PSYCHOLOGIST ASSISTANT 45021

7/1/89 C

This is the single class in the Psychology Support series. Positions in this class assist Psychologists, Psychologist Seniors, Psychologist Supervisors or other program administrators in the design and implementation of reinforcement and research techniques, and in training direct care staff in the implementation of behavior modification programs. Monitors client behavior, administers and scores tests, and interviews clients. This class is distinguished from the Psychologist class by its responsibility for assistance, rather than full performance in the implementation of behavioral and clinical treatment programs or in the administration of tests approved by a Psychologist or other supervisor.

Complexity of Work: Performs work of routine difficulty in the implementation of behavioral programs that identify modes of activity for individual clients who display maladaptive behaviors, and in administering and scoring tests in a variety of functional areas. Applies reinforcement techniques and assists in the preparation of individualized treatment programs designed to alter behavior. Trains direct care staff in preventive measures and interventions for maladaptive behaviors to ensure that treatment plans are implemented as prescribed. Participates in interdisciplinary team meetings in order to assess, evaluate and review the progress/regress of caseload. Assists in the collection of data through the administration and scoring of a wide variety of tests and assesses the effectiveness of behavior therapy, medical care and counseling intervention. Maintains records on residents' activity for use in staffing and evaluations. May assist in recordkeeping on client progress and activity, and program data.

Supervision Given: Supervision is typically not a factor.

Supervision Received: General supervision is received from a Psychologist Supervisor or other clinical program administrator on daily scheduling of assignments, the completion of adaptive behavior scale assessments, interpretation of behavioral programming, research, or test administration. Duties are performed with relative independence in the implementation of prescribed treatment plans, testing and administering assessments.

Scope: Work affects the success of implemented behavior treatment programs and the accuracy of results from administrative tests.

Impact of Actions: Effective decisions result in the proper administration of tests which ensures accurate results from which treatment programs are based. Ineffective decisions have a negative impact on clients' improvement. Impact of actions is minor because work involves assistance and is performed under supervision.

Personal Contacts: Frequent internal contacts are made with residents, patients, direct service staff and professional medical staff in the administration of tests and assessing, modeling, and applying reinforcement and therapeutic techniques.

Knowledge: Some knowledge of behavioral modification techniques and applications; test administration; appropriate and adaptive behavioral patterns; and data analysis techniques.

Skills: None identified for this class.

Abilities: Demonstrated ability to follow procedures; administer and score standard assessment tests; observe and record human behavior and performance; collect data; work with the psychologically and physically impaired; implement behavioral modification reinforcement techniques; establish and maintain contacts with patients; and communicate effectively orally and in writing.

QUALIFICATIONS GUIDE*

Licenses or Certification: None.

Education or Training: Graduation from an accredited college or university with course work in psychology or a closely related field.

Level and Type of Experience: Some experience in behavioral modification or counseling.

An equivalent combination of training and experience indicating possession of the preceding knowledge and abilities may substitute for this education and experience.

This class replaces the Psychology Test Technician class and was established in June 1989 as a result of the Classification Review/Specification Update Program.