Psychologist II

Job Summary

Provides professional psychological services for both children and adults. Responsible for diagnosis and treatment of individuals and providing direct therapy services to individuals and groups. As a psychologist, consults with and guides Human Services staff and other professional people and agencies regarding mental health areas. Work involves direct patient/client service and administrative/program responsibility including compliance, quality analysis and assurance, and program development and coordination. Authorized to carry out duties in a manner consistent with good professional judgment and within the parameters of state statutes, Department of Human Services rules, and Scott County Human Services policies and procedures. Work is performed primarily in an office setting.

Job Description

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Performs various psychological evaluations (e.g. psychological, cognitive, forensic, personality, neuropsychological, diagnostic and competency, and general) to determine eligibility of services for clients, competency to stand trial, competency at time of crime, certification to adult status for trial, risk, psychosexual status of pedophilia or psychopath, and type of treatment required, intellectual and functional abilities.
• Provides administrative duties such as ensuring compliance to regulations, quality analysis of services and programs, and program development and coordination. Examples are ensuring psychological testing instruments and protocols are current and valid, coordinating domestic violence programs, treatment court, file review, and other programs. 
• Coordinates and provides clinical supervision to doctoral-level psychology interns, including orientation, training, and ongoing supervision to interns to enable to them to provide direct psychological services to clients. Psychology interns operate under the licensure of the psychologist.
• Performs various psychological evaluations (e.g., forensics, psychological, and general) to determine eligibility of services for clients and other dispositions. 
• Performs crisis assessment and intervention. 
• Performs diagnostic assessments to provide information regarding a client's mental health status, needs, and eligibility for other services.
• Provides diagnostic and clinical consultation, recommendations, and expert testimony to client, courts, Health and Human Services staff, Mental Health Center staff, and other professionals.
• Conducts group psychotherapy. 
• Participates in clinical peer reviews.
• Attends and participates in various meetings
• Acquires and utilizes up-to-date research, education, and training on the delivery of ethical, effective, valid and evidence –based clinical and evaluation interventions and tests.
• Responsible for supporting an inclusive environment focused on equitable outcomes.
• Demonstrates knowledge and understanding of human behavior, cultural diversities, and language barriers to ensure equitable service delivery. 
• Develops and maintains professional relationships with referral sources, including courts, judges, Health and Human Services supervisors and staff, outside agencies, and others.
• Provides mental health expertise to billing staff and health plans in order to obtain authorization for services and testing for clients and reimbursement to the fullest extent available.
• Maintain working knowledge of and adherence to federal and state laws and regulations, licensing requirements, and Medicare/Medicaid regulations for outpatient mental health and testing services.
• Acquires and utilizes up-to-date research, education and training to deliver ethical, current and skillful and best practice diagnostic assessment, therapy and psychological evaluation.
• Works the days and hours necessary to perform all assigned responsibilities and tasks. Must be available (especially during regular business hours or shifts) to communicate with other employees, supervisors, customers, vendors, and any other person or organization with whom interaction is required to accomplish work and employer goals. 
• Performs other duties as required or assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Requires a Doctorate in Clinical or Counseling Psychology and current license as a Licensed Psychologist (or licensed within six months of employment) by the State of Minnesota and two years of experience. A valid driver's license and a reliable form of transportation for the performance of work responsibilities are required.

SUPERVISORY CONTROLS

The employee is under general supervision from the Clinical Director. The employee has wide latitude for the exercise of professional judgment in the course of the work. Work is reviewed through case reviews, conferences, and written reports.

