Psychometrist

This position will individually interview and administer tasks to patients (adult, adolescent, and child) with a wide range of known or suspected psychiatric and neurological conditions using standardized testing procedures. This work requires proficiency with a wide range of testing techniques for neurological and psychiatric problems. This position must be able to differentiate and deal effectively with patients, medical school and legal personnel both within the community and hospital environment and outside the State of West Virginia. Must be able to adjust and schedule work according to the nature and priority of the referral.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

EDUCATION, CERTIFICATION, AND/OR LICENSURE:

1. Bachelor's degree.

2. State criminal background check and Federal (if applicable), as required for regulated areas.

EXPERIENCE:

1. One (1) year of experience in a mental health center, medical center, psychological service, an internship in psychological test administration or general customer service.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

EXPERIENCE:

1. Specific training in administration of psychometric and personality assessment devices.

CORE DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: The statements described here are intended to describe the general nature of work being performed by people assigned to this position. They are not intended to be constructed as an all-inclusive list of all responsibilities and duties. Other duties may be assigned.

1. Interviews and administers tests to patients with a wide range of known or suspected psychiatric and neurological conditions.

2. Alters approach according to the special needs of each patient in order to ensure that the patient’s test results represent the best performances of which that patient is capable.

3. Administers and scores a large number of individual tests and batteries of tests.

4. Maintains awareness of deficits demonstrated by each patient and ensures that, whenever possible, tests of other abilities are presented in such a way that “irrelevant” deficits do not interfere with the patient’s performance.

5. Uses manuals to score many of the results.

6. Converts raw scores into standard scores for certain tests.

7. Computes a summary index of the number of impaired performances for the neuropsychological test battery using an algebraic formula.

8. Reviews all test materials for errors in administering, recording and scoring and makes corrections if necessary.

9. Compiles test data and scores test for interpretation in a timely manner.

10. Assumes responsibility for the day-to-day operations.

11. Performs billing and maintains a record-keeping and complex data retrieval system.

12. Maintains inventory of all testing materials and supplies.

13. Works with department secretary to schedule incoming referrals from all inpatient and outpatient referral sources.

14. Maintains psychological testing files as necessary.

15. Responds to correspondence requesting reprints, research and copies of psychological reports according to hospital confidentiality requirements.

16. Coordinates collection and collation of data for research projects when necessary.

17. Learns to administer and score new tests when necessary.

18. Establishes an effective learning environment for psychology interns during their rotation with the assessment service, which includes appropriate training and supervision as deemed necessary by the director of the service. This also includes Psychiatry residents and Social Work interns.

19. Maintain patient confidentiality at all times, during work hours and outside the work environment.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

1. Frequent walking, standing, stooping, kneeling, reaching, pushing, pulling, lifting, grasping are necessary body movements utilized in performing duties through the work shift.

2. Ability to sit for extended periods of time.

3. When working on inpatient units, must be able and willing to participate in physical restraint of patient if needed.

4. Ability to cope with high levels of stress that come with dealing with impaired patient populations.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

1. The work environment includes time in the office at Chestnut Ridge Center as well as walking around interacting with patients and staff of Chestnut Ridge Center.

2. The examiner may be on a one-to-one basis in a closed testing environment where patients may become hostile or uncooperative and may even attempt to leave the testing situation.

3. The Psychometrist may be exposed to high levels of stress due to working with psychologically impaired patients.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

1. This position requires a high degree of interpersonal and communication skills with patients, faculty, staff, and outside referral sources and contacts.