Senior Psychologist

Massachusetts Executive Office of Health and Human Services; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 104,990 - 175,197; Full time

Job summary

A government health agency is seeking a Senior Psychologist to oversee statewide psychological consultations and program development. Ideal candidates will have a Doctorate in Psychology and substantial experience, ideally with a focus on Positive Behavior Supports and treatment strategies for developmental disabilities. Responsibilities include assessments, clinical training, and interagency projects. This is a full-time position located in Lexington, MA, offering a salary range from approximately $104,990 to $175,198 annually.

Qualifications

• Current and valid registration as a Psychologist in Massachusetts.
• At least four years of post-doctoral experience in psychological services.
• Supervision experience over post-doctoral psychologists-in-training.

Responsibilities

• Provide clinical assessment and consultation for eligibility and complex cases.
• Lead training and development of clinical staff.
• Assess and design clinical training statewide.

Skills

Knowledge about Positive Behavior Supports and current treatment strategies

Knowledge of comorbid emotional and psychiatric disorders

Ability to prioritize and manage time efficiently

Excellent written and oral communication skills

Education

Doctorate in Psychology

Tools

Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook)

Job description

Senior Psychologist

The Department of Developmental Services (DDS) Planning, Development, and Autism Services Division is seeking experienced psychologists for its Central Office Clinical Team. As a Senior Psychologist (Psychologist V), the incumbents will plan, organize, and direct innovative statewide program development efforts, draft and recommend policy and related guidance to Executive Staff, and provide clinical consultation and services as part of the Central Office Clinical Team to other Central Office Divisions and statewide DDS clinical staff as needed.

Dependent on experience and expertise, the Senior Psychologist will provide consultation and support to the Department’s implementation of Positive Behavior Supports, as well as the Statewide Peer Review, Central Office Risk Review, and interagency collaborative projects. In this position, the Senior Psychologist may also, upon request, provide psychological services and make recommendations and/or referrals for individual client treatment, organize and coordinate the provision of clinical services, and provide clinical consultation to community partners.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Provides clinical assessment and consultation at the request of the Assistant Commissioner or designee, pertaining to eligibility determinations, capacity evaluations, emergency case reviews, and other complex case reviews, including signing all legal documents as required.
• Provides leadership, guidance, clinical consultations, training, and/or program development, monitoring, and implementation assistance to DDS staff and providers in the implementation of Chapter 5 regulations (Positive Behavior Support; Peer Review; intensive treatment plans).
• Provides clinical consultation on complex, problematic cases being followed by Central Office Risk Management, including the provision of clinical interpretation and guidance in developing individual risk plans, when requested.
• Provides oversight, leadership, and/or consultation through participation, as needed, in statewide Peer Review processes for intensive positive behavior support plans for the Department and its providers, as requested.
• Assesses, designs, and coordinates clinical training for statewide Department psychologists and other relevant staff, as needed, as well as participates in training and supervision needs directly and on associated committees, as requested.
• Maintains a current, working knowledge of clinical practice, trends, policies, and procedures pertaining to the diagnosis and treatment of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, and related subjects, through regular and required continuing education and professional development work, 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.
• Performs other related duties.

Qualifications Required at Hire

• Knowledge about Positive Behavior Supports and current treatment strategies for individuals with Intellectual Disability (ID), Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), and other Developmental Disability (DD).
• Knowledge of the types, symptoms, and presentation of comorbid emotional and psychiatric disorders in individuals with ASD.
• Knowledge of the principles and practices, including administration and interpretation, of standardized assessment measures used in ascertaining intelligence, adaptive functioning, 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.
• Well versed in empirically supported treatment modalities, including motivational interviewing, autism throughout the lifespan, and trauma-informed care.
• 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.
• Works collaboratively and effectively within a Central Office Clinical Team.
• 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 who may be under physical, and emotional stress, or in stressful settings.
• Demonstrated thoroughness, independence, and excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to seek guidance and support and take direction from supervisors and clinical consultants when needed.

Knowledge Acquired at Hire

• 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, policies, procedures, specifications, standards, and guidelines governing assigned duties.

Preferred Qualifications

Proficient usage of Microsoft Office products including Word, Excel, and Outlook.

Minimum Entrance Requirements

• Doctorate in Psychology from a school accredited by the American Psychological Association.
• At least four years of full‑time (or equivalent part‑time) professional post‑doctoral experience as a Licensed Psychologist in a recognized agency providing psychological services or treatment.
• At least two years of supervision over post‑doctoral psychologists‑in‑training and/or psychological associates.

Special Requirements

Current and valid registration as a Psychologist by the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Psychology.

Agency Requirements

Based on the assignment, travel may be required. 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.

Equal Opportunity / Affimative Action Employer

An Equal Opportunity / Affimative 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. We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.

Seniority level

Director

Employment type

Full‑time

Job function

Other, Health Care Provider, and Management

Base Pay Range

$104,990.86/yr - $175,197.86/yr

Location

Lexington, MA