The Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD) serves people of all ages who have intellectual disability or defined closely related developmental disabilities (such as autism, cerebral palsy, and seizure disorder), and those with additional dual diagnoses (ID and other psychiatric disorders).
The main office for DBHDD is located in downtown Atlanta. DBHDD has regional offices throughout the state, including five regional hospitals. This position is in Region 1 Field Office operating out of Cummings, GA. The counties covered by Region 1 are: Banks, Bartow, Catoosa, Chattooga, Cherokee, Cobb, Dade, Dawson, Douglas, Fannin, Floyd, Forsyth, Franklin, Gilmer, Gordon, Habersham, Hall, Haralson, Hart, Lumpkin, Murray, Paulding, Pickens, Polk, Rabun, Stephens, Towns, Union, Walker, White, and Whitfield. The selected candidate will be expected to work 25 to 29 hours per week and travel approximately 25% of the time to points in this area as needed to conduct evaluations, and testing when needed but can work from home for document review and written reports. They are not required to live in Cummings, GA as long as they are within a reasonable proximity of the required work load.
Job Description
The psychologist is required to either review documentation to determine eligibility for Intellectual/Developmental Disability waiver services with a records review consult or to conduct evaluations, testing when needed to write a psychological evaluation report. Consultation or evaluation reports must explain and justify eligibility findings according to DBHDD report format protocols.
Job Responsibilities & Performance Standards
Consults reference material such as textbooks, manuals, and journals in order to identify symptoms and behaviors to make diagnoses.
Compiles background information from referral sources, family and the applicant.
Administers, scores, interprets, tests and methods to diagnose intellectual disability and the defined closely related developmental disabilities.
Conducts comprehensive clinical interviews.
Properly diagnoses the type and severity of the applicant's clinical diagnoses based on accurate assessment of the presenting symptoms and problems.
Recommends decisions of diagnostic eligibility for I/DD services.
Documents psychological assessment results and treatment recommendations according to accepted practices and legal and department requirements.
Technical Competencies
- Knowledge of the standards, practices, and methods in applied psychology.
- Knowledge of current developments and trends in the field of psychology.
- Knowledge of psychological tests, tools, and techniques.
- Ability to administer, score, and interpret psychological tests.
- Ability to interpret statistical measures, to prepare statistical charts and graphs, and write clear, concise reports.
Doctorate degree in clinical or counseling psychology from an American Psychological Association (APA) accredited college or university AND current Georgia license to practice psychology AND One year of experience at the lower level Psychologist 1 (HCP140) or equivalent. Note: License may be temporary, provisional, or permanent.
