Residential Psychologist

New Horizons Resources provide supports to individuals living in group homes or apartments as well as those that attend Day Hab or WOW in Dutchess and Ulster counties. We support people who range in age from their early 20's to their mid-80's and we have plans to continue our growth. Our supports range from 1-person apartments, homes in the community, and medically based homes. The Residential Psychologist is responsible for assisting in the development and implementation of behavior supports services for people receiving supports and as part of the Treatment Team will assist in developing plans and tools to promote individual participation, growth and development using person-centered approaches. The schedule for this position is Monday thru Friday 8:30am-5pm. A partial hybrid schedule available.P

Essential Skills and Experience:

• Master's degree in a clinical or treatment field of psychology, social work, school psychology, applied psychology as it relates to human development and clinical intervention, or related human services field; or possess a NYS Mental Health Counseling License and/or meet OPWDD specified requirements as in Part 633.16 regulations.
• Ability to provide Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) with training on behavior management plans and guidelines.
• Possess good interpersonal, written, oral and communication skills demonstrated by an ability to relate appropriately to people with developmental disabilities, their families and their advocates.
• Constructively communicate with peers and supervisors to function successfully as part of a team.
• Oversee the implementation of programming and data collection as it relates to behavior management plans.
• Obtain and maintain required certification in SCIP and Ukeru. Must keep current with psychological and clinical principles, implement these principles and attend other job-related trainings as necessary.
• Ability to provide and model approved therapeutic interventions to support individuals through behavioral crisis safeguarding the individual, oneself and others in a manner consistent with individual support plans and state regulations.
• Ability to work independently (when appropriate) and in a group.
• Ability to use sound judgment while following agency policies, practices and procedures.
• Possess a valid driver license with a driving record acceptable to NHR’s insurance carrier and possess the ability to drive agency vehicles to transport individuals served to and from: appointments; day programs; and, other activities or events in the community at large.
• Possess computer proficiency, particularly with Microsoft Office applications or in lieu of proficiency possess the ability and willingness to gain proficiency within 6 months of hire.
• Must be flexible, “hands-on” and team player.
• Must be able to work evenings or weekends as required.

Nonessential Skills and Experience:

• Prior work experience handling multiple responsibilities and duties.

Physical Demands and Work Environment:

The physical demands described below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.

Physical Demands:

While performing the duties associated with this position, an employee (using approved agency lifting techniques) will be called upon to support and lift adults with developmental and other disabilities; transfer them to and from wheelchairs; on and off toilet seats; in and out of showers; and, in and out of vans or other vehicles. An employee in this position must be able to intervene (when appropriate and in an approved manner) to protect people from causing harm to themselves or others and to safely evacuate the facilities/van/ during an emergency. These duties may entail lifting/supporting/transferring up to 50-70 pounds on one or more occasions during the work shift and occasionally up to 200 pounds with assistance from other staff or devices.

Employees will regularly be required to stand; walk; sit; use hands (or hands and arms) to carry, finger, handle or feel objects, tools or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb stairs; balance; stoop; crouch and kneel. Employees will also be regularly required to hear (with or without hearing devices), see (with or without corrective lenses) and speak.

Working Conditions and Environment:

• While performing the duties associated with this position, an employee will be in a variety of setting including an office, in residential setting, in a van, work truck, or other vehicle; or, in the community at large.
• This position may expose employees to blood borne pathogens.
• This position may expose employees to the profanity and offensive/violent behavior of individuals served.

In a manner consistent with New Horizons Resources, Inc. Mission Statement and Unifying Principals and applicable laws and regulations, an employee in this position shall:

• Develop, review and revise behavior support plans, guidelines and protocols in accordance with agency policies and regulatory guidelines as indicated by individual need and Treatment Team decisions.
• Prepare and obtain informed consent for plans and medications as required from the authorized party.
• Obtain informed collateral consents from authorized parties affected by restrictions in common areas.
• Present behavior plans and requests for psychotropic medications for approval to the Human Rights Committee.
• As part of the Treatment Team participate in the development of service plans incorporating person- centered planning philosophy.
• Provide hands on assistance, instruction, training for staff in the implementation of behavior management plans utilizing person centered supports.
• Review and evaluate progress of plans on a regular basis and modify plans as necessary.
• Prepare reports, evaluations, and assessments as required by regulation, agency policy, and the Treatment Team.
• Prepare and present information to the psychiatrist and participate in psychiatric appointments for applicable people, as necessary.
• Provide training in person centered planning.
• Provide training on behavior management techniques and psychiatric disabilities as well as training as needed on behavior management techniques relating to specific behavior support plans.
• Provide direct service to people supported, as defined by the Treatment Team.
• Implement behavioral assessments as needed
• Attend and participate in individual meetings, team meetings, staff meetings.
• Provide support to the Treatment Team to assist with crisis intervention, and problem solving at the specific program location.