Description
The Department of Developmental Services (DDS) is looking for a caring, compassionate, and energetic individual who wants a rewarding career making a difference in the lives of those individuals with intellectual disabilities and autism spectrum disorder. DDS is seeking a motivated, self-directed and experienced person for the role of PSYCHOLOGIST III for Commonwealth Community Services.
Our ideal candidate will be responsible for providing a full range of psychological services including conducting assessments, creating positive behavioral support plans, training staff, providing input into medication and Individual Service Plans (ISPs) and providing individual and group counseling to assigned caseload when appropriate. Effective verbal and written communication skills as well as the ability to work collaboratively with multi-disciplinary teams are essential to assuring the individuals served in the region received the best care.
Duties and Responsibilities (these duties are a general summary and not all inclusive):
- Participates in the development of positive behavior management and other teaching programs which impact the psychological well-being of individuals;
- Deliver consultation services to individuals, staff and families;
- Perform assessments of individuals’ clinical needs and diagnosis;
- Manage crisis prevention and intervention plans;
- Participates in the development of psychotropic medication treatment plans;
- Collects, collates and evaluates data on medication effects on individuals on his/her caseload; Reports data to the individual’s ISP Team and to the Prescriber.
- Consults with interagency staff in planning and participating in Regional Peer Review of intrusive/restrictive behavior treatment plans;
- Maintain documentation and data as required; provide and coordinate training and education of behavior and psychological treatment plans/trends for Area.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Licensed Psychologist with current and valid state board of registration *;
- Competent in behavioral intervention, applied behavior analysis and other research based methodologies;
- Demonstrated knowledge of the interpretation and analysis of assessment and testing results; Diagnosis of intellectual and developmental disabilities, and current trends in the field;
- Experience working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities including Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD);
- Evidence of the practice of a high level of confidentiality;
- Thoroughness, independence and excellent written and oral communication skills;
- Record of working in multidisciplinary teams;
- Proficient usage of Microsoft Office products including Word, Outlook, Excel and PowerPoint
Please Note:
This position is located in the Commonwealth Community Services Program, based out of Northampton, MA
Schedule: Monday through Friday, 9:00am - 5:00pm.
Days off: Sunday/Saturday
Flexibility is required to meet the needs of the program.
About the Department of Developmental Services:
The mission of the Department of Developmental Services (DDS) is to create innovative and genuine opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities including Autism Spectrum Disorder to participate fully and contribute meaningfully to their communities as valued members. DDS serves over 43,000 vulnerable individuals throughout their lifetimes, providing a spectrum of day, employment, and residential supports. The agency directly oversees and manages $3 billion in public funds ($2.7B+ operating budget) and approximately 5,500 staff, the largest state employee workforce of any agency in the Massachusetts executive branch of government.
For more information about our agency and programs visit: www.mass.gov/dds
Pre-Hire Process:
Education and license/certification information provided by the selected candidate(s) is subject to the Massachusetts Public Record Law and may be published on the Commonwealth's website.
- Education, licensure, and certifications will be verified in accordance with the Human Resources Division's Hiring Guidelines.
Recommended candidates must successfully complete pre-employment screening which includes:
- Disabled Persons Protection Commission (DPPC) Abuse Registry Search: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/dppc-abuser-registry
- Criminal background check (CORI) by regulations set forth by the Executive Office of Health and Human Services. http://www.mass.gov/hhs/cori
- National Background Checks, Chapter 234 of the Acts of 2014, conduct fingerprint-based check. https://www.mass.gov/lists/dds-fingerprint-background-checks
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 technical help with MassCareers, including logging into your profile and/or resetting your password, please call the Employee Service Center at 617-979-8500 for assistance.
For questions regarding this requisition, please contact the Executive Office of Health and Human Services Human Resources at 1-800-510-4122 Ext. #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 a school accredited by the American Psychological Association.
See Special Requirements, below. Applicants must have at least one year 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.
Special Requirements:
Current and valid registration as a Psychologist by the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Psychology.
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!
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.
Official Title: Psychologist III
