PSYCHOLOGIST IV

4170D1

Pay Grade:  34

DEFINITION OF WORK

Summary

This is professional and administrative work in directing managing or leading a psychology unit or program. Work involves developing and administering the total psychology program for the agency and includes the supervision of lower-level psychology. directing all phases of a comprehensive unit or specialty program of psychological services, and may include the supervision of program staff.

Supervision Received - LEVEL E: "Under administrative direction…" At this level, employees are free to plan, develop and organize all phases of the work necessary for its completion within program guidance. Generally, they can develop and utilize any procedures and methods which do not conflict with major policies. Supervision is generally exercised over them through staff conference-type discussions and a review of progress reports.

Difficulty - LEVEL C: Considerable… Duties which require a high degree of concentration because of the many factors which must be considered and weighed before a decision can be reached. Usually positions that require planning, developing, and coordinating programs and directing fairly large groups of people fall into this category.

Complexity - LEVEL E: Work is of a highly diverse and/or complex nature characterized by a broad range of activities and frequently changing conditions, situations and problems. Considerable analytical thought is necessary for interpreting a variety of factors, problems and alternatives for methods and procedures. Work requires the origination of ideas, techniques and programs for solving technical problems or complicated situations. Workers at this level exercise a high degree of responsibility for independent judgment and may participate in major program changes or policy decisions. Work may be reviewed by occasional conferences or reports to superiors. When guidelines exist at this level, they are normally characterized by regulations, policies or complex technical manuals.

Consequence of Actions or Decisions - LEVEL E: Consequences of actions or decisions at this level are highly significant. Work is rarely if ever reviewed. Errors may result in serious disruption in the operation of a major agency.

Contacts - LEVEL D: The purpose of the contact is to justify, defend, negotiate, persuade or interrogate to settle matters, maintain good will, gain cooperation or reach compromises when the information is controversial or the individuals or groups have strong differences of opinions or diverse viewpoints. Extensive use of communication techniques and well developed communication skills are required for dealing with others.

Physical Demands - LEVEL A: The work is predominantly sedentary and requires minimal or negligible physical exertion. The employee is normally seated; however, the nature of the work allows for periods of standing or walking at will.

Environmental Conditions - LEVEL B: The work environment involves moderate hazards, risks or discomforts. Exposure to minor deviations from pleasant environmental conditions is normal. Minor to serious injuries are possible.

Supervision/Leadership - LEVEL E: Involves scheduling, supervising and evaluating work as a "manager" of first line supervisors or as a "first line supervisor" of workers who perform distinct and separate blocks of work generally related as to purpose but requiring different processes and methods. Responsible for hiring and disciplinary actions which may or may not require the approval of a higher level of authority.

Distinguishing Features

Differs from the Psychologist III class, which is advanced professional work providing a full range of psychological services at a highly complex or specialized level.

EXAMPLES OF WORK PERFORMED

Develops and directs all phases of a comprehensive unit or specialty program of psychological services; monitors the program to ensure that standards are maintained and that work is of a high quality; prepares program progress reports and other management reports.

Responsible for administration and development of a clinical specialty program.

Coordinates the psychology programs with other disciplines and integrates new policies and procedures with existing programs; assists in the development of agency-wide policies and procedures.

Supervises the work of lower level professional psychologists program staff, some of whom may function as supervising psychologists. May include providing professional psychological supervision to psychologists seeking registration or licensure with the state of Kansas.

Directs the evaluation of treatment programs; authorizes changes in policies or procedures to improve treatment services.

Directs and participates in the recruitment and selection of psychologists, and other clinical staff.

*Knowledge of the principles and practices of psychology including testing, diagnostic evaluation, and treatment.

*Knowledge of the application of psychological principles to individual and group behavior.

*Knowledge of mental illness, behavior problems, or developmental disabilities and the associated symptoms, treatment, and social implications.

*Knowledge of the principles and methods of psychological research and experimental design.

*Knowledge of current trends and practices in the area of specialization.

*Knowledge of the principles and practices of administration and supervision.

Abilities

*Ability to plan, develop, organize, and implement a comprehensive program of psychological services.

*Ability to evaluate the effectiveness of treatment programs.

*Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.

*Ability to supervise.

*Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.

*Ability to complete clear, concise and accurate reports.

*Necessary at Entry

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

Doctoral degree in psychology and independent work experience in psychological treatment and leadership ability at the supervisory level.

Some positions in this class may require a license, or temporary permit to practice as a psychologist in the State of Kansas at the time of appointment.

NC:  06/94
REV: 12/95
REV: 07/96
REV: 11/96
REV: 10/98
REV: 02/00
REV: 09/03