Psychological Program Director I

Class Concept

Positions in this class either direct a comprehensive psychological program involving the adult or children services of an area mental health program; or direct a division of treatment services within a regional mental hospital or developmental center. Plans, directs and implements the program; submits clinical program plans and objectives to agency management team based on present and future requirements. Supervises legally and technically a small to medium number of psychologists (usually 8-20) and other staff who may be dispersed over a geographical area. Provides expert psychological diagnosis and treatment through consultation, supervision of complex problem cases, and direct service. Duties may also include applied research, program development, and professional development of staff. The greater portion of time is spent in the management functional areas.

Recruitment Requirements

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Thorough knowledge of behavior dynamics and the psychological principles applying to intelligence, aptitude, and personality assessment.
• Thorough knowledge of projective and objective psychological tests including those of a complex comprehensive nature and thorough knowledge of the principles of supportive and interpretive therapy and behavior modification.
• Thorough knowledge of the specialty areas of psychology needed to serve the agency's clients.
• Considerable knowledge of policy development and implementation and considerable knowledge of research design, techniques, and statistics.
• Considerable knowledge of state of the art, empirically validated treatment strategies for the client population.
• Skill in application and interpretation of tests; in directing the course of complex behavioral, supportive, and insight therapies.
• Ability to plan, direct, and coordinate a comprehensive and diversified program of psychological services.
• Ability to effectively interact with interdisciplinary and management teams
• Ability to establish, track and review Performance Improvement Criteria and communicate results to staff and other interested parties.
• Ability to communicate effectively in both oral and written form.

Minimum Education and Experience

Eligibility for licensure in North Carolina under the provisions of the NC Psychology Practice Act (G.S. 90270) and three years of post-doctoral psychological experience, one of which must have been in coordinating/supervising a psychological services program which included advance clinical treatment, consultation, training and research.