Psychology Technician - Neuropsychology

Summary

The Primary Purpose of the Position is referred to organizationally as the neuropsychology psychometrician/psychology technician. This position involves a practical understanding of many of the principles, methods and techniques of psychology. The Organizational Location of the Position is assigned to the Neuropsychology Consult Team, Behavioral Health Team, Mental Health Service, VA North Texas Health Care System (VANTHCS), Dallas, TX.

Duties

• The incumbent of this position will provide: (1) administration and scoring of a wide range of specialized individually-administered neuropsychological and psychological tests to outpatients to help determine neurocognitive and psychiatric status; (2) documentation of accurate behavioral observations during testing which summarize patient contact; (3) 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. MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 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, Huntington's, seizure disorder, multiple sclerosis, stroke, aphasia) Multiple medical conditions (e.g., diabetes, sleep apnea, hypertension) 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 - Neuropsychology/PD01198A Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized

Requirements

You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job To be considered for this position, you must complete all required steps in the process. In addition to the application and questionnaire, this position requires an online assessment. The online assessment measures critical general competencies required to perform the job. Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959 Physical Requirements: The work required does not inherently include any physical requirements essential for successful job performance that could not otherwise be performed with accommodation or workplace adjustment. A pre-placement physical examination is not required. Subject to background/security investigation Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued identification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment. Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP) As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period or 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider: your performance and conduct; the needs and interests of the agency; whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service. Upon completion of your probationary period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.

Education

A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education. Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/. NOTE: If your school has changed names, or is no longer in existence, you must provide this information in your application.