Psychologist IV - Recovery from Addictions Program

The Department of Mental Health (DMH)'s Recovery from Addictions Program is seeking qualified candidates for a Full-Time Psychologist IV. The Psychologist IV provides highly skilled psychological treatment, assessment, and direct clinical services for an adult Section 35 population.

The psychologist will serve as the program-based psychologist on an interdisciplinary treatment teams as needed, as well as a consulting psychologist across all seven RAP units to provide individualized psychotherapy and assessment to adult clients as needed.

The selected candidate will coordinate services with other disciplines in hospital and serves on treatment teams and provide specialized risk assessments related to section 35 substance abuse treatment in a manner that is based on their clinical expertise.

The psychologist may conduct research, make presentations to professional and lay audiences, and publish empirical findings and theoretical papers, as requested. The selected candidate will serve on the Program Administrative Committees, as appropriate.

Please Note: This is a full-time position, 40 hours per week on the day shift. The hours are 8:30 a. m. to 5:00 p. m. Monday through Friday. Days off are Sunday and Saturday.

• Duties and Responsibilities (these are a general summary and not all inclusive):
• As the Psychology Representative on unit treatment teams, provides direct clinical service to persons served.
• Conducts psychological assessments and DMH specific risk assessments, as indicated.
• Conducts training programs for staff, students, lay public and professionals.
• Participates in interviewing, screening and hiring of psychologists and other clinical professional and clinical direct-care staff.
• Coordinates with multi-disciplinary teams.
• Participates in staff and hospital-wide meetings.
• Serves as coordinator of the group therapy program.
• Provides individual and group therapy as indicated.
• Organizes and supervises clinical programs and treatment for adult clients in Section 35 SUD treatment.
• Provides consultation, supervision, coordination and liaison services in regard to outside agencies and practitioners.
• Prepares or maintains clinical, programmatic and administrative reports and records.

Provides Substance Use Disorder (SUD) and behavioral management interventions, training, and supervision to the staff in order to implement treatment interventions.

Participates in multidisciplinary team plans for evaluation, treatment and discharge for clients with mental illness and SUD diagnosis’.

• Serves on Unit/Program Administrative Committees as appropriate.
• Maintains knowledge of all applicable statutory and regulatory requirements including DMH, Joint Commission and Bureau of Substance Addiction Services (BSAS).
• Performs all other related duties as requested by supervisor.

Required Qualifications

Ability to provide trauma-informed care to a diverse population with sensitivity to issues of culture and psychosocial context.

Ability to supervise, plan, and coordinate activities in the role of a professional psychologist and maintain good working relationships with staff, patients, and outside agencies.

• Ability to integrate and interpret results of psychological tests and make appropriate recommendations.
• Knowledge of principles and practice of clinical psychology and related fields.
• Knowledge of psychological therapy techniques used in clinical practice for the adult population
• Knowledge of appropriate tests used to measure psychological and cognitive functioning and the principles, practices and procedures behind each test for adult population.
• Knowledge of research methods and techniques in psychology.
• Knowledge of forensic psychological assessment, treatment interventions and planning.
• Knowledge of positive behavioral support planning and behavioral therapy theory, assessment and treatment interventions.
• Knowledge of rehabilitation psychology related to major mental illness and substance abuse treatment.
• Understanding of fundamental types of psychological difficulties and mental disorders.

About the Recovery from Addictions Program (RAP)

The Department of Mental Health (DMH) in collaboration with the Department of Public Health (DPH) Bureau of Substance Addiction Services operates a statewide Recovery from Addictions Program (RAP) for individuals civilly committed by the courts for substance use treatment for up to 90 days (“Section 35 commitment”).

The program model will provide acute detoxification and early clinical stabilization services as we help clients develop community-based linkages to outpatient supports and substance use disorder treatment providers.

The individuals treated within this program will be linked upon discharge to a range of services within the DPH continuum of care for substance use conditions. RAP provides administrative, medical, clinical, and non-clinical services. Its mission to provide quality client-centered care and recovery-oriented treatment.

DMH Vision and Mission

The Department of Mental Health, as the State Mental Health Authority, 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.

This critical mission is accomplished by working in partnership with other state agencies, individuals, families, providers, and communities.

Learn more: mass.gov

Pre-Hire 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 Executive Office of Health and Human Services, Human Resources at 1-800-510-4122, Option 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, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law.

Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100%25 of the job requirements. We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.