Psychologist
Department: Out-patient Mental Health
Reports To: Clinical Director
SUMMARY
The psychologist position is to promote the positive and stable mental health of clients through a program of individualized care from initial diagnosis through treatment and follow-up services. The psychologist will conduct psychological testing and utilize Evidence Based Practices in working with a variety of clients which may include children, adolescents, adults, families, and couples. This is an outpatient position.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES
Conducts initial evaluation/intake or referrals to assess and review presenting problems and current level of functioning.
Reviews referral information that is available for each case.
Meets with clients face to face to assess and diagnose problems.
Determines whether mental health care for each client is routine, urgent, or emergent.
Discusses options with client regarding mental health programming.
Ensures that proper releases of information are signed by the client.
Consults with the referral source about the client, if necessary, and if the client has signed a release of information.
Decides if referrals are to be recommended along with other programming and makes the referrals with the client’s permission.
Prepares an individualized program of therapy for the clients.
Develops an Individual Treatment Plan (ITP) for each client that is participating in the therapy process.
Ensures that client has agreed with the ITP and has also signed their name to the goals accordingly.
Maintains contact with other providers that are working with the same client.
Reviews goals and other plans for client as needed, but at least every 90 days.
Provides therapy to clients through a variety of modalities.
Familiarizes self with various programs available for clients locally and regionally.
Provides on-going therapeutic programming with modalities that are evidence based and in compliance with SCHRC standards.
Assists clients who are in need of other outreach programs.
Provides clients with options for psychiatric consultation and medication management, when necessary.
Maintains EMR records, files, and other paperwork to be in compliance with HRC Rule 29 policies.
Documents daily contacts with clients and enters the information into EMR.
Completes all pertinent client information such as intake summaries, ITP, testing information, correspondence with other sources, closure notes, psychological evaluations, etc. in the client’s EMR.
Maintains compliance with SCHRC and HIPAA regulations regarding confidentiality of data and records.
Provides consultation and recommendations to other HRC staff members and other agencies.
Participates in staff meetings on a regular basis, bringing at least one case for consultation to each meeting.
Provides consultation and recommendations to community agencies and referral agencies.
Remains in contact with referral sources, providing follow-up information regarding each case.
Completes mandated reporting of child abuse and vulnerable adult abuse verbally and in writing to county human service agencies.
Deals with client emergency situations during work hours.
Accepts emergency appointments during regular work hours as needed.
Consults with others for urgent and emergency cases as needed.
Conducts psychological tests as a diagnostic tool in determining treatment programming, as needed.
Administers and interprets a battery of psychological instruments to children, adolescents, and adults.
Completes psychological evaluations for external and internal referral sources.
Completes assessments/evaluations requested by referral agencies.
Accepts cases in therapist’s area of specialty and expertise from referral sources.
Completes psychological evaluations or specialty assessments and sends out to the referral source.
SECONDARY RESPONSIBILITIES
Performs miscellaneous projects and completes various tasks as requested by management.
Participates on various committees when deemed appropriate by the clinical supervisor.
Assists in public relations for SCHRC in many ways while dealing with others in the community.
JOB SPECIFICATIONS
Education, Experience and Credentials
Experience in Clinical Psychology with a minimum of a Doctoral Degree.
Licensure as a Mental Health Professional in the state of Minnesota with the Board of Psychology.
Level of Access for Electronic Protected Health Information
Clinical staff
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Excellent interpersonal communication skills. Deals effectively with a variety of people and personalities. Communicates clearly and effectively both orally and in writing.
Fluency in English and another language is a preferred qualification but not required.
Able to work independently, showing initiative and willingness to take charge of a situation.
Works as an effective and proactive team member.
Skilled in identifying and assessing a wide range of client needs.
Knowledgeable about local and regional community resources and how to access them.
Applies effective time management skills in order to meet all deadlines.
Demonstrates thorough and efficient organizational skills in the workplace.
Shows proper etiquette when dealing with clients and other sources.
Knowledge of psychotherapy principles and practices.
Able to diagnose problems of individuals relating to mental health.
Provides or prescribes psychotherapy to stabilize a client’s condition.
Understanding of and efficiency in testing procedures used to diagnose mental health problems.
Able to formulate and recommend treatment plans for individuals or families.
Willing to work on a multidisciplinary team.
Understands billing procedures and prior authorization processes for collecting reimbursement from appropriate resources.
Willing to respond to urgent and emergent situations with clients.
Displays flexibility to meet SCHRC and client needs in an environment with interruptions.
Understands the confidential nature of organizational information and maintains confidences.
Experienced in the use of some office equipment such as copy machine, fax machine, postage machine, programmable telephone system, EMR system, etc.
Familiar with standard computer functions, including keyboarding, and applications including e-mail.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
Incumbent, with or without a reasonable accommodation, must be able to effectively:
Communicate and exchange information by telephone and computer and in person with individuals inside and out of the facility.
Remain in a stationary position for extended periods of time.
Operate a computer, calculator, copy machine and other productivity machinery including printers and postage machine.
Detect, determine, perceive, identify, recognize, observe, estimate and assess schedules and information.
Move around the office area repeatedly throughout the day.
TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT USED
Incumbent must be able to:
Use office equipment including postage machine, fax machine, computer, telephone system, EMR system, copier, dictation equipment, etc.
Display a valid driver’s license for the state of Minnesota and have an operating vehicle (preferred).
WORK ENVIRONMENT
The employee must be able to tolerate and adapt to a daily schedule that is subject to change due to emergent and urgent client needs, rescheduled or cancelled appointments, and clients that do not show for appointments. Most of the duties are performed in the office setting.
EEO/AA company