Psychological Assistant II

Commonwealth of Massachusetts•Wrentham, MA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Southeast Regional Office of DDS is looking for a dynamic clinician, with significant experience in Positive Behavioral Supports (PBS), and strong organizational and interpersonal skills, for the Emergency Stabilization Program (SESP) located in Wrentham, MA. This program provides behavioral support, medication management and evaluation, medical oversight, and other therapeutic services dependent on the participant's treatment goals. This position is a key member of the Interdisciplinary Team and works on site with the program's staff and participants providing assessment, development, implementations, and monitoring of functionally based treatment planning, feedback and input in the ongoing treatment planning, and training for staff and other clinicians. Active participant in referral, intake, ongoing treatment, and transition for participants back to the community, providing summary of treatment goals and recommendations for community providers, family, and Area Office. Clinical supervision is provided by the Regional Licensed Psychologist; administrative supervision is provided by the SESP Manager.

Requirements

Knowledge of theory, principles, and practices of general and developmental psychology.
Knowledge of types and symptoms of psychiatric and/ or emotional disorders.
Knowledge Positive Behavior Supports and the principles of Applied Behavioral Analysis and experience with their application to individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities.
Knowledge of principles and practices of psychological testing and developmental assessment.
Experience conducting Functional Behavior Assessment, and using the information obtained to develop sound, functionally based supports and interventions utilizing a PBS framework.
Knowledge of methods of design and data analysis and ability to analyze, draw conclusions and make recommendations.
Knowledge of interviewing techniques.
Knowledge of general report writing.
Knowledge of crisis management procedures, certified in a recognized curriculum.
Ability to develop and implement treatment planning, utilizing a PBS framework.
Ability to organize workload and to effectively communicate with others.
Ability to work in group situations.
Ability to plan, develop, and present effective training curriculum.
Ability to work with individuals who are under emotional and/ or physical stress.
Ability to develop and maintain harmonious relationships with others.
Ability to make decisions, act quickly, and maintain a calm demeanor in stressful and/ or emergency situations.
Strong organizational skills.
Strong interpersonal skills.
Exercises discretion in handling sensitive and PHI information.
Bachelor’s degree or higher with a major in psychology or related field and at least two years of full-time or equivalent part-time professional experience in the field of mental health, education, social work, social or human services administration, counseling, rehabilitation or psychological services or treatment.
Master’s degree in psychology or related field and at least one year of full-time or equivalent part-time professional experience in the field of mental health, education, social work, social or human services administration, counseling, rehabilitation or psychological services or treatment.

Nice To Haves

Experience and licensure to meet the requirements as a PBS Qualified Clinician:
Master’s degree in psychology and 3 years of supervised experience using Applied Behavioral Analysis with individual with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities.
Currently licensed in Massachusetts as a psychologist, an applied behavioral analyst, BCBA, or a LMHC.
Have at least 3 years of training, including post graduate work or formal training, and/ or experience in function based behavioral assessment and treatment.
Have at least 3 years of clinical experience in the treatment of individuals with developmental disabilities.

Responsibilities

Review each referral for the SESP, identifying information needed, questions for individual’s existing Team members, and providing feedback and input on potential treatment goals and strategies.
Develop PBS plan/ protocols for accepted referrals, providing training to staff.
Develop and implement data collection systems (spreadsheets/ graphs); assess the data frequently and revise treatment as needed.
Ongoing assessment and observation provided through each stay, modifying the plan and providing additional training and feedback as needed.
Recommend additional therapeutic supports (O.T. SLP, etc…) as needed to support the individual’s goals, provide input for clinician, and follow- up with recommendations.
Provide crisis intervention during psychiatric/ behavioral emergencies including the application of PABC de-escalation and restraint techniques as required.
Work closely with the SESP’s psychiatric provider to ensure consistency in care.
Work with the Interdisciplinary Team to monitor progress towards admission goals and to transition successfully back to the community. Prepare data and observations for IDT Review and Case Consultation.
Participate in planning for discharge, preparing a detailed discharge summary outlining recommendations for behavioral supports and strategies, recommended community therapeutic supports if needed, and summarize progress towards admission goals. Provide training to receiving staff/ family as needed and requested. Share treatment plan with receiving clinician.
Participate in the program’s PBS Leadership meeting as a PBS Qualified Clinician.
Participate in all case consultations, Interdisciplinary Team meetings, referral meetings, and Intake meetings and staff meetings as requested. Participate in the initial visits with the potential referrals with the SESP Manager.
Maintain and improve knowledge of positive behavior supports; completing DDS required trainings as well as CEUs/ trainings for licensure.
Ensure that PBS/ DDS Regulatory requirements are being met.
Exercise discretion in handling confidential information.
Always conduct self in a professional manner and represent the Department and its mission accurately and positively.
Complies with all DDS policies and regulations.
Performs other related professional duties as required.