MEDICAL CONSULTANT PSYCHOLOGIST

Definition

Under the direction of an administrator in the Department of Labor and Workforce Development, Division of Disability Determination Services, reviews, evaluates and interprets, medical information regarding psychological and mental impairments provided in Social Security Disability and SSI Disability claims; does other related duties as required.

Examples of work

• Reviews disability applications; evaluates medical evidence in support of alleged psychological and mental impairments; determines eligibility for benefits based on social security laws and guidelines
• Assesses the severity of psychological impairments and the impact the impairments have on the ability to function mentally as related to the ability to work. Provide, as needed and in accordance with SSA policy and procedures, statements regarding a claimant's residual level of functioning
• Reviews and verifies claimant records and medical history
• Interprets medical terminology and application of medical evidence in the determination process regarding psychological functionally
• Reviews and signs, as appropriate and as required by Federal regulations, completed disability determinations (SSA-831, SSA-833, SSA-834) in situations when a mental impairment is the only impairment in the claim
• Completes all required forms, summarizes findings, and returns the claim to the adjudicator for further processing
• Obtains, when necessary, additional medical information via telephone contact with a treating or consulting medical resource
• Submits completed case reviews to a disability examiner; provides consultation
• Prepares psychological, psychosocial, statistical and other reports containing findings, conclusions and recommendations
• Maintains essential records and files
• Will be required to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.

License

A valid license to practice psychology in the State of New Jersey and as established in CFR 404.1616(e) which states;

A psychological consultant used in cases where there is evidence of a mental impairment must be a qualified psychologist. For disability program purposes, a psychologist will not be considered qualified unless he or she;

(1) Is licensed or certified as a psychologist at the independent practice level of psychology by the State in which he or she practices; and

(2)(i) Possesses a doctorate degree in psychology from a program in clinical psychology of an educational institution accredited by an organization recognized by the Council on Post-Secondary Accreditation; or

(2)(ii) Is listed in a national register of health service providers in psychology which the Commissioner of Social Security deems appropriate; and

(3) Possesses 2 years of supervised clinical experience as a psychologist in health service, at least 1 year of which is post master's degree.

Appointees will be required to possess a driver's license valid in New Jersey only if the operation of a vehicle, rather than employee mobility, is necessary to perform the essential duties of the position.

Knowledge, skills and abilities

• Knowledge of the theory and practice of psychology
• Knowledge of medical terminology
• Ability to review and interpret medical information
• Ability to identify behavioral or emotional patterns
• Ability to collect materials for and prepare clear, accurate, and informative psychological, statistical, and other reports, containing findings, conclusions, and recommendations
• Ability to draft correspondence
• Ability to assist in the establishment and maintenance of the essential psychology records, studies, and files
• Ability to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office or, related units
• Ability to read, write, speak, understand, or communicate in English sufficiently to perform the duties of this position. American Sign Language or Braille may also be considered as acceptable forms of communication
• Persons with mental or physical disabilities are eligible as long as they can perform essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation. If the accommodation cannot be made because it would cause the employer undue hardship, such persons may not be eligible.

Note

The examples of work for this title are for illustrative purposes only. A particular position using this title may not perform all duties listed in this job specification. Conversely, all duties performed on the job may not be listed.