Clinical Psychologist IV

Worcester Recovery Center and Hospital (WRCH), operated by the Massachusetts Department of Mental Health (DMH), is seeking a full time, licensed, Clinical Psychologist to oversee psychology functions on either one of the hospital’s 2 forensic (court evaluation units) or one of the 12 continuing care units. The ideal candidate will have at least 3 years’ post licensure experience and one or more years of supervisory experience.

You will become part of the multi-disciplinary team in this role, as well as join and support the hospital’s relatively large psychology department. You will provide short- and long-term treatment for patients with serious mental illnesses in the continuing care unit, and/or short-term treatment for patients in the forensic unit who are court involved. This is a leadership position with expectations that the successful candidate will supervise students (postdoctoral fellows, APA interns, advanced practicum trainees) and/or staff, as well as oversee at least one hospital-wide committee.

WRCH treats patients with serious mental illness (with co-occurring substance use and medical conditions) and forensic involvement. We are a newly constructed, state-of-the-art psychiatric hospital, on well-manicured grounds, in the biotech park area of Worcester, adjacent to the UMass medical school and hospital.

Please Note: This is a fully on-site role. The schedule is Monday-Friday from 8:00am-4:30pm or 8:30am-5:00pm.

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

• Conduct admission assessments.
• Practice individual and group psychotherapy.
• Facilitate community meetings.
• Develop treatment planning within a treatment team.
• Conduct specialized risk assessments for suicide, fire setting, violence, substance abuse, and referrals to the Independent Forensic Risk Assessment (IFRA) and Mentally Ill/Problematic Sexual Behavior (MI/PSB) evaluation teams.
• Assist treatment teams with understanding and following DMH’s Inpatient Clinical Risk (ICR) policy.
• Track patients’ forensic statuses and supporting treatment teams in coordinating all needed assessments to support their transition through increased privilege levels leading to hospital discharge.
• Complete crisis and acute risk consultation and psychological testing.
• Conduct Positive Behavior Support (PBS) patient evaluation and consultation with teams.
• Supervise upper-level psychology students (interns and/or post-docs) and/or staff.
• Serve as leadership in at least one hospital-wide committee.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Proficient in diagnosing and assessing symptoms of mental and emotional disorders, including conducting risk assessments.
• Skilled in utilizing various assessment techniques, such as interviews, psychological testing, and neuropsychological screening/testing.
• Capable of analyzing historical, observational, interview, and test data to draw conclusions and make informed recommendations.
• Knowledgeable in the theory, principles, and practices of psychotherapy, including evidence-based practices.
• Experienced in applying motivation principles, behavioral analysis, and reinforcement techniques.
• Adept at general report writing and maintaining accurate, confidential records.
• Familiar with statistical methods and techniques, including sampling.
• Effective in communicating, providing consultation, training, and supervision.
• Able to make quick, calm decisions in crisis situations involving emotionally or physically stressed individuals.
• Collaborative team player with the ability to work effectively in group settings and supervise unlicensed staff and trainees.
• Proficiency with MS Office including Outlook, Teams, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Given the population served, bilingual or multilingual fluency.

About Worcester Recovery Center and Hospital:

The Massachusetts Department of Mental Health Worcester Recovery Center and Hospital (WRCH) opened October 2012. The 320‐bed recovery center and hospital serves 260 adults and 60 adolescents through an innovative design and provides a state‐of‐the‐art environment for patients and staff. For many years to come, WRCH will serve to instill hope and forward the promise of recovery from mental illness and a life of independence and self-determination for all those who pass through.

Learn more about WRCH: https://www.mass.gov/locations/worcester-recovery-center-and-hospital-wrch

DMH Mission Statement:

The Department of Mental Health assures and provides access to services and supports to meet the mental health needs of individuals of all ages, enabling them to live, work and participate in their communities. The Department establishes standards to ensure effective and culturally competent care to promote recovery. The Department sets policy, promotes self-determination, protects human rights, and supports mental health training and research.

Learn more about our important work: www.mass.gov/dmh

Pre-Offer 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 http://www.mass.gov/hhs/cori

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 Reasonable Accommodation Online Request Form

For questions regarding this requisition, please contact Employment & Staffing at 1 (800) 510-4122, Option 4.

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.

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!