CORE COMPETENCIES AND ABILITIES

• Customer Service - Delivers government services in a respectful, responsive, and solution-oriented manner.
• Communication - Is always clear about what we're doing and why we're doing it.
• Collaboration - Works with partners – communities, schools, faith groups, private business, and non-profit agencies – to see that services are not duplicated but rather are complimentary, aligned, and provided by the partners who can deliver the service most effectively.
• Stewardship - Works proactively to make investments, guided by resident input, which will transform lives, communities, and government.
• Empowerment - Works with individuals and families to affirm strengths, develop skills, restore hope, and promote self-reliance.
• Resiliency - Fosters public preparedness and responds when families and communities face health and safety emergencies.
• Innovation - Takes informed risks to deliver services more effectively and learns from successes and failures.
• Knowledge of the principles and practices of general human psychology.
• Knowledge of psychotherapeutic principles, techniques, and methods and the application of such principles to the diagnosis and treatment of clients.
• Knowledge of a variety of types, uses, and interpretations of standardized psychological tests including validity, reliability, and interpretation.
• Knowledge of court testimony as expert witness.
• Knowledge of mental health and the factors involved in diagnosis and treatment.
• Knowledge of agency organization, policies, and services.
• Knowledge of federal, state, and county laws; and regulations concerning mental health programs.
• Knowledge of current developments and trends in the field of psychology.
• Knowledge of community and other resources available.
• Knowledge of the spectrum of diagnoses and the ability to diagnose and implement therapeutic strategies effectively.
• Knowledge of agency, community, state, and other resources.
• Knowledge of agency programs, operations, policies, and procedures.
• Knowledge of current statutory and best practice regulations for programs and services in ensure compliance and best practice standards.
• Knowledge and understanding of and respect for the diversity of customers, co-workers, and supervisors, including individuals with a disability or whose first language may be other than English.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment in making decisions.
• Ability to communicate and organize work efficiently and effectively.
• Ability to secure the cooperation of others in difficult situations and to work as a team member in a multidisciplinary setting.
• Ability to establish and maintain good professional relationships with staff members and the community.
• Ability to speak, present, and interact in public arenas with composure, professionalism, and discretion.
• Ability to use MS Office software for the performance of essential duties.
• Ability to use appropriate discretion in dealing with matters of a confidential nature.
• Ability to conduct accurate diagnostic assessments and reports.
• Ability to select, administer, score, interpret, and report psychological tests.
• Ability to diagnose, assess, and provide effective therapeutic and evidence-based practice therapeutic interventions.
• Ability to communicate effectively and sensitively via written, in-person, or telephone/video clinical information and test results.
• Ability to analyze complex clinical situations and make recommendations for clinical interventions.
• Ability to communicate complex psychological data and information to the internal and external clients.
• Ability to follow complex verbal and written instructions.
• Ability to tactfully and effectively communicate with all levels of management, co-workers and the general public.
• Ability to speak, present, and interact in public arenas with composure, professionalism, knowledge and discretion.
• Ability to use office, electronic health record, testing, and telemedicine software.
• Ability to adhere to HIPAA regulations.
• Ability to organize schedule to meet clinical and revenue expectations
• Ability to exercise sound judgment in making decisions and make recommendations for actions needed.
• Ability to organize work efficiently and effectively.
• Ability to secure the cooperation of others in difficult situations.
• Ability to work as a team member in a multidisciplinary setting.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other professional personnel, clients, and the public.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Typical characteristics of the regular, ongoing work environment of this position requires inside work, occurring both in an office and in the field in community-based settings. The position is multi-task oriented and includes periods of stress when balancing the needs/demands of multiple clients. One may be exposed to agitated, upset, aggressive, hostile clients and unknown conditions in office, home-based and community settings. Work with hostile, psychotic and potentially dangerous clients in conducting evaluations regarding risk and competency. Evening and weekend hours may be required for accomplishing this work. 

Physical activities include sedentary to light work: Reaching, sitting, standing, walking, pushing, lifting, pulling, fingering, grasping, feeling, stooping, talking, hearing, seeing, and repetitive motions. Lifts and/or navigates up to 35 pounds on a routine basis in handling files, equipment, and items related to client care necessary for performing the essential duties of the job.

SELECTION PROCESS

Selection for this position will be based on a minimum qualifications screening and rating of training and experience. Top candidates will be forwarded to hiring manager or supervisor for consideration for interview and/or additional assessments. Final selection will include a background check and approval by the County Board.