Psychologist III

Brief Job Description

The Psychologist III performs highly advanced, specialized psychological work and is required to complete complex tasks and make varied decisions within broad parameters and with minimal supervision with extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

The Psychologist III provides professional supervision and consultation for staff and special programs. The Psychologist III may also supervise psychology interns or practicum students, actively participates in and approves decisions to hire staff psychologists, and is responsible for ongoing performance evaluation of staff psychologists.

The Psychologist III reviews and coordinates the review and approval process for behavior support plans, reviews the use of psychotropic medication in treating behavior problems, and systematically evaluates consistent implementation through personal observation, staff interviews, and documentation review. The Psychologist III works with Unit Directors and staff psychologists to facilitate effective program implementation and provides professional development in applied behavior analysis, learning principles, positive behavior support, and contemporary psychological issues.

The Psychologist III maintains knowledge of applicable laws, regulations, and policies, and develops systems and procedures to meet the required standards. Some travel is required and the work schedule may vary upon request or as needed.

Performs other duties as assigned, including participation in disaster response, continuity of operations, or other agency obligations.

Attends work regularly and may be asked to work a specific or rotating schedule, extended shift, and/or overtime in accordance with agency leave policy.

Provides professional supervision and consultation to psychology staff and others to ensure effective staff performance and resident support.

Evaluates psychological/behavioral services and develops improvement plans as needed to address deficits and ensure compliance with relevant laws, standards, and policies.

Ensures ongoing training and technical assistance to assigned professional staff and others as needed to facilitate service delivery and professional growth.

Ensures coordination and integration of psychological/behavioral services with other areas throughout the facility to support system values.

Ensures quality and effectiveness of psychological activities and programs and oversees evaluations when indicated.

Participates in the joint selection and orientation of assigned staff to ensure appropriate screening, hiring process, and effective selection and orientation.

Performs special assignments at the request of the Clinical Director and maintains current knowledge in relevant professional areas.

Knowledge and experience in administering all aspects of psychological service to patients with psychiatric and substance abuse diagnoses.

Knowledge of etiology and characteristics of psychiatric and substance abuse diagnoses.

Knowledge of applicable laws, regulations, and policy.

Knowledge and skills in the administration of standardized evaluations and in applied behavior analysis and behavior support plan development, implementation, and evaluation.

Knowledge of psychotropic medications and systems for tracking treatment effectiveness.

Ability to train staff in programming and related psychological/behavioral areas and to professionally supervise psychological/behavioral and programming staff.

Ability to work with minimal supervision and make varied decisions within broad guidelines.

Advanced writing skills for developing technical reports, grants, research proposals, and other documents.

Leadership skills in motivating staff and effectively implementing changes.

Knowledge and skills in using personal computers and relevant software.

Must be licensed as a Psychologist by the State of Texas or a reciprocity state.

A doctoral degree in Psychology.

At least three years of experience administering psychological service in an inpatient psychiatric setting…