Please Note:This position is 40 hours per week. The incumbent will work on the first shift from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. with Sunday and Saturday off.

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

• Performs Risk Assessment functions for the Interdisciplinary Team, implementing DMH's risk screening tools per policy. Provides Specialized Risk Assessments related to Violence Risk, Fire-Setting Risk, Suicide Risk, Substance Use Risk, and complete referral documents for MI/PSB (Mentally Ill Problematic Sexual Behavior) according to DMH standards and professional practice expectations as assessed through Psychology Ongoing Professional Practice Evaluations.
• Provides crisis intervention, treatment planning, and relapse prevention services through consultation with the multidisciplinary treatment team, contributing to behavior analysis and related psychological assessment and treatment according to professional and ethical standards of Psychologists.
• Provides individual and group therapy services consistent with the Psychologist's competencies and Psychology practice standards.
• Documentation of treatment is complete and consistent with Joint Commission and CMS guidelines.
• Provide initial and interval (annually and as needed when new risk or functional needs become evident) psychological assessments that contribute to the patient and treatment team collaboration in formulating goals for recovery that are consistent with the patient's current clinical condition, functional needs, and strengths.
• Provides Psychological [Psycho-diagnostic Testing] Evaluation based on consultation requests in order to assist in the formulation of goals and approaches for treatment that are consistent with the patient's individual cognitive, neuropsychological, personality, and functional needs.
• Upon referral by the Multidisciplinary Team, provides Positive Behavior Support (PBS) Consultation and individualized behavioral interventions according to DMH policy and Psychology practice standards.
• In order to ensure state-of-the-science assessment for and clinical intervention for all patients, the psychologist meets all training and continuing education responsibilities.
• Provides quality supervision and education to assigned post-doctoral psychology staff, doctoral interns, advanced practicum students, and other psychology or interdisciplinary trainees.
• Completes all mandatory classes offered by Staff Development as required.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Inpatient experience providing recovery-oriented person-centered psychology services, including risk assessment services to people with mental illness.
• Knowledge and experience working with the forensic evaluation process and interest in working with inpatients committed by the courts for forensic evaluations.
• Skill in crisis intervention and the delivery of individual and group treatment services to people with serious mental illness and acute substance use problems.
• Specialized culture and/or language competence reflective of the patient population needs.
• Given the population served, bilingual or multilingual fluency.

License and/or Certification Requirements:

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

About Taunton State Hospital

Taunton State Hospital (TSH) operated by the Department of Mental Health (DMH) is a 45-bed inpatient facility that provides continuing care inpatient services to adults with major mental illnesses. The hospital is a leader in the successful integration of the Principles of Recovery and a rehabilitation philosophy into the treatment model and a part of the Southeast Area which works closely with the inpatient treatment teams to facilitate patients' discharge back to the community.

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-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 http://www.mass.gov/hhs/cori.

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.

If you require assistance with the application/interview process and would like to request an ADA accommodation, please click on the link and complete the Reasonable Accommodation Online Request Form.

For questions regarding this requisition, please contact Executive Office of Health and Human Services Human Resources at the Customer Service line-1-800-510-4122, select Option # 4

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.