Associate Psychologist (NY HELPS)

About the role

The Associate Psychologist reports to the CMSO Regional Supervisor and BBHS Chief of Treatment Services and provides clinical case management services to youth and their families or caregivers. The CMSO clinician plays a critical role as a member of the youth’s support team. As such, the clinician works to assist the team in understanding youth holistically; conceptualizing those behaviors directly related to the youth’s placement in the context of familial, community, cultural and developmental experiences. The clinician continually assesses and draws upon the strengths and assets of youth and their caregivers to facilitate insight, cognitive, behavioral, emotional, and spiritual growth/wellness.

Responsibilities

• Serve as an active member of a multidisciplinary team; attend meetings, present clinical information and observations, provide consultation and assistance to staff in other disciplines; coordinate the care and treatment planning of individuals served by the team.
• While the CMSO Clinician primarily engages in clinical case management, the practitioner might be called on to conduct clinical assessments using standardized instruments and evaluation protocols; develop person-centered and goal-oriented treatment plans.
• Where indicated, recommend a higher level of care and complete referrals for specialized services.
• While the CMSO Clinician primarily engages in Clinical case management, the practitioner might be called on to provide direct mental health counseling and psychotherapy to individuals and families, including using tele‑health technologies.
• Conduct risk assessments and provide crisis intervention when indicated.
• Document and maintain youth records, including contact notes, treatment plans, assessments, clinical recommendations, and collateral contacts, in accordance with state regulations and DJJOY policies.
• Collaborate with other clinical and community staff to develop and support discharge and aftercare service plans.
• The CMSO clinician might be called upon to assist facility clinicians with identifying community providers and scheduling appointments for continuity of care services for youth coming out of OCFS facilities.

Qualifications

• One year of permanent competitive or 55b/c service in this title or in a title eligible for 70.1 transfer.
• Earned doctoral degree in a field of psychology.
• Either a one‑year, full‑time clinical internship or traineeship; OR one year of psychology experience in a clinical setting under the supervision of a Licensed Psychologist.
• This title is part of the New York Hiring for Emergency Limited Placement Statewide Program (NY HELPS).

Requirements

• Telecommuting is available for this position, however, it is at the sole discretion of the assigned supervisor and the Office of Community Partnerships when a candidate may be considered. Telecommuting applications will be reviewed and approved on a case‑by‑case basis in accordance with the OCFS Telecommuting Pilot Program Policy.
• For the duration of the NY HELPS Program, this title may be filled via a non‑competitive appointment, which means no examination is required but all candidates must meet the minimum qualifications of the title for which they apply. At a future date (within one year of permanent appointment), it is expected employees hired under NY HELPS will have their non‑competitive employment status converted to competitive status, without having to compete in an examination. Employees will then be afforded with all of the same rights and privileges of competitive class employees of New York State. While serving permanently in a NY HELPS title, employees may take part in any promotion examination for which they are qualified.
• Background Investigation Requirements: All prospective employees will be investigated through a Criminal Background