Licensed Psychological Associate

PermiaCare; Midland (TX); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Part time

Job summary

PermiaCare seeks a Licensed Psychological Associate (LPA) to conduct formal evaluations for IDD services, integrating school documents (IEP, ARD, FIE) and medical diagnoses. The role requires independent work under limited supervision, with on-site office settings and potential flexible scheduling.

The position requires a Master's degree in Clinical Counseling, School Psychology, or Education and at least 1 year of IDD/mental illness experience.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Clinical Counseling, School Psychology or Education.
• Minimum 1 year experience working with individuals with IDD or mental illness.
• Licensed in Texas as LPA or LSSP or able to obtain licensure.

Responsibilities

• Conduct evaluations to determine IDD eligibility.
• Assess adaptive behavior using appropriate tools.
• Prepare Determination of Intellectual Disability report per HHSC guidelines.
• Ensure face-to-face interviews and assessments.
• Maintain confidentiality per HIPAA and related laws.

Education

Master's degree in Clinical Counseling / School Psychology / Education

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

EHR systems

Outlook

Job description

Shift: PT; may require a flexible work schedule; Assigned work hours may change as the needs of the agency and clients change

Driving required: Y

Settings: office

POSITION SUMMARY/JOB PURPOSE:

The Licensed Psychological Associate (LPA) conducts assessments using an approved testing tool to determine if individuals qualify for intellectual and developmental disability (IDD) services. The testing incorporates school documents, such as IEP, ARD, and FIE to endorse, confirm or complete an initial formal evaluation. This position also incorporates medical diagnosis in the evaluation. The LPA will complete full evaluations when the individual has never been formally evaluated.

This position works independently, under limited supervision, reporting major activities through periodic meetings.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, OTHER QUALIFICATIONS:

Education Required: Master's Degree from accredited college or university in Clinical Counseling, School Psychology or Education.

Experience Required: At least 1 year experience working with individuals with IDD or mental illness.

Registration, Certification, Licensure or other Qualifications Required:

• Must maintain a valid Texas Driver's license, auto liability insurance and a driving record acceptable to PermiaCare's insurance requirements.
• Required to pass criminal history and background checks as well as pre-employment drug screen.
• Licensed in Texas as Licensed Psychological Associate (LPA) or Licensed Specialist in School Psychology (LSSP).

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Conduct evaluations to determine if the individual qualifies for IDD services.
• Assess adaptive behavior using appropriate assessment tools.
• Prepare Determination of Intellectual Disability report using HHSC best practices guidelines.
• Ensure face to face interview and assessments.
• Contact individuals promptly to set up appointments.
• Meet unit performance measures or targets.
• Enter accurate and appropriate documentation of services within timeframe required.
• Maintain confidentiality of sensitive records and treatment information, client files and protected health information in compliance with HIPAA, laws, rules and regulations, and established procedures.
• Maintain regular and reliable physical on-site attendance. Regular attendance, dependability, and promptness are required for the scheduled work day 100% of the time, to ensure consistency and completeness of program's processes.
• Comply with the Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation policy and reporting requirements.
• Adhere to the Code of Conduct and Standards of Behavior policy requirements.
• Establish and maintain effective work relationships with individuals served and their families, supervisors, co-workers and visitors by demonstrating cooperative, courteous and respectful behavior at all times.
• Communicate regularly with supervisor.
• Open and process mail/email in a timely manner.
• Answer phone, collect phone messages and respond to requests timely and accurately.
• Maintain safe and clean working environment by complying with procedures, rules and regulations.
• Perform all work functions and interactions using a trauma informed approach.
• Display professionalism when representing PermiaCare and the program in the community.
• Maintain compliance with legal requirements and company policies and procedures.
• Maintain valid and current driver's license, auto insurance, acceptable driving record and reliable transportation at all times. Driving may be required for this position.
• Complete all training as assigned prior to due date.
• Other duties as assigned.

MARGINAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES(these duties are not designated as essential for the purposes of ADA; they are still required duties):

• Fill in for other LPA staff as needed.
• Observe, assess and develop methods of changing behavior for those with behavioral needs through a Behavior Support Plan.
• Monitor progress and review Behavior Support Plans as needed.
• Provide translation, if applicable.
• Participate in team meeting or staffings.
• Participate in community activities and/or attends community meetings as needed.
• Participate in workgroups and committees as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND COMPETENCIES:

• Knowledge of the IDD diagnosis and related conditions
• Ability to conduct meetings and trainings.
• Ability to locate the diagnostic codes that are associated with IDD and related conditions.
• Knowledge of HIPAA and ability to protect confidentiality.
• Good organizational skills.
• Welcoming, positive behavior.
• Ability to express self clearly and effectively, orally and in writing.
• Exceptional customer service skills, including positive attitude.
• Dependable attendance and punctuality.
• Knowledge of trauma informed theories, principles and practices.
• Flexibility and adaptability to different work environments.
• Excellent computer skills, including Word, Excel, Outlook, and Electronic Health Records (EHR).
• Reading and comprehending.
• Reasoning and analyzing.
• Ability to coordinate with various inter-agency personnel.
• Ability to fulfill PMAB and CPR/First Aid requirements.
• Ability to work independently.
• Good interpersonal skills, including ability to build rapport with individuals including co-workers.
• Ability to display comfort in interacting with individuals of diverse cultural, ethnic and economic backgrounds and with social service, healthcare, educational and criminal justice organizations, as needed.
• Ability to acquire and utilize new skills as the job requires.
• Ability to work cooperatively and productively with supervisor, individuals, co-workers, and groups of persons at all levels of activity, contributing to a spirit of teamwork.
• Ability to maintain highly confidential information.
• Ability to remain calm in stressful situations.
• Ability to plan and schedule work and implement directives without constant supervision.
• Model professionalism by appropriate dress, language, ethics and work habits.
• Ability to drive personal and/or company vehicle. This position may require travel to agency program sites, community and residential sites, and/or locations outside the PermiaCare catchment area. This position may require transport of agency individuals and/or individuals served.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Abilities Required:

• Light Carrying, under 15 lbs
• Walking
• Standing
• Operating office equipment
• Operating motor vehicle
• Ability to see
• Depth perception needed
• Hearing (with aid)
• Hearing (without aid)
• Ability to write
• Ability to count
• Ability to read
• Ability to tell time

Other (specify): driving required. May require some travel after hours and overnight.

WORKSITE CONDITIONS:

• Travel
• Inside
• Working closely with others
• Working alone

ADA Statement: Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

EEO Statement: PermiaCare is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, ethnicity, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by state or federal law.

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive list of duties, activities or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, activities and responsibilities may change or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice. This job description does not constitute an employment contract with PermiaCare. Employment is at-will.