Vocational Psychologist
California State Personnel Board Specification
Schematic Code: XM40
Class Code: 9853
Established: 08/09/1957
Revised: 10/09/1980
Title Changed: --
Definition
Under general direction, to conduct a psychological testing program in an office of the Department of Rehabilitation; to administer, score, and interpret various psychological tests; and to do other related work.
Typical Tasks
Administers, scores, and interprets the results of intelligence, aptitude, interest, achievement, personality, and other standardized and clinical tests, including projective techniques; advises the vocational rehabilitation counselors in the selection of tests and in their interpretation; recommends new tests satisfactory for department use; recommends appropriate fees for testing; trains and supervises clerical personnel in branch and district offices in the administration of scoring of standardized tests; in conference with the medical and psychiatric consultants, supervisor, and counselor, recommends tests which will help understand the problems of the client; brings to the attention of the medical consultant or psychiatric consultant indications of possible organic disturbances; represents the Department to persons engaged in the field of psychology, to agencies providing psychological services, and to professional psychological groups; develops qualified psychological facilities for testing more difficult cases where Department facilities are inadequate; reviews qualifications and recommends psychologists to provide special psychological services; reviews test results and reports of contract psychologists and others who provide specialized services; participates in staff training; develops test batteries for special disability groups such as the blind, deaf, and cerebral palsied; participates in the planning and organization of research in the area of psychological testing as it relates to vocational rehabilitation counseling; provides psychological testing services or psychological evaluation of clients in special demonstration projects; maintains a test catalog file and inventory of test materials; orders test supplies; dictates correspondence and prepares reports.
Minimum Qualifications
Experience: Two years of experience in the administration and interpretation of a wide variety of group and individual psychological tests, including those employing projective techniques. and
Education: Equivalent to possession of a master's degree from a recognized college or university with major work in psychology.
Knowledge and Abilities
Knowledge of: Psychological measurements and projective tests; principles of statistics as applied to tests and measurements; principles and practices of counseling; vocational guidance and occupational placement; basic medical and psychiatric conditions which are vocational handicaps; Department's Affirmative Action Program objectives; a manager's role in the Affirmative Action Program and the processes available to meet affirmative action objectives.
Ability to: Administer, score, analyze, and interpret psycho logical measurements and projective tests; establish rapport with clients being tested; instruct staff members in the use and interpretation of tests; secure the cooperation of staff members and others in the community engaged in psychological testing; analyze situations accurately and report findings clearly and concisely; speak and write effectively; effectively contribute to the Department's affirmative action objectives.
Special Personal Characteristics
Willingness to make frequent field visits away from established headquarters; understanding of and interest in people with vocational handicaps; emotional stability; tact; neat personal appearance; and pleasing personality.
Additional Desirable Qualifications
A Doctorate Degree in Psychology and/or licensure by the Psychology Examining Committee of the Board of Medical Quality Assurance.
