4168D1

Pay Grade: 30

DEFINITION OF WORK 

Summary

This is full performance work involving a range of direct psychological services including assessment, consultation, treatment, research, and training.

Standard Classification Factors

Supervision Received - LEVEL C: "Under direction…" Employees at this level usually receive a general outline of the work to be performed and are generally free to develop their own sequences and methods within the scope of established policies. New, unusual, or complex work situations are almost always referred to a superior for advice. Work is periodically checked for progress and conformance to established policies and requirements.

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 D: Work is of a diversified nature that usually involves multiple unrelated steps. Analytical thought is necessary for dealing with complex data and situations. Work often involves a variety of unrelated processes and may require planning or carrying out a sequence of actions or both. Several alternatives usually exist at this level for approaching problems or situations. Workers at this level exercise a considerable amount of independent judgment. Work is controlled by occasional review and by reporting to or consultation with supervisors or superiors. When guidelines exist at this level, they are usually broadly defined or technical requiring careful analysis and interpretation.

Consequence of Actions or Decisions - LEVEL D: Consequences of actions or decisions at this level are significant as the work may be rarely if ever reviewed, making errors difficult to detect. Errors may cause major program failure or a high degree of confusion. Injuries to others due to errors are serious or incapacitating or both and costs due to errors are substantial.

Contacts - LEVEL C: The purpose of the contact is to influence, motivate, conduct interviews, make formal presentations or counsel to achieve common understanding or solutions to problems when the information is sensitive in nature or the individuals or groups are skeptical or uncooperative. Communication techniques and well developed communication skills become an important requirement at this level.

Physical Demands - LEVEL C: The work requires moderate physical exertion.

Environmental Conditions - LEVEL C: The work environment involves hazards, risks or discomforts typical of working with or around machinery with exposed moving parts, irritant chemicals, heavy equipment or abusive or hostile clientele and patients. Exposure to disagreeable weather conditions and extreme levels of temperature, ventilation, lighting and sound are normal. Protective clothing or gear and specific safety standards or procedures may be required. Serious injury is possible.

Supervision/Leadership - - LEVEL A: No supervisory or leadership responsibility; may explain work instructions or assist in training others.

Distinguishing Features

Differs from the Psychologist I class which involves performing a more limited range of professional psychological work.

Differs from the Psychologist III class which involves managing highly complex or specialized treatments or assessments, or may supervise program staff.  

EXAMPLES OF WORK PERFORMED

Completes an assessment of offenders, clients, or inmates through the use of various psychometric devices and clinical interview procedures.

Presents findings in staff conferences and recommends appropriate therapeutic interventions.

Provides group and individual therapy to offenders, clients, or inmates and their families; discusses condition and prognosis with relatives; provides counseling for plans and care after release.

Testifies in court in order to provide psychological information in civil commitment and forensic evaluation proceedings.

Makes recommendations concerning placement and release of offenders, clients, or inmates.

Participates in the evaluation of treatment programs; develops and/or modifies procedures and techniques to improve treatment services.

Performs consultative, coordinative, and advisory duties; may direct a research project; may oversee work of psychology interns or other treatment staff.

Develops and conducts staff training and development programs for agency personnel.

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

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

*Knowledge of and ability to implement individual, group, and family therapy techniques.

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

*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.

Abilities

*Ability to establish and maintain effective therapeutic relationships with clients, students, or inmates.

*Ability to administer, score, interpret, and evaluate the data from various psychological tests and to make appropriate treatment recommendations.

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

*Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.

*Necessary at Entry

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

Eligible for registration or licensure to practice psychology in the State of Kansas.

Necessary Special Requirements:

Positions at Mental Health Facilities require licensure at time of hire.  Some positions require an approved drug test unless the incumbent is moving from one safety-sensitive position to another safety-sensitive position within the same agency performing substantially similar duties.

NC: 06/94
REV: 12/95
REV: 11/96
REV: 10/98
REV: 02/00
REV: 09/03
REV: 08/05
REV: 08/10