Psychologist IV

The Department of Mental Health (DMH) is seeking an experienced clinical professional to serve as the Psychologist IV for the Massachusetts Mental Health Center.

The selected candidate will be responsible for performing diagnostic assessments, evaluations, and risk assessments for individuals seeking or receiving services in accordance with the DMH Risk Mitigation Policy and using standardized testing tools.

They will provide individual and group counseling, therapy, psychological testing as well as develop and implement evidence-based treatment plans, make referrals, and coordinate clinical services.

Additional responsibilities include supervising staff, leading programs, delivering trainings, and contributing to quality improvement initiatives.

• Duties and Responsibilities (These duties are a general summary and are not all inclusive):
• Conduct specialized psychological assessments, including standardized tools, to evaluate high-risk behaviors such as self-harm, aggression, and impulsivity.
• Perform risk assessments in accordance with DMH and Center standards.
• Provide initial and periodic psychological assessments of adults, incorporating clinical condition, cognitive abilities, functional needs, and strengths.
• Review and analyze assessment results to inform and adjust treatment planning.

Provide training and consultation on the administration and interpretation of psychological and behavioral assessments.

Develop and implement individualized treatment plans using evidence-based therapeutic interventions tailored to client needs.

• Complete initial treatment plans within four weeks of assignment and review them annually.
• Modify treatment plans within two weeks of significant clinical or situational changes.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to ensure coordinated, holistic care.
• Offer expert consultation on evidence-based practice (EBP) selection and integration into treatment.
• Monitor client progress and revise interventions based on assessments and feedback.

Provide individual therapy using evidence-based modalities specifically for people suffering from severe mental illness such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for psychosis, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Cognitive Remediation and Social Skills training, as well as deliver behavior consultation and individualized behavioral therapy in accordance with accepted standards.

• Provide crisis intervention and risk management strategies as needed.
• Offer consultation on complex or high-risk cases to support clinical decision-making.
• Maintain 100%25 accuracy in all client documentation.
• Complete intake paperwork within one week of client assignment.
• Meet 100%25 of DMH, MMHC, and third-party requirements for quality assurance and utilization review.
• Document treatment plan progress, high-risk behaviors, consultations, medical results, and other significant clinical data in each appropriate encounter note (billable or non-billable).
• Provide supervision and training to multidisciplinary staff and trainees, if assigned.
• Deliver training on standardized assessments, EBPs or other specialized treatment interventions.
• Collaborate with the Quality Management Committee to support clinical monitoring, in-service training, staff development, orientation, and supervision initiatives.
• Participate in quality improvement projects to improve quality of service and reduce risk.
• Other Duties Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Ability to apply knowledge of the symptoms of mental and/or emotional disorders (including risk assessment).
• Current and valid registration as a Psychologist by the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Psychology.

Adept applying knowledge of assessment techniques including interview, psychological testing and neuropsychological testing.

Capable of applying knowledge of the theory, principles and practices of psychotherapy, evidence-based practices, motivational techniques, basic behavioral analysis and principles associated with reinforcement techniques.

Competent in applying the methods of general report writing, statistical methods and techniques including sampling.

Proficient in maintaining accurate records and managing confidential matters appropriately.

Skilled in communicating effectively in writing and oral expressions and provide consultation, training, supervision.

Ability to make decisions, act quickly and maintain calm in crisis situations with people who are under emotional and/or physical stress and collaborate effectively with others in group situations.

Comfortable supervising others by providing orientation, practical training, professional education, direction, workload management, performance evaluation and (as needed) disciplinary action.

Able to provide program leadership and to apply/explain the impact of laws, rules, regulation, policies, protocols, guidelines, etc. on program operations.

Knowledge of the ethical principles, and standards of practice of the Professional Psychologist treating individuals with serious mental illness.

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of policies, procedures, standards, rules and regulations governing assigned agencies.
• Familiarity of the types and availability of public or private resources for providing quality care.
• Knowledge of safety practices and procedures followed by the agency.

Please note: A Harvard Medical School appointment at the rank of instructor, assistant, or associate professor would be commensurate with the record of accomplishments.

About the Massachusetts Mental Health Center

The Massachusetts Mental Health Center (MMHC) is a psychiatric facility at 74 Fenwood Road in the Longwood Medical area of Boston, Massachusetts. In its new state of the art facility, MMHC offers a vast range of community mental health services and remains one of the most successful and academic community mental health programs in the country.

DMH Mission Statement

The Department of Mental Health assures and provides access to services and supports to meet the mental health needs of individuals of all ages, enabling them to live, work and participate in their communities. The Department establishes standards to ensure effective and culturally competent care to promote recovery. The Department sets policy, promotes self-determination, protects human rights and supports mental health training and research.

Pre-Offer Process

A criminal background check will be completed on the recommended candidate as required by the regulations set forth by the Executive Office of Health and Human Services prior to the candidate being hired. For more information, please visit mass.gov

Education, licensure and certifications will be verified in accordance with the Human Resources Division’s Hiring Guidelines.

Education and license/certification information provided by the selected candidate(s) is subject to the Massachusetts Public Records Law and may be published on the Commonwealth’s website.

ADA Reasonable Accommodation: If you require a reasonable accommodation with the application/interview process, please contact us at: EOHHS Candidate ADA Requests

For questions regarding this requisition, please contact the Executive Office of Health and Human Services Human Resources at 1-800- 510-4122 Ext. #4.

First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days.

Minimum Entrance Requirements

Applicants must have a Doctorate in Psychology from school accredited by the American Psychological Association.

Applicants must also have at least three years of years of full-time, or equivalent part-time, professional experience as a Licensed Psychologist in the application of psychological principles and techniques in a recognized agency providing psychological services or treatment, of which (B) at least one year must have included supervision over Post-doctoral Psychologists-in-training and/or Psychological Assistants.

Special Requirements

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

Based on assignment, must meet the eligibility requirements for Designated Forensic Psychologist in 104 CMR 33.04(3)(b).

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 Motor Vehicle Operator's license or the equivalent from another state.

Salary placement is determined by a combination of factors, including the candidate’s years of directly related experience and education, and alignment with our internal compensation structure as set forth by the Human Resources Division’s Hiring Guidelines. For all bargaining unit positions (non-management), compensation is subject to the salary provisions outlined in the applicable collective bargaining agreement and will apply to placement within the appropriate salary range.

Comprehensive Benefits

When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.

Want the specifics? Explore our Employee Benefits and Rewards!

Title 101 CMR 23.00 (“Regulation”) requires certain agency staff to have received the COVID-19 vaccination and Influenza vaccination, or have taken required mitigation measures, to prevent viral infection and transmission in State Hospitals and State Congregate Care Facilities. The Regulation applies to this position. Successful candidates will be required to acknowledge and attest to your vaccination status for both COVID-19 and Influenza.

An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative 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, dis