Clinical Psychologist, Developmental Disabilities Mental Health Services

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As a member of a multidisciplinary mental health services team and reporting to the Manager, Clinical Operations, the Psychologist is in charge of psychological services for the Developmental Disabilities Mental Health (DDMH) program and is responsible for the provision of a full range of psychological services for Developmental Disabilities Mental Health Services. Provides expertise including assessment, diagnosis, intervention and evaluation in conjunction with team members and existing community care networks. The Psychologist assists psychiatrists and other clinical staff with the planning and delivery of treatment services for adults and youth with challenging behavior and/or psychiatric illness with a co-occurring intellectual disability. The psychologist also contributes to continuous quality improvement, program evaluation, client outcome research, staff education, and supervision of students.

1. In charge of psychological services for the assigned program, coordinates the development, management and provision of psychology services through methods such as analyzing treatment needs and establishing and maintaining policies, procedures and guidelines.


2. Participates in ongoing development and provision of evidence-based services for adults and youth with challenging behaviour and/or psychiatric illness with a co-occurring intellectual disability, using a variety of evidence-based intervention approaches.


3. Acts as a senior non-medical therapist to assist with complex issues; provides formal and informal consultation to multidisciplinary team members, other health care providers, students and community care partners pertaining to client needs, progress and providing guidance in the provision of services for a client and information regarding the appropriate usage of psychology assessment and testing tools to facilitate ongoing staff development and effective provision of services for team clients.


4. Offers consultation to colleagues on assessment and treatment issues, which may involve a direct consultation as with a formal assessment, co-therapy, or a discussion with colleagues over concerns regarding a particular client to provide assessment and treatment recommendations.


5. Conducts assessments through a variety of modalities including interviewing, behavioural, observation, self-report inventories and psychologist administered test batteries.


6. Provides a comprehensive oral and/or written assessment of client functioning including but not limited to specific information on any of the following areas: intellectual, neuropsychological, emotional, personality, psychopathology, interests and aptitudes.


7. Designs and implements individual and group behavioural and psychological interventions for clients and their families and care network where appropriate.


8. Provides education to the multidisciplinary team and for community partners as required to support development and delivery of effective services for clients with challenging behaviours and/or psychiatric illness with a co-occurring intellectual disability.


9. Initiates and engages in program/practice evaluation in consultation with the Manager by identifying opportunities for change, assessing available resources, initiating solutions, analyzing outcomes and identifying areas for improved efficiency and effectiveness in service delivery to enhance patient care for services and reduce service gaps in the community.


10. Produces and maintains confidential client clinical records in accordance with established standards and procedures. Writes timely and accurate reports of completed assessments, relevant observations, clinical progress and evaluation of care to ensure continuity of communication and full client documentation.


11. Maintains related reports, records, and statistical data, in accordance with established standards and procedures.


12. In cooperation with mental health & substance use and developmental disability services partners, monitors and evaluates the effectiveness, appropriateness and adequacy of programs, services and policies to support the development of evidence-based clinical guidelines and pathways.


13. Participates in ongoing clinical research to keep program content current and relevant, and provides education to team members in this regard. Prepares and presents reports and proposals that support clinical practice, research, and evaluation.


14. Maintains broad development in the profession by methods such as reviewing literature regarding services for individuals with challenging behaviours and /or psychiatric illness with a co-occurring developmental disability, consulting with clinical and research experts within the field, evaluating clinical practice and participating in professional development activities in order to improve care through new practices.


15. Supervises students from the field of psychology on Master or Doctoral level.


16. Acquires and maintains appropriate testing and clinical materials.


17. Performs other related duties, as assigned.

Education and Experience

Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from a University or school recognized by the College of Psychologists of British Columbia (CPBC). Current registration with the College of Psychologists of British Columbia (CPBC).

Three years of direct clinical experience working with individuals with intellectual disabilities, including one (1) year working with individuals with co-occurring mental illness, or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.

Valid Class V BC Driver's license and possession of personal vehicle with appropriate business insurance coverage.

Skills and Abilities

• Ability to be in charge of a psychology service.


• Knowledge of current DSM with specific knowledge of mental illness as it presents in people with intellectual disabilities.


• Demonstrated knowledge of developmental theories, family and social dynamics, treatment and behaviour management modalities and psychological testing and interpretation.


• Comprehensive knowledge of assessment and diagnosis of mental illness and of clinical practice guidelines for the treatment of various disorders.


• Demonstrated knowledge and clinical skills in the development and provision of individual and group psychotherapeutic interventions suitable for people living with intellectual disabilities.


• Demonstrated skills in psycho-diagnostic testing, behavioural assessment and in implementing behavioural and psychological treatment programs.


• Knowledge of treatment issues relating to challenging behaviour and/or mental illness co-occurring with intellectual disability.


• Ability to prepare written assessments and provide treatment recommendations.


• Demonstrated knowledge of relevant legislation.


• Demonstrated ability to design, implement and participate in evaluation of programs.


• Ability to plan, organize and prioritize work.


• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.


• Ability to work effectively with others including ability to work in a team and client-focused environment.


• Ability to keep abreast of technological developments in the field to ensure high standards of client care.


• Demonstrated knowledge of Code of Conduct, By-laws and other legislative documents issued by the College of Psychologists of British Columbia.


• Ability to operate related equipment, including computer software.


• Physical and mental ability to carry out the duties of the position.