Psychologist

State of North Carolina•Wilkes County, NC

17h•Hybrid

About The Position

The CDSA Psychologist will conduct diagnostic psychological testing of infants and toddlers to determine developmental levels and functional needs related to intellectual/cognitive functioning (acquired knowledge, attention, language, memory, planning and problem solving, and visual spatial abilities), behavioral concerns, and social emotional adjustment, and determine eligibility criteria for the North Carolina Infant Toddler Program. Conducts developmental testing to include assessment of motor, language, social, adaptive, and/or cognitive functioning by standardized developmental instruments that meet American Psychological Association standards. Involves direct individual observation and assessment with the child as well as interview with the parent as needed for developmental, adaptive, behavioral, or social emotional information. Assessments/evaluations are conducted primarily in the child’s natural environment which is typically a home or childcare setting where the child’s daily care occurs or in other community settings that serve children. Participates in clinical staffing with Service Coordinators and other CDSA clinical staff to compile assessment results, determine potential eligibility for the Infant Toddler Program, make diagnoses, and formulate intervention recommendations. Prepares formal written assessment reports. Participates in Individual Family Service Plan (IFSP)development as needed and provides consultation to other disciplines and service providers working with individual children on specific IFSP outcomes. Interprets assessment results to families, caregivers, and other professionals. Provides treatment services as needed to infants and toddlers and their families, in a variety of settings including the home, childcare and other community settings. Assists to ensure that psychological services are integrated with other disciplines to address outcomes identified on the IFSP. The Staff Psychologist will communicate regularly with the Early Intervention Service Coordinator and other team members to address progress and changing needs. Provides psychological consultation to families and other community providers to address child social-emotional and cognitive development, behavior, and infant mental health issues and family functioning. Acts as a resource to the agency and community regarding psychological needs of infants and toddlers. Provides consultation and technical assistance to CDSA staff and community providers in infant/toddler mental health, behavior management, and social emotional development and dysfunction. Maintains client records in accordance with CDSA/ITP and 3rd party reimbursement standards. Attends scheduled staff meetings and trainings and completes required daily/monthly documentation activities (e.g. time and travel, billing, etc.). Attends professional development events to stay current on recommended and evidence-based practices. Follows departmental, division, and agency policies and procedures. The Staff Psychologist may participate in Quality Assurance/Improvement activities, such as child record reviews and specific QA/QI initiatives. The Staff Psychologist may act as a representative of the CDSA in providing trainings to families and other agencies on various topics. The Staff Psychologist may represent the CDSA on local boards and committees, as requested by the CDSA Director. Performs other related duties as assigned.

Requirements

Eligibility for licensure in North Carolina under the provisions of the NC Psychology Practice Act (G.S. 90-270).
Knowledge in the field of psychology, including human behavior, learning, development and principles of therapeutic intervention.
Knowledge of the nature, administration and interpretation of psychological and developmental tests for children and thorough knowledge of child development from birth to three years.
Knowledge of developmental disabilities and needs of young children and their families with a wide range of behavior, mental health and psychosocial concerns.
Skill in establishing rapport with clients and utilizing clinical interview and standardized testing for assessing intellectual, psychosocial, behavioral, and child/family needs and concerns.
Ability to express ideas clearly and concisely in oral and written form.
Ability to maintain client records.
Ability to work with a minimal amount of supervision as a member of an interdisciplinary team.
Must be able to drive and travel by car across the CDSA’s catchment area.
Use of fingers and hands for computer and keyboarding.
Sitting for extended periods of time.
Some light lifting (less than 10 pounds) may also occur.

Nice To Haves

Experience with trauma informed treatment programs such as Circle of Security Parenting Program and Child Parent Psychoparenting (CPP), etc. is preferred.
Knowledge of evidence-based practices used in working with young children and families, such as natural learning environment practices and caregiver coaching, is preferred.

Responsibilities

Conduct diagnostic psychological testing of infants and toddlers.
Determine developmental levels and functional needs related to intellectual/cognitive functioning, behavioral concerns, and social emotional adjustment.
Determine eligibility criteria for the North Carolina Infant Toddler Program.
Conduct developmental testing including assessment of motor, language, social, adaptive, and/or cognitive functioning using standardized developmental instruments.
Conduct direct individual observation and assessment with the child and interview with the parent.
Conduct assessments/evaluations in the child’s natural environment (home or childcare setting) or other community settings.
Participate in clinical staffing to compile assessment results, determine eligibility, make diagnoses, and formulate intervention recommendations.
Prepare formal written assessment reports.
Participate in Individual Family Service Plan (IFSP) development.
Provide consultation to other disciplines and service providers.
Interpret assessment results to families, caregivers, and other professionals.
Provide treatment services to infants and toddlers and their families in various settings.
Ensure psychological services are integrated with other disciplines.
Communicate regularly with the Early Intervention Service Coordinator and other team members.
Provide psychological consultation to families and other community providers.
Act as a resource to the agency and community regarding psychological needs of infants and toddlers.
Provide consultation and technical assistance to CDSA staff and community providers.
Maintain client records in accordance with CDSA/ITP and 3rd party reimbursement standards.
Attend scheduled staff meetings and trainings.
Complete required daily/monthly documentation activities.
Attend professional development events.
Follow departmental, division, and agency policies and procedures.
Participate in Quality Assurance/Improvement activities.
Act as a representative of the CDSA in providing trainings.
Represent the CDSA on local boards and committees.
Perform other related duties as assigned.