Psychologist IV Full-Time & Part-Time

Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services is seeking a Psychologist IV to review psychological, diagnostic, and adaptive functioning information to support eligibility determinations for DDS services. The role ensures accurate, timely, and well-documented decisions within regulatory standards, while collaborating with DDS staff and families.

The incumbent applies clinical judgment and evidence-based practices to determine eligibility, participates in conferences and hearings, and

Qualifications

• Knowledge of autism spectrum disorder symptoms and DSM criteria.
• Familiarity with standardized assessments and interpretation.
• Experience applying trauma-informed care in diverse populations.

Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive clinical reviews of records to determine DDS eligibility.
• Evaluate diagnostic information and integrate multiple sources for decision-making.
• Prepare clear, defensible written eligibility determinations with rationale.
• Maintain accurate electronic case records and ensure confidentiality.

Skills

Autism spectrum disorder

Standardized tests

Trauma-informed care

Communication skills

Documentation

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Outlook

Job description

The Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services (DDS) is seeking experienced psychologists to join our statewide Intake and Eligibility team.

The Psychologist IV is responsible for evaluating complex psychological, diagnostic, developmental, and adaptive functioning information to support clinical determinations regarding eligibility for Department of Developmental Services (DDS) services. The incumbent applies professional judgment, established clinical standards, applicable regulations, and evidence-based practices to ensure eligibility determinations are accurate, consistent, timely, and appropriately documented.

The Psychologist IV reviews psychological evaluations, diagnostic records, adaptive behavior assessments, educational and medical information, and other relevant clinical documentation; identifies when additional information or clarification is necessary; and participates in consultation on complex cases. The incumbent collaborates with multidisciplinary staff and other professionals and contributes to quality assurance and continuous improvement activities that promote consistent interpretation and application of DDS eligibility criteria and statewide clinical practices.

As a representative of the Department, the Psychologist IV may participate in informal conferences, Fair Hearings, administrative reviews, and other proceedings related to clinical eligibility determinations. The incumbent works collaboratively with DDS staff, clinicians, providers, individuals, families, and other stakeholders to support fair and consistent access to DDS services and performs other related duties as required.

Duties and Responsibilities (this is a general summary and not a complete list of duties):

• Conduct comprehensive clinical reviews of psychological, medical, educational, and related records to determine eligibility for DDS services in accordance with Massachusetts General Laws, DDS regulations, policies, and clinical standards.
• Evaluate complex diagnostic information to determine the presence of intellectual disability, developmental disability, autism spectrum disorder, and other qualifying conditions, integrating information from multiple sources to support sound clinical decision-making.
• Prepare clear, concise, and defensible written eligibility determinations, documenting clinical rationale and recommendations in accordance with departmental policies and timelines.
• Provide clinical consultation and technical assistance regarding diagnostic criteria, psychological assessments, adaptive functioning, and DDS eligibility requirements, as requested.
• Participate in statewide psychologist meetings and case consultations to promote consistency and continuous quality improvement.
• Participate in Informal Conferences and Fair Hearings by reviewing case materials, preparing with DDS Legal staff, presenting testimony, explaining eligibility determinations, and responding to questions regarding psychological evaluations and DDS eligibility criteria.
• Maintain accurate electronic case records and complete required documentation within established time frames while ensuring compliance with confidentiality requirements, HIPAA, and applicable state and federal regulations.
• Maintain a current working knowledge of developments in psychology, intellectual and developmental disabilities, autism spectrum disorder, applicable laws, regulations, policies, and evidence-based practices through continuing education and professional development.
• Participate in staff meetings, committees, training, clinical supervision, and other departmental initiatives as assigned.
• Perform other related duties as required.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Knowledge of the symptoms, presentation, and diagnostic criteria for a substantiated diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder in accordance with the most recent version of the DSM (currently DSM-V-TR).
• Knowledge of standardized tests, assessment and measurement, particularly as it applies to identification of intellectual and/or developmental disabilities.
• Knowledge and experience with the development, use, and interpretation of standardized adaptive functioning instruments.
• Knowledge of the provision of trauma-informed care to a diverse population with sensitivity to issues of culture and psychosocial context.
• Ability to prioritize and respond to multiple demands and manage time efficiently.
• Ability to conduct oneself professionally and represent the department and its mission accurately.
• Ability to maintain accurate records and exercise discretion in handling confidential information; resolve problems and conflicts diplomatically and tactfully.
• Skilled in establishing rapport and dealing tactfully with individuals and their family members from varied religious, ethnic, cultural, and economic backgrounds, and/or under physical, emotional stress, or in stressful settings.
• Demonstrated thoroughness, independence, and excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to support and explain clinical decisions to varied audiences, including applicants, families/caregivers, legal staff, hearing officers, etc. Capacity in this regard blends clinical knowledge with understanding of DDS regulations. Decisions must take into account clinical and regulatory expertise. When an applicant is ineligible, these decisions need to be explained to various constituents in ways that are accessible.
• Ability to seek guidance and support, take direction from supervisors and clinical consultants when needed.
• 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
• Be well versed in the administration and interpretation of psychological tests, motivational interviewing, autism experience across the lifespan, trauma informed care.
• 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 dealing tactfully with individuals and their family members from varied religious, ethnic, cultural, economic backgrounds, and/or under physical, emotional stress, or in stressful settings.
• Demonstrates thoroughness, independence, and excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to seek guidance and support, take direction from supervisors and clinical consultants when needed.
• 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.

Please Note:

DDS is hiring either full-time or part-time fully benefitted positions for the Psychologist IV. A part-time position is 18.75 hours per week. Salary will be prorated based on scheduled hours.

This position is located in Boston

Schedule: Days

Flexibility required to meet the needs of the program/area office.

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