Psychological Assistant

Overview

The Aging and Disability Services Division (ADSD) is recruiting for a Psychological Assistant in Reno, Nevada. This recruitment will be used to underfill positions within the Licensed Psychologist series. Advancement to the next level may occur after meeting the minimum qualifications, satisfactory performance, and with endorsement of the appointing authority. This recruitment may be used to fill current and future vacancies in the following programs:
Sierra Regional Center, Nevada Early Intervention Services, and Rural Regional Center. The Psychological Assistant must have completed a doctoral program and register with the Nevada Board of Psychological Examiners. An applicant who is currently licensed in another state will be expected to obtain licensure in Nevada. This position in Developmental Services provides support to individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities, including Autism, Seizure Disorders, Cerebral Palsy, and Traumatic Brain Injury.

Many of the individuals served also present with co-occurring mental health diagnoses. The incumbent will collaborate as part of a multidisciplinary team of psychologists and clinicians dedicated to supporting community-based services. ADSD fosters a positive, inclusive, and diverse work environment that values innovation, teamwork, and collaboration. The mission of ADSD is to empower individuals and their support systems by providing resources for disabilities and aging - connecting Nevadans to services and improving their quality of life.

• Assess and conduct psychological evaluations; provide consultation and counseling; deliver behavioral support; facilitate individual, family, and group therapies; manage crises and provide interventions/recommendations.
• Operate under the principles of Person-Centered Planning and Positive Behavior Support, aligned with the agency’s mission.
• Collaborate as part of a multidisciplinary team of psychologists and clinicians; support community-based services.
• Provide psychological testing, evaluation, psychotherapy, counseling, and consultation to clients in residential, inpatient, outpatient, or other settings; perform duties in accordance with Nevada Board of Psychological Examiners requirements.
• Complete and document assessments; prepare comprehensive psychological reports with test results, observations, findings, and recommendations; maintain client charts; participate in treatment planning and case conferences.
• Provide crisis intervention, de-escalation, and referral to community resources; coordinate inpatient or residential admissions as needed.
• Develop treatment plans or individualized functional analysis programs; provide individual, family, and group therapy and substance abuse counseling using diverse psychotherapeutic techniques.
• Perform psycho-sexual evaluations for sex offenders, including diagnostic classification, risk assessment, mental health assessment, education and medical history, amenability to treatment, and recommended interventions.
• Review psychosocial assessments to monitor treatment effectiveness and ensure service delivery goals; consult with treating clinicians; ensure compliance with laws, regulations, and accreditation requirements.
• Document services for billing; suggest third-party payments as appropriate.
• Provide oral and written court testimony as needed regarding mental status and evaluation findings, including recommendations for involuntary commitments.
• Plan, develop, and coordinate program services; participate in committees and facility activities; assist in grants, budget documentation, and compliance with quality review programs.
• Develop and conduct presentations or training programs for clients, families, community groups, and agency staff.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

• Under the direct clinical supervision of a Licensed Psychologist, incumbents perform duties in a trainee capacity. They may be automatically progressed to Licensed Psychologist I upon licensure in Nevada.
• Working knowledge of:
  American Psychological Association Code of Ethics and State laws and regulations related to psychology; reference materials; theories and practices of psychological testing and interpretation.
• General knowledge of: mental disorders, clinical assessment methods, therapeutic principles for mental illness and developmental disabilities, psychopharmacology, crisis intervention, agency and community resources, client rights and confidentiality.
• Ability to: establish effective working relationships; conduct clinical and mental status evaluations; administer, score, and interpret psychological tests; communicate test results in written and oral form; diagnose mental illness and developmental disabilities; assess client behavior and develop goals for therapy; facilitate individual, family, and group counseling.

Recruiter Information
Melissa Pontillo
Mpontillo.gov