Job Description
The Department of Developmental Services (DDS) Policy, Planning Division is seeking full-time and part-time experienced psychologists for several statewide leadership positions. As a Senior Psychologist, the incumbents will participate in innovative statewide program development efforts and provide clinical consultation and services.
Dependent on experience and expertise, a Senior Psychologist may provide consultation and support to programs such as the Adult Autism Supports Unit, Regional Intake and Eligibility Units, the Department's implementation of Positive Behavior Supports, Statewide Peer Review process, Central Office Risk Review, and collaborative projects with the Department of Mental Health. In this position, the Senior Psychologist, upon request, may provide psychological services and make recommendations for individual client treatment; recommend suitable referrals for individuals receiving services; and organize and coordinate the provision of clinical services.
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The positions are located at the Department's Central Office in Boston and incumbents are eligible for a hybrid schedule which includes work from home opportunities.
As a representative of the Department, the Senior Psychologist may be asked to participate in inter-agency collaborative efforts and perform other related work as required.
Duties and Responsibilities (these duties are a general summary and not all inclusive)
- Provides clinical assessment and evaluation, at the request of the Assistant Commissioner or designee, including participation in eligibility determinations, competency evaluations, emergency case reviews and other specialized clinical assessments and evaluations, including signing all legal documents as required.
- Provides clinical consultations and program development assistance to DDS staff and providers in the implementation of Chapter 5 regulations (Positive Behavior Support, Peer Review) including guidance, consultation, training and monitoring around the design and implementation of universal, targeted, and intensive plans.
- Provides clinical consultation on problematic cases being followed by Central Office Risk Management, including provision of clinical interpretation and guidance in developing individual risk plans, when requested.
- Provides oversight, consultation and participates as needed in statewide Peer Review processes for intensive positive behavior support plans for the Department and its providers, as requested.
- Maintains a current working knowledge of professional developments in the field, trends, policies, and procedures, diagnosis of Intellectual and Developmental Disability, and related subjects through regular and required continuing education as necessary to maintain a current license.
- Performs personnel functions such as recruiting student interns, interviewing job applicants for employment, and recommending applicants for vacant positions to ensure the highest quality psychological services.
- Participates on committees, training and supervision as requested.
Required Qualifications
- Knowledge about Positive Behavior Supports and current treatment strategies for individuals with ID and/or ASD.
- Knowledge of the types, symptoms, and presentation of emotional and psychiatric disorders in individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
- Knowledge of principles and practices of tests and measurements used in ascertaining intelligence, aptitudes, personality, and related mental and physical traits.
- Knowledge of the provision of trauma-informed care to a diverse population with sensitivity to issues of culture and psychosocial context.
- Be well versed in the administration and interpretation of psychological tests, motivational interviewing, autism experience across the lifespan, trauma informed care.
- Ability to prioritize and respond to multiple demands and manage time efficiently.
- Ability to conducts self in a professional manner and represents the department and its mission accurately.
- Ability to maintain accurate records and exercise discretion in handling confidential information; resolve problems and conflicts in a diplomatic and tactful manner.
- Skilled in establishing rapport and deal tactfully with individuals and their family members from varied religious, ethnic, cultural, economic backgrounds, and/or under physical, emotional stress, or in stressful settings.
- Demonstrated thoroughness, independence, and excellent written and oral communication skills.
- Ability to seek guidance and support, take direction from supervisors and clinical consultants when needed.
Preferred Qualifications
- Extensive knowledge and understanding of policy and procedures pertaining to individuals served by DDS.
- Knowledge of the DDS and generic programs, services, and resources available to individuals with developmental disabilities and ASD only.
- Knowledge of the laws, rules, regulations, polices, procedures, specifications, standards, and guidelines governing assigned duties.
- Proficient usage of Microsoft Office products including Word, Excel, and Outlook
- 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 Class D motor Vehicle Operator's license or the equivalent from another state.
About the Department of Developmental Services
The mission of the Department of Developmental Services (DDS) is to create innovative and genuine opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities including Autism Spectrum Disorder to participate fully and contribute meaningfully to their communities as valued members. DDS serves over 43,000 vulnerable individuals throughout their lifetimes, providing a spectrum of day, employment, and residential supports. The agency directly oversees and manages $3 billion in public funds ($2.7B+ operating budget) and approximately 5,500 staff, the largest state employee workforce of any agency in the Massachusetts executive branch of government.
For more information about our agency and programs visit: www.mass.gov/dds
To Apply Please upload a cover letter and resume for the Senior Psychologist requisition.
Pre-Offer Process:
A criminal history 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 and click on "Information for Job Applicants."
Recommended candidates must successfully complete pre-employment screening which includes:
- Disabled Persons Protection Commission (DPPC) Abuse Registry Search: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/dppc-abuser-registry
- Criminal background check (CORI) by regulations set forth by the Executive Office of Health and Human Services. http://www.mass.gov/hhs/cori
- National Background Checks, Chapter 234 of the Acts of 2014, conduct fingerprint-based check. https://www.mass.gov/lists/dds-fingerprint-background-checks
Education, licensure, and certifications will be verified in accordance with the Human Resources Division's Hiring Guidelines.
Education and license/certification information provided 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, please contact the Executive Office of Health and Human Services Office of Human Resources at 1-800-510-4122 and select option #2
Qualifications
This is an open and continuous posting for Full-Time and Part-time positions.
Minimum Entrance Requirements:
Current and valid registration as a Psychologist by the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Psychology. Applicants must also have at least three years of years of full-time, or equivalent part-time, professional experience as a Licensed Psychologist in the application of psychological principles and techniques in a recognized agency providing psychological services or treatment, of which (B) at least one year must have included supervision over Post-doctoral Psychologists-in-training and/or Psychological Assistants. Based on assignment, must meet the eligibility requirements for Designated Forensic Psychologist in 104 CMR 33.04(3)(b).
Special Requirements: 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.
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!
COVID Vaccine: As a condition of employment, successful applicants will be required to have received COVID-19 vaccination or an approved exemption as of their start date. Details relating to demonstrating compliance with this requirement will be provided to applicants selected for employment. Applicants who receive an offer of employment who can provide documentation that the vaccine is medically contraindicated or who object to vaccination due to a sincerely held religious belief may make a request for exemption.
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.