Worcester Recovery Center and Hospital (WRCH) operated by the Department of Mental Health (DMH) is seeking a clinical psychologist to perform admission assessment, risk screening, specialized clinical risk assessments and diagnostic evaluations including psychological testing. WRCH is a Joint Commission accredited 320-bed recovery center and hospital that serves 260 adults and 60 adolescents through an innovative design and provides a state-of-the-art environment for patients and staff. DMH inpatient facilities promote recovery and resiliency and are integral to the continuum of care for all consumers across Massachusetts. They are vital to achieving the DMH mission and our commitment to Community First — promoting recovery for consumers and a life of independence and self-determination in communities of their choice. The selected candidate will provide patient psychological services, including assessment, positive behavior support plan development, ongoing therapy, and recommendations for treatment in consultation with other interdisciplinary staff.

Please Note: This position is part-time, 20 hours per week. Schedule and days off are flexible, the selected candidate will work a mutually agreed upon schedule within a weekday 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM framework.

Duties and Responsibilities (these duties are a general summary and not all inclusive):

• Provides crisis intervention, risk/mental health assessments, relapse prevention, diagnosis, and treatment for patients with serious and persistent mental illnesses.

• Collaborates with physicians, nursing, and other multidisciplinary team members to develop and implement treatment plans in accordance with DMH/WRCH standards.

• Completes Independent Forensic Risk Assessment (IFRA) related referrals and associated documentation for assigned cases that facilitates timely patient access changes and discharge.

• Provides individual/group therapy, behavioral and cognitive interventions treating psychological disorders according to standards of professional practice and with consideration to evidence-based/supported practices.

• Completes initial and interval psychological assessments that contribute to the patient and treatment team collaboration in formulating goals for recovery that are consistent with the patient’s current clinical condition, functional needs and strengths.

• Educates and supervises staff in the implementation of the individualized Positive Behavior Support (PBS) strategies; documents informed consent of patient/guardian in relation to the PBS plan.

• Maintains credentials associated with membership in the hospital’s Medical/Professional Staff Organization.

• Participates in relevant hospital trainings, both as learner and subject matter expert, as needed.

• Ensures compliance with Joint Commission, DMH and WRCH facility standards and protocols.

• Supervises and educates assigned post-doctoral psychology staff, doctoral interns, advanced practicum students and other psychology or interdisciplinary trainees.

Required Qualifications:

• Ability to apply knowledge of the symptoms of mental and/or emotional disorders (including risk assessment).

• Skilled in applying knowledge of assessment techniques including interview, psychological testing, and neuropsychological screening/testing.

• Capacity to analyze historical, observational, interview and psychological test data to draw conclusions, and make appropriate recommendations.

• Familiarity with the methods of general report writing including the development of treatment plans.

• Demonstrated proficiency with applying knowledge of the theory, principles and practices of psychotherapy including basic behavioral analysis and principles associated with reinforcement techniques (and related evidence-based practices).

• Talent for supervising un-licensed staff and trainees by providing orientation, practical training, professional education, direction, workload management, performance evaluation and (as needed) disciplinary action.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Demonstrated knowledge of DPH, DMH, CMS and JCAHO requirements for health care and administration.
• Knowledge of substance use dual recovery risk-assessment and (psychosocial) treatment processes.
• Experience in assessment and evidence-supported dual-recovery treatment to identified patient-specific needs and goals.
• Capacity to participate in inter-disciplinary health care teams.
• Proven experience assessing, diagnosing, and treating a broad range of psychiatric conditions including Substance Use problems.
• Skilled in establishing rapport and deal tactfully with persons from varied ethnic cultural, economic backgrounds, and/or under physical, emotional stress, or in stressful settings.
• Ability to establish relationships with individuals, families, providers, physicians, and staff members.
• Proficient usage of Microsoft Office products including Word, Excel, and Outlook.
• Given the population served, bilingual or multilingual fluency.

About Worcester Recovery Center and Hospital (WRCH):

Located on over 20 acres in Worcester, Massachusetts, Worcester Recovery Center and Hospital (WRCH) is part of an integrated network of effective, efficient, and culturally competent mental health services. It provides intermediate and long-term inpatient care for individuals with serious and persistent mental illness who live in Massachusetts, as well as individuals requiring specialized court ordered evaluations.

WRCH provides inpatient services to 290 adults and 30 adolescents, inclusive of a Deaf Inpatient Mental Health Service program for 10 patients.

Learn more about WRCH: https://www.mass.gov/locations/worcester-recovery-center-and-hospital-wrch

DMH Mission Statement:

The Department of Mental Health assures and provides access to services and supports to meet the mental health needs of individuals of all ages, enabling them to live, work and participate in their communities. The Department establishes standards to ensure effective and culturally competent care to promote recovery. The Department sets policy, promotes self-determination, protects human rights and supports mental health training and research.

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

Pre-Offer Process

A criminal background check will be completed on the recommended candidate as required by the regulations set forth by the Executive Office of Health and Human Services prior to the candidate being hired. For more information, please visit http://www.mass.gov/hhs/cori

Education, licensure and certifications will be verified in accordance with the Human Resources Division’s Hiring Guidelines

Education and license/certification information provided by the selected candidate(s) is subject to the Massachusetts Public Records Law and may be published on the Commonwealth’s website.

If you require assistance with the application/interview process and would like to request an ADA accommodation, please click on the link and complete the Reasonable Accommodation Online Request Form

For questions regarding this requisition, please contact Employment & Staffing at 1 (800) 510-4122, Option 4.

First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days.
Minimum Entrance Requirements:
Current and valid registration as a Psychologist by the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Psychology.
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.

Title 101 CMR 23.00 (“Regulation”) requires certain agency staff to have received the COVID-19 vaccination and Influenza vaccination, or have taken required mitigation measures, to prevent viral infection and transmission in State Hospitals and State Congregate Care Facilities. The Regulation applies to this position. Successful candidates will be required to acknowledge and attest to your vaccination status for both COVID-19 and Influenza.

An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer. Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.