Psychologist IV

Taunton State Hospital is seeking qualified candidates for a Full Time Psychologist IV. The Psychologist IV functions as a member of a clinical team, develops incentive-based behavioral management programs, provides therapy, assessment, and psychological testing on a referral basis, consults to other staff on psychological issues, and performs related work as required. Responsible for psychology services, assuring that patient needs for psychological services are met by organizing, coordinating services, improving program performance and providing supervision / consultation to staff and trainees. Psychologist IVs, supervise and perform admission assessment, risk screening, specialized clinical risk assessments and diagnostic evaluations including psychological testing when indicated. Psychologist IVs are responsible for the risk assessments, treatment planning, positive behavior support plan development, consultation with interdisciplinary colleagues and individual and group therapy. Psychologist IVs practice based on their MA Psychologist License and maintain all of the professional requirements associated. Psychologist IVs may be assigned to supervise as well as manage the services of Psychologist IIIs, Psychologist IIs, post-doctoral staff, doctoral interns, practicum students or other designated interdisciplinary staff / students.

Please note : This is a full-time position, 40 hours per week on the day shift. The hours are 8 a.m. to 4 : 30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Days off are Sunday and Saturday.

Duties and Responsibilities (these are a general summary and not all inclusive) :

• Designs and implements incentive-based behavior management programs in collaboration with the patient and the treatment team to improve their day-to-day functioning, to reinforce the development and utilization of appropriate coping skills, to increase openness to new learning according to TSH protocols and Psychology practice standards.
• Collaborates within a multidisciplinary team including psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, occupational therapists, rehabilitation specialists, nursing staff, and community representatives.
• Performs Risk Assessment and Psychological testing functions, implementing DMH’s risk screening tools per policy, including initial and interval psychological assessments.
• Performs psycho-diagnostic assessments of the mental condition of patients by conducting intake interviews, investigating histories and evaluating patients’ overall fitness, and to determine the need for and type of psychological testing.
• Facilitates psycho-diagnostic evaluations by arranging testing and counseling, by administering and scoring psychological and educational tests, and by interpreting the results of objective and projective tests to aid in diagnosis and treatment of patients.
• Provides counseling and psychotherapy to groups, families, and individuals, to assist people in gaining insight into their problems and motivation to change non-adaptive behavior. Documentation of treatment is complete and consistent with CMS guidelines.
• Participates in the development of treatment plans by presenting individual cases to multi-disciplinary teams, by evaluating the evidence presented, by recommending treatment goals and modalities in order to establish treatment plans uniquely suited to the individual patient.
• Facilitate in-service training, by planning and delivering programs for trainees or others, by developing training programs and methods in areas such as psychotherapeutic techniques and theory, for psychology staff and for other disciplines to ensure the effective provision of services to patients.
• Demonstrates the knowledge and skills necessary to provide appropriate care to the age related and cultural needs of clients / patients served.
• Actively participate in relevant hospital training, both as a learner and contributor, as needed, and meets all training responsibilities both by DMH and for psychological licensure.
• Meets with and performs administrative and other tasks as requested by the hospital leadership and the Director of the Psychology Department.
• If assigned, provides quality supervision and education to assigned post-doctoral psychology staff, doctoral interns, advanced practicum students and other psychology or interdisciplinary trainees.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Preferred Qualifications :

License and / or Certification Requirements :

About Taunton State Hospital : Taunton State Hospital (TSH) operated by the Department of Mental Health (DMH) is a 62-bed inpatient facility that provides continuing care inpatient services to adults with major mental illnesses. The hospital is a leader in the successful integration of the Principles of Recovery and a rehabilitation philosophy into the treatment model and a part of the Southeast Area which works closely with the inpatient treatment teams to facilitate patients’ discharge back to the community.

Pre-Hire Process :

A criminal background check will be completed on the recommended candidate as required by the regulations set forth by the Executive Office of Health and Human Services prior to the candidate being hired. For more information, please visit and click on "Information for Job Applicants."

Education, licensure and certifications will be verified in accordance with the Human Resources Division’s Hiring Guidelines.

Education and license / certification information provided by the selected candidate(s) is subject to the Massachusetts Public Records Law and may be published on the Commonwealth’s website.

If you require assistance with the application / interview process and would like to request an ADA accommodation, please click on the link and complete the ADA Reasonable Accommodation Online Request Form .

For questions regarding this requisition, please contact Executive Office of Health and Human Services Human Resources at (800) 510-4122, Option 4.

Qualifications

First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days.

Minimum Entrance Requirements :

Applicants must have a Doctorate in Psychology from school accredited by the American Psychological Association.

Applicants must also have at least three years of years of full-time, or equivalent part-time, professional experience as a Licensed Psychologist in the application of psychological principles and techniques in a recognized agency providing psychological services or treatment, of which (B) at least one year must have included supervision over Post-doctoral Psychologists-in-training and / or Psychological Assistants.

Special Requirements :

Current and valid registration as a Psychologist by the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Psychology.

Based on assignment, must meet the eligibility requirements for Designated Forensic Psychologist in 104 CMR 33.04(3)(b).

Based on assignment, travel may be required. Those employees who elect to use a motor vehicle for travel must have a current and valid Massachusetts Motor Vehicle Operator's license or the equivalent from another state.

Salary placement is determined by a combination of factors, including the candidate’s years of directly related experience and education, and alignment with our internal compensation structure as set forth by the Human Resources Division’s Hiring Guidelines. For all bargaining unit positions (non-management), compensation is subject to the salary provisions outlined in the applicable collective bargaining agreement and will apply to placement within the appropriate salary range.

Comprehensive Benefits

When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.

Want the specifics? Explore our Employee Benefits and Rewards!

Title 101 CMR 23.00 (“Regulation”) requires certain agency staff to have received the COVID-19 vaccination and Influenza vaccination, or have taken required mitigation measures, to prevent viral infection and transmission in State Hospitals and State Congregate Care Facilities. The Regulation applies to this position. Successful candidates will be required to acknowledge and attest to your vaccination status for both COVID-19 and Influenza

An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer. Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.