Job Specification Details

Psychometric testing and coordination for the Department of Health involving the diagnosis of complex developmental conditions and special needs of children referred to child development and other CSHN clinics. Duties include administration and interpretation of standardized tests, participation as a member of an interdisciplinary team, and consultation to educators and primary care physicians. Duties are performed under the general direction of an administrative superior. All employees of the Agency of Human Services perform their respective functions adhering to four key practices: customer service, holistic service, strengths-based relationships and results orientation.

Provides psychometric assessments for children referred to child development and other Children with Special Health Needs (CSHN) clinics for a variety of neuro-developmental diagnostic questions. Testing includes review of medical and educational records, determination of appropriate testing tools, assessment of cognitive levels, and scoring of test results. Where required, utilizes non-standard tools and informal interactional methods to conduct assessments. Translates observations into meaningful data to assist the interdisciplinary team in determining a child's strengths, needs, prognosis, and appropriate intervention strategies. Consults with parents, educators, physicians, social workers, and others regarding test results and appropriate methods of providing assistance to individual children. Serves as clinic liaison with schools and essential early education programs throughout the State. Serves as a resource person to educational, medical and other professional groups regarding psychometric assessment techniques, their strengths and limitations, and their use in developing total care plans for children. Prepares a variety of client and program reports. Performs related duties as required.

Duties are performed largely in an office setting and at clinics throughout the State. Interaction with both staff and clients may be on a one-to-one or group basis. Private means of transportation must be available. Need for performance of duties outside of regular duty hours may occur.

Considerable knowledge of psychometric testing and assessment techniques.

Considerable knowledge of emotional and psychological difficulties affecting adults and children.

Working knowledge of intervention strategies for children with special health needs.

Working knowledge of interviewing techniques.

Ability to make proper behavioral observations in either a one-to-one or a group setting.

Ability to make sound judgments and recommendations based on information gathered through testing and observations.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the families of children with special health needs.

Ability to work effectively as a member of an interdisciplinary team.

Ability to prepare a variety of written and oral reports of testing procedures, results and recommendations.

Ability to perform job duties within the framework of the four key practices of the Agency of Human Services: customer service, holistic service, strengths-based relationships and results orientation.

Education: Ph.D. in psychology, preferably including specialized training in the testing of young children.

Experience: None.



OR

Education: Master's degree in psychology, preferably including specialized training in the testing of young children.

Experience: One year professional level experience in diagnostic cognitive testing of children.

Candidates must pass any level of background investigation applicable to the position. In accordance with AHS Policy 4.02, Hiring Standards, Vermont and/or national criminal record checks, as well as DMV and adult and child abuse registry checks, as appropriate to the position under recruitment, will be conducted on candidates, with the exception of those who are current classified state employees seeking transfer, promotion or demotion into an AHS classified position or are persons exercising re-employment (RIF) rights.