PSYCHOLOGIST 45051

7/1/89 B

This is the first level class in the Psychologist series. Positions in this class conduct diagnostic testing and evaluation of clients in order to develop behavior modification programs, individual treatment plans, and dispositional and treatment information on criminal offenders. Positions in this class may deliver therapy but devote considerable time to conducting psychological tests and assessments. This class is distinguished from the Psychologist Senior by the latter's responsibility to provide comprehensive therapeutic treatment services to patients or clients in one or more programs or units by way of individual, group or family therapy sessions.

Complexity of Work: Performs work of moderate difficulty involving the development, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of individual treatment plans or behavior modification programs which include the administration, scoring and interpretation of psychological and behavioral tests. Prepares and maintains assessment summaries, reports on findings, and provides recommendations; conducts psychological interviews; conducts individual and/or group therapy sessions; and consults with psychiatrists, medical presence, and other staff members in a team environment. May provide psychological evaluations, treatment consultation and follow-up services for a child development service clinic, facilitate psycho-social planning for the child and family; coordinate services for clients; and make recommendations on special education and assistance for clients. May provide individual and group therapy and psychological assessment to head injured clients at various levels of recovery. May provide in-service training to staff. May be assigned to a court services unit providing psychological evaluations and interventions, and preparing treatment and histories used by judges for determining the sentencing and treatment of offenders.

Supervision Given: Supervision is typically not a factor.

Supervision Received: Receives direction from a Psychology Supervisor, Psychology Director or other clinical administrator in the performance of assessments, evaluations, treatment and other services.

Scope: Positions in this class are responsible for conducting evaluations, administering tests, providing consultative services to a variety of client groups and maintaining psychological reports and case histories which have an effect on the psychological well-being of a substantial number of clients.

Impact of Actions: Work performed has moderate impact on the overall delivery of the psychological service program of the human service agency. Failure to provide appropriate psychological services to individual clients may adversely impact their well-being.

Personal Contacts: Frequent internal and external contacts with clients, families, medical staff, schools, attorneys, courts and payroll systems, community resource groups and human service agencies to provide and obtain information regarding treatment and services.

Knowledge: Working knowledge of psychological testing and evaluation, individual and group therapy/counseling, psychological principles and practices of behavior, and community resource programs and program referrals. Working knowledge of the judicial process and court services applies to court psychologists.

Skills: None identified for this class.

Abilities: Demonstrated ability to interact effectively with client and staff groups; develop, implement, and evaluate behavior programs; analyze and interpret behavioral data; communicate orally and in writing; administer and interpret psychological tests; and analyze problems and form resolutions.

QUALIFICATIONS GUIDE*

Licenses or Certification: Licensed as a clinical psychologist or psychologist, clinical, may be required in accordance with the Attorney general's interpretation of Section 54.1-3601.4 of the Code of Virginia.

Education or Training: Graduation from an accredited college or university with advanced course work in psychology, such as would be received in a psychology masters level program.

Level and Type of Experience: Experience in performing psychological services including testing, evaluation and 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 was established in June 1989 as a result of the Classification Review/ Specification Update Program. It replaces the Psychologist A, Psychologist B, Psychologist B Alternate, Psychologist B Ph.D., Psychologist C, and Psychologist C Ph.D. classes.