Psychological Assistant II

The Southeast Regional Office of DDS is looking for a dynamic clinician, with significant experience in Positive Behavioral Supports (PBS), and strong organizational and interpersonal skills, for the Emergency Stabilization Program (SESP) located in Wrentham, MA.  This program provides behavioral support, medication management and evaluation, medical oversight, and other therapeutic services dependent on the participant's treatment goals.  This position is a key member of the Interdisciplinary Team and works on site with the program's staff and participants providing assessment, development, implementations, and monitoring of functionally based treatment planning, feedback and input in the ongoing treatment planning, and training for staff and other clinicians.  Active participant in referral, intake, ongoing treatment, and transition for participants back to the community, providing summary of treatment goals and recommendations for community providers, family, and Area Office.  Clinical supervision is provided by the Regional Licensed Psychologist; administrative supervision is provided by the SESP Manager. 

General Statement of Duties and Responsibilities (not inclusive):

• Reviews and meets each referral for the SESP and provides feedback and input to potential treatment goals and strategies.
• Develops PBS plan/ protocols for accepted referrals, coordinates with the Human Rights Committee/ Peer Review as needed, and provides training to staff.
• Develop and implement data collection systems, ongoing in-person assessment and observation provided through each stay, revising as needed.
• Provide crisis intervention during psychiatric/ behavioral emergencies including the application of de-escalation and restraint techniques as required.  
• Work closely with the program's Psychiatrist, IDT, and program staff to solicit and provide feedback and input.
• Participate in discharge planning and transition to the community, liaising with community provider clinicians, family, and staff, providing written treatment summary and recommendations.  
• Ensure that PBS/ DDS Regulatory requirements are met.
• Good communication skills and ability to work in a group/ Team setting.
• Good interviewing skills
• Although schedule will typically be days, able to work a flexible schedule dependent on the participant's needs if needed.    

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience and licensure to meet the requirements as a PBS Qualified Clinician:

1. Currently licensed in Massachusetts as a psychologist, an applied behavioral analyst, BCBA, or a LMHC,
2. Have at least 3 years of training, including post graduate work or formal training, and/ or experience in function based behavioral assessment and treatment
3. Have at least 3 years of clinical experience in the treatment of individuals with developmental disabilities.  

Certification in a DDS approved de-escalation and restraint curriculum.  

Schedule Information: 

Full-time – 40-hour weekly position 

Monday through Friday, 9:00 am to 5:30 pm

Days off – Saturday and Sunday

About the Department of Developmental Services: 

The mission of the Department of Developmental Services (DDS) is to create innovative and genuine opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities including Autism Spectrum Disorder to participate fully and contribute meaningfully to their communities as valued members. DDS serves over 43,000 vulnerable individuals throughout their lifetimes, providing a spectrum of day, employment, and residential supports. The agency directly oversees and manages $3 billion in public funds ($2.7B+ operating budget) and approximately 5,500 staff, the largest state employee workforce of any agency in the Massachusetts executive branch of government.

For more information about our agency and programs visit: www.mass.gov/dds

Pre-Hire Process:

Education and license/certification information provided by the selected candidate(s) is subject to the Massachusetts Public Record Law and may be published on the Commonwealth's website.

• Education, licensure, and certifications will be verified in accordance with the Human Resources Division's Hiring Guidelines.

Recommended candidates must successfully complete pre-employment screening which includes:

• Disabled Persons Protection Commission (DPPC) Abuse Registry Search:  https://www.mass.gov/info-details/dppc-abuser-registry
• Criminal background check (CORI) by regulations set forth by the Executive Office of Health and Human Services.  http://www.mass.gov/hhs/cori 
• National Background Checks, Chapter 234 of the Acts of 2014, conduct fingerprint-based check. https://www.mass.gov/lists/dds-fingerprint-background-checks
• Pre-Employment Physical (Hogan and Wrentham Developmental Centers Only)

As part of the hiring process, the Office of Human Resources will be verifying any college-level degrees conferred to the selected candidate. Additionally, any licensure required for the position will be verified. Information provided as part of the hiring process is subject to the Massachusetts Public Record Law and may be published on the Commonwealth’s website.  

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 ADA Reasonable Accommodation Online Request Form.

For help logging into/resetting your MassCareers profile, call the Employment Service Center at 617-979-8500 for assistance.

For questions regarding this requisition, please contact the Executive Office of Health and Human Services Human Resources at 1-800- 510-4122 Ext. #4.

ALL EMPLOYEES ARE PAID ON A BI-WEEKLY BASIS AND MUST HAVE DIRECT DEPOSIT.  

This is a Civil Service position.  If there is no Civil Service list for this title, employees appointed must take and pass the next Civil Service examination when administered.

Qualifications

First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days.

Minimum Entrance Requirements:

Applicants must have (A) Bachelor’s degree or higher with a major in psychology or related field and at least two years of full-time or equivalent part-time professional experience in the field of mental health, education, social work, social or human services administration, counseling, rehabilitation or psychological services or treatment or (B) a Master’s degree in psychology or related field and at least one year of full-time or equivalent part-time professional experience in the field of mental health, education, social work, social or human services administration, counseling, rehabilitation or psychological services or treatment.

Special Requirements:

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.