Psychologist IV

Commonwealth of Massachusetts•Boston, MA

15h•Onsite

About The Position

The Department of Mental Health is seeking an experienced clinical professional to serve as Psychologist IV at the Massachusetts Mental Health Center (MMHC), a psychiatric facility in Boston’s Longwood Medical area. The role provides psychological assessment and treatment for adults seeking or receiving services, with particular attention to risk assessment and high-risk behaviors. The Psychologist IV also supports clinical teams through consultation, supervision, training, program leadership, and quality improvement activities. The position includes conducting diagnostic, psychological, neuropsychological, and risk assessments; developing and adjusting individualized, evidence-based treatment plans; providing individual and group therapy and behavioral interventions; coordinating care with interdisciplinary teams; and responding to crises. It also includes maintaining accurate clinical documentation, supervising and training staff or trainees when assigned, and contributing to quality monitoring and service improvement. A Harvard Medical School appointment at instructor, assistant, or associate professor rank may be commensurate with the candidate’s record of accomplishments. Applicants must hold a doctorate in Psychology from an American Psychological Association-accredited school, have current and valid registration as a Psychologist with the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Psychology, and have at least three years of full-time or equivalent part-time professional experience as a Licensed Psychologist applying psychological principles and techniques in a recognized agency providing psychological services or treatment. At least one year of that experience must have included supervision of Post-doctoral Psychologists-in-training and/or Psychological Assistants. Depending on assignment, candidates must meet eligibility requirements for Designated Forensic Psychologist under 104 CMR 33.04(3)(b), and travel may be required. Employees who use a motor vehicle for travel must hold a valid driver’s license. A criminal background check is required before hire, and education, licensure, and certifications will be verified. The position is subject to the state regulation concerning COVID-19 and influenza vaccination or required mitigation measures. Salary placement depends on directly related experience, education, and the applicable compensation structure. The Commonwealth offers a comprehensive employee benefits package.

Requirements

Doctorate in Psychology from a school accredited by the American Psychological Association.
At least three years of full-time or equivalent part-time professional experience as a Licensed Psychologist applying psychological principles and techniques in a recognized agency providing psychological services or treatment.
At least one year of the required experience must include supervision of Post-doctoral Psychologists-in-training and/or Psychological Assistants.
Current and valid registration as a Psychologist by the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Psychology.
Ability to apply knowledge of symptoms of mental and/or emotional disorders, including risk assessment.
Knowledge of assessment techniques, including interviews, psychological testing, and neuropsychological testing.
Knowledge of psychotherapy theory, principles, and practices; evidence-based practices; motivational techniques; basic behavioral analysis; and reinforcement principles.
Competence in general report writing and statistical methods and techniques, including sampling.
Proficiency in maintaining accurate records and appropriately managing confidential matters.
Ability to communicate effectively in writing and orally, and to provide consultation, training, and supervision.
Ability to make decisions, act quickly, remain calm in crisis situations involving people under emotional and/or physical stress, and collaborate effectively in group situations.
Ability to supervise others, including providing orientation, practical training, professional education, direction, workload management, performance evaluation, and, as needed, disciplinary action.
Ability to provide program leadership and explain or apply the effects of laws, rules, regulations, policies, protocols, and guidelines on program operations.
Knowledge of ethical principles and standards of practice for psychologists treating individuals with serious mental illness.
Depending on assignment, eligibility for Designated Forensic Psychologist under 104 CMR 33.04(3)(b).
Travel may be required depending on assignment; employees who elect to use a motor vehicle for travel must have a current and valid Massachusetts motor vehicle operator’s license or equivalent from another state.
Successful candidate must acknowledge and attest to COVID-19 and influenza vaccination status or applicable required mitigation measures.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of policies, procedures, standards, rules, and regulations governing assigned agencies.
Familiarity with the types and availability of public or private resources for providing quality care.
Knowledge of safety practices and procedures followed by the agency.
A record of accomplishments commensurate with a Harvard Medical School appointment at instructor, assistant, or associate professor rank.

Responsibilities

Conduct specialized psychological assessments using standardized tools to evaluate high-risk behaviors, including self-harm, aggression, and impulsivity.
Perform risk assessments in accordance with DMH and Center standards.
Conduct initial and periodic psychological assessments of adults, considering clinical condition, cognitive abilities, functional needs, and strengths.
Review and analyze assessment results to inform and adjust treatment planning.
Provide training and consultation on the administration and interpretation of psychological and behavioral assessments.
Develop and implement individualized treatment plans using evidence-based therapeutic interventions tailored to client needs.
Complete initial treatment plans within four weeks of assignment, review them annually, and modify them within two weeks of significant clinical or situational changes.
Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to coordinate holistic care.
Consult on selecting and integrating evidence-based practices into treatment.
Monitor client progress and revise interventions based on assessments and feedback.
Provide individual therapy using evidence-based modalities for people with severe mental illness, including CBT for psychosis, DBT, cognitive remediation, and social skills training.
Deliver behavior consultation and individualized behavioral therapy in accordance with accepted standards.
Provide crisis intervention and risk-management strategies as needed.
Consult on complex or high-risk cases to support clinical decision-making.
Maintain accurate client documentation and complete intake paperwork within one week of client assignment.
Meet DMH, MMHC, and third-party quality-assurance and utilization-review requirements.
Document treatment-plan progress, high-risk behaviors, consultations, medical results, and other significant clinical data in appropriate encounter notes, whether billable or non-billable.
Provide supervision and training to multidisciplinary staff and trainees, if assigned.
Deliver training on standardized assessments, evidence-based practices, and specialized treatment interventions.
Collaborate with the Quality Management Committee on clinical monitoring, in-service training, staff development, orientation, and supervision initiatives.
Participate in quality-improvement projects to improve service quality and reduce risk.
Perform other duties as assigned.