As a Psychologist II, you will practice independently, maintaining the highest professional standards and meeting all requirements of the WRCH Professional Staff Organization. This role not only demands clinical expertise but also emphasizes the importance of patient engagement, thorough documentation, and ongoing professional development. Your work will significantly impact patient care, from crisis intervention and relapse prevention to behavior analysis and therapeutic support, ensuring a holistic approach to mental health treatment and recovery. WRCH is a newly constructed, state-of-the-art psychiatric hospital, on well-manicured grounds, in the biotech park area of Worcester, adjacent to the UMass medical school and hospital.

Please Note: This is a fully on-site role. The schedule is Monday-Friday from 8:00am-4:30pm or 8:30am-5:00pm.

Duties and Responsibilities (these duties are a general summary and not all inclusive):

• Conduct admission assessments.
• Practice individual, family, and group psychotherapy.
• Facilitate community meetings.
• Develop treatment planning within a treatment team.
• Conduct specialized risk assessments for suicide, fire setting, violence, substance abuse, and referrals to the Independent Forensic Risk Assessment (IFRA) and Mentally Ill/Problematic Sexual Behavior (MI/PSB) evaluation teams.
• Assist treatment teams with understanding and following DMH's Inpatient Clinical Risk (ICR) policy.
• Track patients' forensic statuses and supporting treatment teams in coordinating all needed assessments to support their transition through increased privilege levels leading to hospital discharge.
• Complete crisis and acute risk consultation and psychological testing.
• Conduct Positive Behavior Support (PBS) patient evaluation and consultation with teams.
• Supervise upper-level psychology students (interns and/or post-docs) and/or staff.

Preferred Qualification

• Proficient in diagnosing and assessing symptoms of mental and emotional disorders, including conducting risk assessments.
• Skilled in utilizing various assessment techniques, such as interviews, psychological testing, and neuropsychological screening/testing.
• Capable of analyzing historical, observational, interview, and test data to draw conclusions and make informed recommendations.
• Knowledgeable in the theory, principles, and practices of psychotherapy, including evidence-based practices.
• Experienced in applying motivation principles, behavioral analysis, and reinforcement techniques.
• Adept at general report writing and maintaining accurate, confidential records.
• Familiar with statistical methods and techniques, including sampling.
• Effective in communicating, providing consultation, training, and supervision.
• Able to make quick, calm decisions in crisis situations involving emotionally or physically stressed individuals.
• Collaborative team player with the ability to work effectively in group settings and supervise unlicensed staff and trainees.
• Proficiency with MS Office including Outlook, Teams, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Given the population served, bilingual or multilingual fluency.

About Worcester Recovery Center and Hospital:

The Massachusetts Department of Mental Health Worcester Recovery Center and Hospital (WRCH) opened October 2012. The 320-bed recovery center and hospital serves 260 adults and 30 adolescents through an innovative design and provides a state-of-the-art environment for patients and staff. For many years to come, WRCH will serve to instill hope and forward the promise of recovery from mental illness and a life of independence and self-determination for all those who pass through.

Learn more about WRCH: https://www.mass.gov/locations/worcester-recovery-center-and-hospital-wrch

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.

Learn more about our important work: www.mass.gov/dmh

Qualifications

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 a school accredited by the American Psychological Association. See Special Requirements, below

Special Requirements:

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

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.

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% of the job requirements. We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.