Psychometrist

Employment Type: Full time Shift: Day Shift Description: The Psychometrist works with Clinical Psychologists in the administration and scoring of psychological and neuropsychological testing. The psychometrist works with a wide range of patient populations, primarily in the outpatient setting, however, also administers testing on the inpatient psychiatric unit and in other acute care areas in the hospital as needed.

Reviews charts and gathers clinical information relevant to psychological assessments. Conducts brief, structured interviews with patients being tested. Assesses the patient’s motivation, behaviors, attention, frustration tolerance, and reflectivity throughout the assessment. Works with Clinical Psychologists to complete various aspects of the psychological evaluation process (gather data or medical information, preauthorize testing, administer tests, score tests, assess skill level and motivation).

Carries out department testing inventory and purchases, including purchase of testing materials. Performs other departmental tasks, at the direction of the Outpatient Behavioral Health Supervisor or the Behavioral Health Director, including participation in continuous process improvements efforts and projects to enhance patient care and department efficiency.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

A. Administers and scores a variety of psychological and neuropsychological tests which may include but is not limited to: Intellectual assessments: Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children, Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale, Test of Nonverbal Intelligence, and Kauffman Brief Intelligence Test Memory assessments: Wechsler Memory Scale, Children’s Memory Scale Executive functioning assessments: Stroop, Trail Making Test, Wisconsin Card Sorting Test Academic assessments: Woodcock-Johnson Tests of Academic Achievement, Grey Oral Reading Test, Comprehensive Test of Phonological Processing Adaptive Behavior Scales Personality assessments: Personality Assessment Inventory, Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory, Thematic Apperception Test B.

Assesses the patient’s reading level, level of motivation, and test taking behaviors. Then report information to the psychologist to assist with customizing tests for patients. C. Conducts brief structured interviews with patients being tested. D. Reviews charts and gathers information relevant to psychological assessments.

E. Explains various psychological testing procedures to the patient and family members. Also keeps in contact with family members regarding future appointments and test time remaining. F. Researches psychological test revisions and assists with in-service training of psychologists and psychology assistants on new procedures and normative data.

G. Assists in training of other staff in the Behavioral Health Department or other areas of the hospital. H. Participates in various capacities in Process Improvement activities. I. Remains alert to payment issues that might impact the assessment process. When necessary contacts managed care companies and other third party payors to obtain information about patient benefits and to obtain authorization for services.

J. Provides proper billing and coding information for insurance payments K. Maintains competencies by attending in-service and other training programs L. Provides competent patient care to the above indicated patient populations by obtaining and appropriately interpreting data, making appropriate decisions based on demonstrated knowledge of age-specific growth and development, and appropriately adapting procedures and treatments.

M. Follows test administration instructions to maintain reliability and validity for testing measures. N. Maintains required department confidentiality and abides by HIPAA regulations. O. Takes an active role in enhancing ability to carry out job functions through personal and professional/job-related growth and development, and participates in medical center and/or departmental education programs.

P. Communicates with and performs duties following the philosophy of MercyOne North Iowa Medical Center and the Sisters of Mercy reflecting the organization’s Mission, Values, and Guiding Behaviors. Q. Supports and abides by all medical center, departmental, and safety policies and procedures. Proactively identifies safety concerns surrounding the work environment.

R. Performs other responsibilities as requested by supervisor, manager or department head. ADDITIONAL FUNCTIONS A. Assumes responsibility for purchasing supplies for department B. Assists with maintaining departmental safety manual and assumes role of safety ambassador C. Assists with grant projects D. Assists with auditing of clinician documentation.

E. Assists with tracking of educational requirements and continuing education funds F. Assumes role as Kronos Super User. Edits time/attendance and creates schedules as needed. POSITION QUALIFICATIONS A.

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Psychology, Human Services, Social Work, or Nursing with course work in statistics, tests and measurements, abnormal behavior, development through the life span is required. A. Experience: One year of demonstrated competence in a health care setting is preferred, preferably with behavioral health patients.

Certification as a psychometrist preferred. B. Special Skills, Competencies, and Aptitudes Displays no deficits in socialization skills and can interact appropriately with staff and wide range of clientele under psychologically stressful conditions. Must be free of psychological/substance abuse impairments that adversely affect job performance.

Is willing to submit to formal, independent psychological evaluation if questions are raised in the above areas. Must be able to maintain strict confidentiality of all information regarding patients and their treatment. Must be able to maintain organization in a position with rapidly changing clinical and clerical demands.

Ability to adhere to Mercy Medical Center-North Iowa personnel policies as described in the Employee Handbook Our Commitment Rooted in our Mission and Core Values, we honor the dignity of every person and recognize the unique perspectives, experiences, and talents each colleague brings. By finding common ground and embracing our differences, we grow stronger together and deliver more compassionate, person-centered care.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local law.