The Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD) is the state agency that focuses solely on policies, programs, and services for people with mental health challenges, substance use disorders, intellectual and developmental disabilities, or any combination of these. As Georgia’s public safety net, DBHDD operates six field offices and five hospitals throughout the state within three program areas: behavioral health, developmental disabilities and hospital services.

The main office for DBHDD is located in downtown Atlanta.

Job Title:  Psychologist (Intake & Evaluation) - Hourly - Region 2 – Augusta, GA

*The selected candidate can work from home for document review, report writing, and development of trainings.  While the position is primarily work from home, travel is required to conduct evaluations.  Equipment and supplies are provided, and the selected candidate will be reimbursed for mileage and reasonable travel expenses.  Direct bill for car rental/motel available.  All test equipment and supplies provided.  Laptop and cell phone provided.  This is hourly paid work performing professional health care services.  The selected candidate will not be required to live in Athens or Augusta.   The position serves the Augusta/Athens/Macon/Milledgeville area, ~ it's about 20% local travel .

Job Description

The psychologist is required to review documentation to determine eligibility for Intellectual/Developmental Disability waiver services with a records review consult report and 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

• Compiles background information from referral sources, family, and the applicant, as well as from document reviews.
• Appropriately administers, scores, interprets, tests, and uses appropriate 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 as well as legal and department requirements.
• Consults reference material such as textbooks, manuals, and journals in order to identify symptoms and behaviors to make diagnoses.

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 to write clear, concise reports.

Qualifications-External

License to practice psychology in Georgia.  License may be temporary, provisional, or permanent.  For temporary or provisional license, these must become permanent within the time frames designated by the rules of the Georgia Psychology Board of Examiners.

Preferred Qualifications

* Documented specialization in ID/DD psychology a plus .

* At least two years' prior experience conducting evaluations for the purpose of diagnosing intellectual disability, autism, or other closely related developmental disabilities, inpatient or outpatient.

* Strong psychological testing skills related to the assessment of intellectual and adaptive behavior functioning.

* Excellent communication skills.

Employment Requirements 
To ensure the safety and wellbeing of our employees, individuals and communities we serve, certain positions within DBHDD may require evaluations, vaccinations, professional licensure and certifications. Licenses must be current and enable providers to practice within the State of Georgia. 

The following are a listing of evaluations and vaccinations that may be required for employees, including those not involved with direct care: 

-    Drug Screening
-    TB Evaluation
-    Annual Influenza*

*Limited exemptions may be made for documented medical contraindications or religious beliefs that object to vaccinations.

DBHDD is an Equal Opportunity Employer 
It is the policy of DBHDD to provide equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other  characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. 

Due to the volume of applications received, we are unable to provide information on application status by phone or e-mail. All qualified applicants will be considered but may not necessarily receive an interview. Selected applicants will be contacted by the hiring agency for next steps in the selection process. 

This position is subject to close at any time once a satisfactory applicant pool has been identified. 

When applying for this position, you will be asked if you meet the minimum qualifications for this position as stated below and may possibly be presented with additional questions to assess preferred qualifications. Preference will be given to applicants who meet one or more of the preferred qualifications and have demonstrated relevant experience clearly indicated in their work history. 

FOR THIS TYPE OF EMPLOYMENT, STATE LAW REQUIRES A NATIONAL AND STATE BACKGROUND CHECK AS A CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT. 

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