Clinical Psychologist/Autism Clinical Spec.

JOB SUMMARY: General Scope of Responsibilities: Under minimal supervision, the Licensed Clinical Psychologist shall provide a broad spectrum of clinical services including but not limited to intake and eligibility, coordination of mental health services for clients, consultation to Client, Clinical and Community Services Departments, diagnostic and forensic assessments, psychological interventions, and staff, client and provider training.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES – ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Assists in matters related to psychology, specifically to the provision of comprehensive services to people with developmental disabilities.


• Participates as teacher/consultant to Agency personnel involved in the development and delivery of services to people with developmental disabilities served by Redwood Coast Regional Center (RCRC).

 INTAKE AND ELIGIBILITY

• Conduct file reviews for clients referred by intake or case management and make recommendations regarding eligibility, diagnosis and need, if any, for further psychological assessment. 


• Participate in intake staffing designed to determine eligibility and to plan initial service needs, as requested. 


• Participate in initial interdisciplinary staffing designed to plan for the ongoing needs of RCRC clients, as requested. 


• Meet with intake staff, as requested. 


• Prepare for and participate in informal and formal fair hearings. 


• Conduct and participate in initial and ongoing staff training activities, as requested. 

MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES

• Coordinate and assure compliance with Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) established between the Agency and county mental health agencies. 


• Monitor provision of psychotherapeutic services to clients. 


• Participate in liaison meetings with county mental health agencies. 


• Work with county mental health agencies on a client-by-client basis to reach consensus on diagnosis, medical necessity for mental health treatment, treatment plan development and evaluation of treatment outcomes. 


• Respond to crisis situations regarding Agency’s clients who are referred to county mental health agencies. 


• As the in-house clinician responsible for the psychological aspects of mental health services, consult with case management, clinical and community services staff as requested. 

PSYCHOLOGICAL SERVICES

• Conduct psychological testing and write reports as needed.


• Consult with case management, clinical and community services staff on client issues including but not limited to psychological assessment, psychotherapeutic intervention, telephone and face-to-face conferences, program monitoring and program evaluation. 


• Work with intake coordinators and other staff, as requested, to develop and monitor compliance with assessment protocols for psychological evaluations. 


• Provide consultation, training and technical assistance for vendored service providers regarding psychological services.


• Assist in maintenance of psychological services including development, recruitment, interview and monitoring orientation of psychological vendors. 

• Assist in development, implementation, monitoring and team management of comprehensive psychological services for clients, including but not limited to counseling services. 

 OTHER FUNCTIONS

• Participate as a cooperative, responsive, respectful and responsible member of the Clinical Department and other related subcommittee projects. 


• Attend and participate in interagency meetings, when requested. 


• Participate on selective committees, as requested. 


• Other duties as assigned 

QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: Doctorate in clinical, developmental, educational or pediatric psychology, and two years of experience working with special populations. Possession of psychologist license issued by the California State Board of Psychology or currently meets eligibility requirements for such licensure. Experience administering psychological - cognitive evaluations and competency evaluations are highly preferred. Experience, training and/or interest in Autistic Spectrum Disorders are especially desired.

SPECIAL SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE: Ability to relate to and convey knowledge in a constructive, supportive and collaborative manner to clients, their families and professionals within the Agency and with other community organizations and programs. Knowledge of the principles, methods, techniques, and materials of psychology in serving the developmentally disabled. Knowledge of the sources, uses, administrations and interpretations of psychological and behavioral tests. Ability to prepare verbal and written reports in a clear, concise and appropriate manner.

OTHER: This position requires extensive sitting in office settings, for meetings and travel. Frequent walking, standing, and occasional lifting of up to 30 lbs. with occasional bending, stooping, reaching and stretching to complete work duties is required. Computer and other standard office equipment is required for this position. Adequate manual dexterity and coordination for operation of an automobile, possession of a valid drivers’ license and automobile liability insurance for the minimum amount prescribed by law, or ability to provide for independent transportation. Any of the above with reasonable accommodation. This position requires the ability to work under pressure of deadlines and a fast-paced environment and to cope with complex and often stressful situations.