Describe the primary purpose of this position and how it contributes to the organization’s objectives. Example: Provides clerical and office support within the Division to ensure its operations are conducted efficiently and effectively.

The Psychological Services Specialist (PSS) is responsible for the psychological services provided to each of the treatment units at Clarks Summit State Hospital. This includes psychology program development and implementation as well as consultation with other staff. This professional work in psychological services is carried out under the clinical and administrative supervision of the Psychology Director or designee. Additionally, the incumbent has duties as assigned in reference to the implementation of computerized treatment planning throughout the hospital.

Description of Duties: Describe in detail the duties and responsibilities assigned to this position. Descriptions should include the major end result of the task. Example: Types correspondence, reports, and other various documents from handwritten drafts for review and signature of the supervisor.

The Psychological Services Specialist performs professional level work in the application of psychological principles, practices and services to individuals at Clark Summit State Hospital (CSSH). The person holding this position is considered to be an essential employee. Work will be reviewed by supervisor.

Specific Duties Include (but are not limited to):
1. Participates in treatment team meetings ensuring consideration by the team of recommendations made by psychologists or PSS. As member of treatment team, PSS will complete all required documentation.
2. Acts as treatment team coordinator, if assigned.
3. Schedule monthly treatment team meetings on the unit according to hospital and department policies, if assigned, which includes assigning patients for initial/annual evaluations and also monthly reviews.
4. Complete initial and annual assessments for patients in caseload or as assigned, according to department and hospital requirements.
5. If assigned, perform psychological testing and report results in writing within 10 working days.
6. Completes necessary documentation for CSP meetings, including crisis plans and assists with clinical assessments.
7. Collaborates with staff from psychiatric or medical services or other disciplines in developing individual treatment program plans and behavioral plans.
8. Participates in treatment team meetings on assigned unit ensuring consideration by the team of recommendations. As a member of the treatment team, will complete all required documentation in the patient’s Electronic Heath Record (EHR).
9. Participates in treatment team staff meetings to discuss and evaluate the progress of individuals in meeting their treatment program objectives and to plan needed adjustments.
10. Consult with designated supervisor, as needed, for case formulation and review of patient progress.
11. Conducts group and individual therapy sessions by meeting with the patients who are referred by the treatment team according to the time and frequency identified on the ITP in order to improve the patient’s psychological and emotional behavior.
12. Consults with supervisor on development of psychology programs and development of individual behavior plans.
13. Demonstrate competencies in application of techniques and maintain certification in MANDT and CPR.
14. Complete annual trainings and trainings assigned in ESS/MyLearning.
15. Maintain all required documentation in the patient’s Electronic Heath Care Record (EHR). Documentation includes (but not limited to) weekly, monthly, group, treatment team progress notes.
16. Performs other related duties and special projects as assigned. Purpose and standards will be given at the time of each assignment.

ENTRY LEVEL KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:
1. Knowledge of the principles of psychology and related behavioral sciences
2. Knowledge of psychological techniques utilized in therapeutic interventions.
3. Knowledge of the application of psychology to individual and group behavior.
4. Knowledge of principles and methods of human motivation and behavior change.
5. Knowledge of mental health disorders and developmental disabilities, their symptoms, and treatment and social implications.
6. Knowledge of the standards and ethical principles of the practice of psychology.
7. Knowledge of the principles and methods of statistical research and experimental design as applied to the field of psychology.
8. Ability to develop and implement treatment plans.
9. Ability to elicit psychological information from individuals.
10. Ability to develop recommendations based on the interpretation of psychological reports and observational data.
11. Ability to communicate effectively in writing and orally, including electronic communication.
12. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

Decision Making: Describe the types of decisions made by the incumbent of this position and the types of decisions referred to others. Identify the problems or issues that can be resolved at the level of this position, versus those that must be referred to the supervisor. Example: In response to a customer inquiry, this work involves researching the status of an activity and preparing a formal response for the supervisor’s signature.

As outlined in job duties above. General supervision is provided through the Psychology Director and/or designee. Work is reviewed for effectiveness and conformance to hospital policy through meetings, observation, and/or review of written material with/by supervisor.

Requirements Profile: Identify any specific experience or requirements, such as a licensure, registration, or certification, which may be necessary to perform the functions of the position. Position-specific requirements should be consistent with a Special Requirement or other criteria identified in the classification specification covering this position. Example: Experience using Java; Professional Engineer License

Experience:

Licenses, registrations, or certifications:

1.   Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Certificate

2.   N/A

3.   N/A

4.   N/A

5.   N/A

6.   N/A

Essential Functions: Provide a list of essential functions for this position. Example: Transports boxes weighing up to 60 pounds.

1.	Document in the medical record as appropriate and in conformance with hospital and departmental policy.
2.	Provides therapy to patients and helps patients acquire new skills in accordance with professional guidelines.
3.	Complete annual assessments for patients within professional and supervisory guidelines.
4.	Promote and implement facility psychological services program.
5.	Communicates clearly in writing and orally, including electronic communication.
6.	Traverse the hospital grounds as needed to complete duties assigned.
7.	Establish and maintain effective working relationships with patients, departmental, and facility personnel.
8.	Work is assigned informally, verbally and in writing. Formal supervisory meetings are held, as needed, for review of work.
9.	Prior to distribution of certain reports, program descriptions, or other documentation, PSS consults with supervisor for review and approval.
10.	Receives/maintains certification in basic crisis intervention techniques (MANDT) and CPR.