Under the direction of the Director of Professional Services, the Psychologist works in conjunction with the Interdisciplinary Team (IDT) to ensure that the program participants’ mental health and behavioral needs are addressed. Responsible for behavioral assessments and behavior plans; provides individual and group counseling; trains staff. Supervises Master’s level Behavioral Intervention Specialists and coordinates Behavioral Services Department.

The Psychologist demonstrates knowledge of Richmond’s quality mission, vision, and values. In addition, this position actively participates in quality improvement projects (i.e. communicating issues, offering suggestions) to ensure ongoing excellence of Richmond residents, staff, and programs.

Essential Job Functions

• In conjunction with the IDT, identifies participants’ behaviors and/or mental states that deviate enough from normative behavior as to need care.

• Oversees the collection of baseline data to establish behavior plans.

• Writes behavior plans and revises them annually. Establishes data collection methods and reviews data at least monthly.

• Formally trains staff in implementing behavior plans and, in general approaches to participants’ behaviors.

• Informally trains staff by role modeling interventions with participants and/or giving staff feedback after observing staff’s interactions with consumers.

• Debriefs with staff after major behavior events.

• Makes referrals and appointments for psychiatric care and/or therapy as indicated. Writes clinic visit summaries for the appointments. Attends psychiatric appointments as necessary.

• Assists in seeing that consent are obtained for psychotropic medications and that medications are obtained and administered as prescribed.

• Acts as a liaison regarding mental health services/behavioral problems between and among IDT members, clinics, day programs, families, hospitals, and others.

• Presents psychotropic medications and restrictive behavior plans to the Human Rights Committee for approval. Also presents for approval any devices used to control participants’ behavior unless these devices are necessary for medical treatment.

• Prepares all required written reports and documentation.

• Participates in meetings including IDT, Day Programs, Departmental, and those specially convened. Attends supervisory meetings.

• Demonstrates an ability to work effectively with consumers. Provides individual and group counseling in the residences when indicated. Documents each of these sessions.

• Periodically reviews the evidence-based and underlying psychological theories relating to discussing psychological problems with consumers.

• Exercise substantial autonomous professional judgment and responsibility in appropriately selecting psychological treatment, including referrals to other services as required.

• Coordinates Behavioral Services (caseload assignments, hiring, discipline of staff)

• Provides professional supervision to Master’s level staff

• Performs all other duties as assigned, including but not limited to psychological testing and assisting in internal investigation.

Qualifications & Minimum Requirements

• PhD in Psychology required.

• Relevant experience in developmental disabilities field.

• Experienced in creating and implementing behavioral plans.

• Ability to travel to and access multiple locations throughout the Westchester area.

• Able to work flexible hours and/or days.

Pay starting from $63.74 to $71.78, pay commensurate based upon experience.

RCS offers a comprehensive benefits package, including Medical/Dental/Vision, Life/Disability, Tuition Reimbursement, PTO/Paid Training, Referral Bonuses, Retirement Contributions, and Paid Holidays.

Richmond Community Services mandates COVID-19 vaccination for all employees. Richmond Community Services is an equal-opportunity employer.

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