PSYCHOLOGICAL CLINICIAN, X31

BASIC PURPOSE:

Positions within this job family are assigned responsibilities for performing professional work in the administration and interpretation of psychological tests and providing counseling and psychological services in a state agency, institution, mental health facility, clinic or guidance program.

TYPICAL FUNCTION:

The functions within this job family will vary by level, but may include the following:

• Conducts initial interview with client to obtain pertinent psychological information to make appropriate diagnosis.
• Administers, scores and interprets various intelligence, personality, aptitude and/or psychological tests.
• Develops an appropriate treatment plan based on test findings and interview; conducts individual, group and family therapy sessions.
• Prepares comprehensive evaluation reports.
• Participates in multidisciplinary staff conferences.
• Participates in and develops psycho-educational programs which include parenting workshops, children’s groups and health fairs.
• Maintains confidential records of client services in compliance with state and federal regulations.
• May appear in court and provide testimony in client hearings or other areas.
• Consults with community agencies and school systems on behalf of clients or provides special programs as requested.
• May intervene in crisis and potentially life threatening situations.
• May implement research programs.

LEVEL DESCRIPTORS:

The Psychological Clinician job family consists of five levels which are distinguished by the level of complexity of specific job assignments, the extent of responsibility assigned for specific tasks, the level of expertise required for completion of the assigned work and the responsibility assigned for providing leadership to others.

Level I                                                    Code:  X31A                                                         Salary Band:  K

This is the basic level of this job family where incumbents are performing beginning level professional work in a training status and under close supervision.  At this level incumbents will not be involved in the interpretation of psychological tests, assigning diagnoses, or the supervision or training of others.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities required at this level include knowledge of the principles, methods and techniques of administering and scoring psychological tests; of mental disorders, their symptoms, treatment, and social implications in relation to client and family; of psychological theory and counseling techniques; of statistical research as applied in the field of psychology, and of psychoeducational parent training techniques.  Ability is required to evaluate psychological problems; to provide therapeutic counseling; to administer psychological tests; and to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.

Education and Experience requirements at this level consist of a master’s degree in psychology, counseling, or human relations which must have included one semester of at least three hundred hours of applied clinical practicum in psychology or counseling.

Level II                                           Code:  X31B                                                         Salary Band:  M

This is the career level where incumbents perform advanced level professional work administering and interpreting psychological tests, assigning diagnoses, providing counseling, and conducting psychological services.  There are no supervisory responsibilities assigned to this level, but training and assistance may be provided to less experienced professional or technical staff.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities required at this level include knowledge of psychotherapeutic/behavioral intervention techniques; of various assessment and evaluation tools; of the principles, methods and techniques of administering, scoring, and interpreting a variety of psychological tests including complicated or specialized tests; of mental disorders, their symptoms, treatment, and social implications in relation to client and family; of the application of psychological theories with respect to group and individual behavior; of the principles and methods of statistical research as applied to the field of psychology; and of methods and techniques used in training and of psycho educational parent training techniques; and of chemical dependency treatment and counseling techniques.   Ability is required to apply psychological techniques, to evaluate and diagnose psychological problems; to develop therapeutic treatment/plans; to provide therapeutic counseling; to administer psychological tests; and to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.

Education and Experience requirements at this level consist of those identified in Level I plus one-year post-master’s experience providing professional psychological services.

Level III                                  Code:  X31C                                                         Salary Band:  N

This is the specialist level where employees are assigned responsibilities for performing advanced level psychological services such as a highly specialized clinical service or a position that is the only psychological clinician at a facility or institution with overall responsibility for assigned psychological services and functions.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities required at this level include knowledge of psychotherapeutic/behavioral intervention techniques; of various assessment and evaluation tools; of the principles, methods and techniques of administering, scoring, and interpreting a variety of psychological tests including complicated or specialized tests; of mental disorders, their symptoms, treatment, and social implications in relation to client and family; of the application of psychological theories with respect to group and individual behavior; of the principles and methods of statistical research as applied to the field of psychology; and of methods and techniques used in training and of psycho educational parent training techniques; and of chemical dependency treatment and counseling techniques.   Ability is required to apply psychological techniques, to evaluate and diagnose psychological problems; to develop therapeutic treatment/plans; to provide therapeutic counseling; to administer psychological tests; and to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.

Education and Experience requirements at this level consist of those identified in Level II plus, two additional years of qualifying experience and must have a passing score on the National Counselor Examination for Licensure and Certification or hold a current license as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), Licensed Behavior Practitioner (LBP) or as a Nationally Certified Psychologist (NCP); or a doctorate in psychology with a specialty in clinical, counseling, educational, developmental or school psychology, including one academic year of full time post-masters or pre-doctoral internship.  One year of professional experience under the direct supervision of a psychologist licensed in the major program of doctoral study may be substituted for the internship.

Level IV                                 Code:  X31D                                                         Salary Band:  N

This is the leadership level where incumbents coordinate, supervise and perform advanced level psychological services.  These incumbents are assigned direct supervision responsibilities and will plan, assign and review work, evaluate employee performance and program results, approve leave and initiate disciplinary actions.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities required at this level include those identified in Level III plus knowledge of effective supervisory principles and practices.

Education and Experience requirements at this level consist of those identified in Level III.

Level V                                  Code:  X31E                                                          Salary Band:  P

At this level incumbents plan, organize and direct psychological services for an agency or in a designated region or area of the state.  Employees may serve as a regional consultant/supervisor for a state wide program and plan, develop and direct a pre or post-doctoral psychology program, may prepare special funding grants and projects concerned with guidance and mental health programs, or be an administrative liaison with other state agencies.  Provides consultation and training to agency staff and others.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities required at this level include knowledge of psychological service programs; psychotheory, methods, case assessment, testing, statistical methods and research design; of administration and supervisory techniques.  Ability is required to develop and monitor a budget, and to plan and administer a statewide comprehensive psychological program.

Education and Experience requirements at this level consist of those identified in Level III plus two additional years of qualifying experience or a doctoral degree in psychology with four years of qualifying experience.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

Some positions may require the ability to endure the physical rigors and personal hazards inherent in hostage negotiation situations; a doctorate in counseling or clinical psychology, eligibility for licensure as a psychologist in the State of Oklahoma and five years of law enforcement experience.

Upon appointment, incumbents designated by the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services shall complete certification in one of the following required Departmental sponsored training in case management:  Certified Behavioral Health Case Manager – Adult; Certified Behavioral Health Case Manager – Child, Adolescent and Family; or Certified Behavioral Health Case Manager – Dual Certification.