Psychologist IV-Leader of Behavioral Health Services

Commonwealth of Massachusetts•Canton, MA

4d•Onsite

About The Position

Pappas Rehabilitation Hospital for Children, part of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH), is seeking an experienced, mission-driven Psychologist as the Leader of Behavioral Health Services . In this vital leadership role, you will guide a multidisciplinary team dedicated to delivering high-quality behavioral health care to children and adolescents ages 7–22. This is a unique opportunity to blend clinical expertise with program oversight as you shape treatment strategies, mentor emerging professionals, and elevate the standard of care across our pediatric and adolescent inpatient programs. As the Leader of Behavioral Health Services, you will provide clinical direction, supervise psychologists and trainees, and oversee the delivery of individual therapy, group treatment, and psychological assessment services. You will also play an essential role in crisis intervention, interdisciplinary planning, and the development of treatment plans and diagnostic formulations. Your work will extend beyond direct care, impacting staff development, program design, and hospital-wide initiatives that support emotional and psychological wellness. This position is ideal for a licensed psychologist who thrives in a collaborative clinical environment and is passionate about influencing the future of pediatric behavioral health. With opportunities to lead systemic improvements, coordinate with internal and external partners, and contribute to meaningful organizational growth, this role offers both professional fulfillment and the chance to make a lasting difference in the lives of young people and their families. The schedule is 8\:00 - 4\:30, Monday through Friday. The Saturday/Sunday day-off schedule is subject to change based on the needs of the facility. Weekend schedules may be incorporated on an ad-hoc basis.

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.
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.
Extensive knowledge of psychotherapy and counseling theories, principles, and practices across diverse modalities, including analytic, existential, nondirective, and behavior modification techniques.
Strong understanding of developmental psychology and its application to pediatric and adolescent behavioral health care.
Proficient in conducting, interpreting, and integrating psychological assessments using standardized instruments (e.g., WAIS, WISC, Rorschach, TAT) to evaluate cognitive, emotional, and personality traits.
In-depth knowledge of mental health disorders, diagnostic criteria, and evidence-based strategies for supporting behavioral change and treatment adherence.
Skilled in clinical interviewing, assessment, diagnosis, treatment planning, and application of psychological theory to individual and group settings.
Knowledgeable in test construction, measurement theory, and statistical methods for psychological research and assessment.
Experienced in preparing accurate, compliant clinical documentation, reports, and evaluations that meet legal, ethical, and professional standards.

Nice To Haves

Extensive experience providing psychotherapy to pediatric and adolescent populations, including inpatient or rehabilitation settings, with advanced training in specialized areas such as trauma-focused therapy or neuropsychology for autism spectrum disorders.
Strong expertise in evidence-based therapeutic modalities for children and adolescents, including cognitive-behavioral therapy, family systems therapy, and play therapy, applied to support diverse mental health needs.
Proven ability to collaborate effectively within multidisciplinary teams, working closely with physicians, nurses, social workers, and other healthcare professionals to deliver coordinated, high-quality care.

Responsibilities

Provide clinical and administrative leadership for Behavioral Health Services across all pediatric and adolescent inpatient programs.
Supervise, mentor, and evaluate behavioral health staff, including psychologists, interns, and trainees, to ensure high-quality therapeutic and assessment services.
Deliver direct psychological care, including individual therapy, competency evaluations, risk assessments, and participation in multidisciplinary treatment planning.
Lead crisis intervention efforts for patients at risk of self-harm, harm to others, or acute behavioral escalation, coordinating closely with medical and emergency teams.
Conduct, interpret, and integrate comprehensive psychological assessments using standardized cognitive, emotional, and developmental instruments.
Develop and oversee individualized treatment plans, assign clinical diagnoses, and ensure compliance with legal, ethical, and utilization review standards.
Provide consultation, training, and guidance to clinical and direct-care staff on evidence-based behavioral interventions and psychological best practices.
Manage and supervise the department’s delivery of psychotherapy and psychological testing, ensuring alignment with clinical standards and patient needs.
Represent Behavioral Health Services in interdepartmental and hospital-wide committees, workgroups, and strategic planning initiatives.
Oversee recruitment, hiring, onboarding, documentation, reporting, and external partnerships to support program operations and continuity of care for patients and families.

Benefits

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!

Stand Out From the Crowd

Upload your resume and get instant feedback on how well it matches this job.

Upload and Match Resume