DEFINITION

Performs professional level psychologist work evaluating claims for disability benefits administered by the Social Security Administration and participates, as defined in applicable federal regulations, in the determination of whether an individual is under a disability; performs related work as required.

The Work Examples and Competencies listed are for illustrative purposes only and not intended to be the primary basis for position classification decisions.

WORK EXAMPLES

Examines medical, psychological, and school records to determine if a medically determinable mental impairment exists as demonstrated by medically acceptable clinical and laboratory techniques.

Determines from medical records if mental impairment meets or equals the Listing of Impairments found in the Code of Federal Regulations.

Makes finding of credibility of applicant’s statements about the functional affects of symptoms that result from mental impairments by comparing statements made by applicant with other medical and non-medical evidence; prepares a written explanation of the findings citing specific reasons supported by the evidence, the weight given to the applicant’s statements and the reasons for that weight so that the findings are sufficiently clear to subsequent reviewers.

Determines the mental residual functional capacity of an adult applicant by examining all the medical and non-medical evidence, including the finding of credibility.

Determines whether a child applicant functionally equals the mental Listing of Impairments by evaluating impairment within functional domains; prepares a written rationale supporting the assessment, citing specific evidence in the file.

Compares current medical findings of mental impairments to findings present when beneficiary was allowed benefits and makes a finding whether medical improvement has occurred. Determines if the evidence documents any exceptions to medical improvement and prepares a written explanation of the findings.

Contacts applicant’s treating/examining medical source to obtain updated/missing information, clarify inconsistencies within the source’s report, or to resolve inconsistencies between a source’s report and other evidence in the file.

Examines medical records/evidence to determine if drug or alcohol abuse is material to an individual’s inability to work; prepares written rationale to support the assessment, citing specific evidence in the file.

Provides advice to disability examiners about mental impairments and medical issues generally or in specific cases.

Requests the purchase of specific psychological tests when the evidence in file is insufficient to support a disability determination.

COMPETENCIES REQUIRED

Knowledge of the practice of psychology and its relationship to the Social Security disability program.

Knowledge of diseases, symptoms, and treatments of mental illness and their affects on an individual’s ability to perform work-related activities or, in the case of children, their affects on age-appropriate functioning.

Knowledge of the administrative and legal requirements of the Social Security program regarding the role and work products of a consulting psychologist.

Ability to exercise judgment in evaluating claims for benefits based on professional expertise in psychology and the legal requirements of the Social Security disability program.

Ability to write professional opinions and rationales in an understandable manner.

Ability to work and communicate effectively with disability examiners in a team environment.

Displays high standards of ethical conduct. Exhibits honesty and integrity. Refrains from theft-related, dishonest or unethical behavior.

Works and communicates with internal and external clients and customers to meet their needs in a polite, courteous, and cooperative manner. Committed to quality service.

Displays a high level of initiative, effort ad commitment towards completing assignments efficiently. Works with minimal supervision. Demonstrates responsible behavior and attention to detail.

Responds appropriately to supervision. Follows policy and cooperates with supervisors.

Aligns behavior with the needs, priorities and goals of the organization.

Encourages and facilitates cooperation, pride, trust, and group identity. Fosters commitment and team spirit.

Expresses information to individuals or groups effectively, taking into account the audience and nature of the information. Listens to others and responds appropriately.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, AND SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Possession of a doctorate degree in psychology from an educational institution accredited by an organization recognized by the Council on Post-Secondary Education and two years of supervised experience as a psychologist in health service, at least one year of which is post masters degree.

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Licensure or certification at the independent practice of psychology by the state of Iowa.

NOTE:

Positions in this class are exempt from the screening and referral requirements of the Iowa Department of Administrative Services – Human Resources Enterprise. Apply directly to the Department of Education, Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services.

Effective Date: 8/05 DF