Psychological Assistant/Psychologist

Essential functions are fundamental, core functions common to all positions in the class series and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all job duties for any one position in the class. Since class specifications are descriptive and not restrictive, incumbents can complete job duties of similar kind not specifically listed here.

Psychological Assistant

• Interviews clients; administers, scores and interprets results of standard and complex psychological and vocational tests. Participates in making diagnoses; plans program of treatment and gives individual and group therapy to person with minor through major disorder.
• Confers with others such as staff, state and private agencies, community service agencies, courts, schools, police and families.
• Writes reports and may assist in program development.
• May provide individual services where needed including making home visits.
• May direct the work of lower level personnel.
• May work in a psychiatric emergency setting on a temporary or fulltime basis.
• May perform functions which include responsibility for a program area.
• May testify as an expert witness in court.

Psychologist

• Selects, administers, scores and interprets a wide variety of psychological tests to measure and evaluate intelligence, achievement, personality, interests and other mental characteristics.
• Interviews and observes individuals at play, in group interactions, or other situations to detect indications of mental deficiency, abnormal behavior, or maladjustment.
• Communicates with public, private and state agencies, community service organizations, courts, schools, police and families in order to develop effective treatment strategies.
• Analyzes information to assess individual problems.
• Evaluates the relevance and importance of psychological theories, concepts and principles.
• Identifies symptoms, makes diagnoses and develops approach to treatment.
• Develops and implements treatment plans, evaluates effectiveness and adapts plans.
• Engages individuals in assisting in the identification of their emotional problems and in the identification of a variety of interventions to assist in addressing these issues.
• Provides psychotherapy and other various treatments to individuals, groups and/or families.
• Conducts psychological practice according to the ethical standards of psychology.
• Writes progress notes and reports regarding test interpretation, evaluation and individual progress.