Psychology Technician

Neuropsychology Psychometrician/Psychology Technician

The primary purpose of the position is to provide administration and scoring of a wide range of specialized individually-administered neuropsychological and psychological tests to outpatients to help determine neurocognitive and psychiatric status. This role also includes documentation of accurate behavioral observations during testing which summarize patient contact and administrative activities related to Neuropsychology Consult Team operations, training, and research. The incumbent is responsible for the accuracy and validity of all obtained test results and interacts with veterans with a wide variety of complex medical, neurological, and psychiatric presentations. The work of the incumbent is critical for the delivery of efficient and quality patient care alongside education and research activities within Neuropsychology and Mental Health Service.

Clinical Services

• Provides services to patients with complex conditions, including severe neurological disorders (e.g., traumatic brain injury, vascular dementia, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, seizure disorder, multiple sclerosis, stroke, aphasia), multiple medical conditions (e.g., diabetes, sleep apnea, hypertension), and severe mental health conditions (e.g., bipolar disorder, PTSD, schizophrenia, other related diagnoses).
• Independently administers and scores neuropsychological assessments, including screening tools and comprehensive batteries of intelligence, attention, memory, language, visuospatial/constructional skills, and executive functions.
• Administers and scores emotional status, psychopathology, and personality measures for providers within and outside the Neuropsychology Consult team.
• Operates specialized equipment and computers for data entry, scoring, and analysis related to program evaluation and research.
• Communicates rationale for testing procedures to patients and/or significant others.
• Establishes effective rapport with patients using evidence-based motivational interviewing techniques and provides a non-threatening environment for optimal testing.
• Communicates sensitively and adapts assessment procedures for patients with disabilities, ensuring appropriate accommodations.
• Documents and provides both verbal and written observations of patient behavior during testing, noting atypical habits or relevant features.
• Completes timely and accurate documentation in the medical record following Mental Health Service policy.
• Presents patient data in an organized, legible format, including tabular or graphic displays when needed.

Program Operation, Training, and Research

• Oversees Neuropsychology caseload organization and referral scheduling to ensure timely assessments and prioritize urgent cases.
• Maintains patient data file security according to VA regulations.
• Manages inventory and purchasing of assessment materials for the Mental Health Service.
• Tracks loaned test equipment and patient files, ensuring their timely return and authorized release.
• Participates in quality assurance and improvement activities within Neuropsychology Clinic, Mental Health Service, and VA Medical Center.
• Acts as point of contact for patient scheduling, transportation, and accommodation requests for the Neuropsychology Consult Team.
• Assists in training psychology students, interns, fellows, and research technicians in proper assessment procedures and Mental Health policies.
• Implements research protocols, including obtaining informed consent, data collection, documentation, and entry into databases.
• Maintains integrity of research database in compliance with VA procedures.

Additional Duties

• Supports and adheres to all safety and fire prevention practices, promptly reporting incidents and unsafe conditions to clinical supervisor per policy.
• Reports accidents and notifies supervisor of unsafe or unhealthful workplace conditions.
• Adheres to professional and ethical standards outlined in medical center policy and APA Code of Ethics.
• Ensures protection of print and electronic files per laws and regulations.
• Attends required training sessions and participates in facility/service safety promotions as directed.
• Performs other related duties appropriate to grade and assignment.

Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00am - 4:30pm

Virtual: This is not a virtual position.

Position Description/PD#: Psychology Technician/ PDHA549-01198-A and PD01198A

Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized

Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized