Skip to main content

This job has expired

Clinical Screener, Integrated Assessment Program (36278, 38415, 38428)

Employer
Northern Illinois University
Location
Illinois, United States
Salary
Salary Not Specified
Date posted
Jun 29, 2021

Primary Function

This is a position in the Integrated Assessment Program for the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services ( IDCFS ) under a contract with Northern Illinois University. The program involves conducting specialized clinical assessments of and interviews with children birth through 18 years of age, birth and foster parents and other significant adults in the lives of the children. The purpose of the program is to ensure that all clients entering into IDCFS custody receive an appropriate clinical assessment by a licensed mental health professional to identify any important behavioral, developmental, or mental health problems. This is not a position on the NIU campus. The Clinical Screener works throughout the state of Illinois, based on case assignment. A Clinical Screener must have a masters degree in a related field and a clinical license ( LCSW, LCPC, LMFT, Clinical Psychology) issued by the State of Illinois to engage in the function of an independent mental health practitioner. The person must have at least three years of clinical experience conducting specialized diagnostic clinical assessments, psychotherapy, or similar work. The primary function of the Clinical Screener is to independently conduct high level clinical forensic type assessments of human behavior and personality. The assessments will include developing a DSM -5 diagnostic impression, an assessment of violence potential as well as an assessment for capacity to parent. A Clinical Screener will provide diagnostic impressions as well as recommendations to address clinical findings. In addition, a Clinical Screener conducts specialized developmental assessments, which include the assessment for autism spectrum and other disorders of infancy and childhood. The Clinical Screener completes a specialized report of findings that will be presented in a court of law as part of the adjudication and determination of the permanency of the case. The work of the Clinical Screener is highly specialized and is conducted to meet federal and state mandated guidelines for families and individuals who are involved with state child welfare agencies.
Duties and Responsibilities (generally)

Conducts highly specialized trauma-focused assessments of individuals who are at high risk of serious harm toward others; the assessment provides a diagnostic impression (i.e., uses DSM -5 criteria) of their psychiatric state including their affect (i.e., symptoms of depression, mania, and anxiety), thought content (e.g., illogical, homicidal, or suicidal thoughts), and behaviors (e.g., impulsivity, withdrawn behaviors, agitation). Conducts early childhood developmental screenings and other assessments of severely abused and neglected infants, toddlers and pre-school age children (i.e., those who have experienced shaken baby, head trauma, unexplained broken bones, malnourishment, and sexual abuse) to develop a diagnostic impression of the presence of developmental disorders (autism spectrum disorder, developmental delay, attachment concerns, speech delay, fine and gross motor delay). Conducts assessments of children and adolescents to determine significant psychiatric and behavior concerns (suicide, behavioral deterioration, assault, rape, homicide, PTSD, personality disorder, psychosis); these assessments are used to inform recommendations for treatment including the appropriate level of care (e.g., specialized foster care, residential treatment placements, psychiatric hospitalization). Uses clinical information to determine if an individual is a threat to significantly harm (assault, murder) another individual. Conducts diagnostic substance abuse assessments and makes a determination of the level of substance abuse intervention required. Conducts parenting capacity evaluations and makes a determination of the types of parenting interventions that are necessary. Conducts assessments of interpersonal violence in the home and makes appropriate recommendations for interventions, as needed. Integrates information from conducted assessments, case file, and documentation of other providers and writes forensic reports informed by Illinois statutes that are used by a Juvenile Court Judge to make a determination on the status of a DCFS family case (i.e., determination of whether parental rights will be terminated); these reports include the prognosis for being able to return a child to their family in a timely fashion (based on research in this area) and recommendations for services that should be provided to families in order to improve functioning, if there is a plan to return the children to the parents’ care. Completes clinical documentation and shares with appropriate entities and supervisors (e.g., Child and Adolescent Needs and Strengths [ CANS ], Early Childhood assessment and screening tools, weekly case notes). Takes a leadership role in IDCFS clinical meetings (e.g., family meetings, report staffing, priority clinical staffing, CIPP meetings).
Minimum Required Qualifications for this position

Current Illinois LCSW, LCPC, Licensed Clinical Psychologist. Must have Masters Degree from a related field. Must have 3 years of clinical experience. Must have a working knowledge of DSM -5 diagnostic criteria. Must have knowledge of empirically supported clinical practice. Must have knowledge of social, emotional and physical development across the lifespan. Must possess the knowledge to make risk determinations of self-harm, or violence. Excellent written and verbal communication skills of clinical knowledge.
Specialty Factors (Additional Required Qualifications)

Education and Experience Preferred

Experience using diagnostic screening tools is preferred. Experience independently determining DSM -5 diagnoses is preferred Experience conducting developmental screenings of infants and toddlers is preferred. The ability to conduct mental health assessments in Spanish is preferred. Certification or credentials to engage in clinical work with specialty populations (early childhood, CADC, sexual abuse assessment) is preferred. Experience working with DCFS or a government agency providing mental health services is preferred. The ability to conduct assessments in another language, in particular Spanish, is preferred. Experience testifying in court is preferred. Training or experience conducting psychological evaluations is preferred.
List the knowledge, skills, and abilities critical to the performance of this position.

Ability to provide a DSM -5 Diagnosis Ability to administer and interpret screening tools Ability to write a psychologically-oriented assessment report Ability to work independently away from an office environment.
Working Hours
9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., with some evenings
Minimum Pay Rate (Hourly or Monthly)
$4,333.34/month
Hiring Rate Information

Actual hiring rate is commensurate with experience, education, and internal equity; position includes a robust benefits package to eligible applicants.

Posting Date
06/29/2021
Closing Date

Priority Review Date
07/30/2021
Special Instructions to Applicants

For full consideration, please submit application and documents through NIU online employment system at by July 30, 2021. Applications received after this date will be considered as needed. For questions contact Andria Maxwell ( amaxwell@niu.edu ).

Required Applicant Documents
Cover letter
Resume
Application Procedures

Link to Department Homepage
http://niu.edu/psychology/
Physical Demands

The position requires considerable typing, the position requires the ability to type 40 words per minute. NIU IA Clinical Screeners must be comfortable around infants and small children and have the ability to pick up and hold infants up to 20 pounds. There is considerable regional travel and the position requires that someone can drive for at least 2 hours and/or 120 miles. Clinical Screeners who cannot drive the required time or distance, who lose driving privileges or who cannot obtain auto insurance are not eligible for the position. Clinical Screeners must be able to handle a laptop and bag weighing approximately 15 pounds.
EEO Statement

In accordance with applicable statutes and regulations, NIU is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, religion, age, physical and mental disability, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, political affiliation, or any other factor unrelated to professional qualifications, and will comply with all applicable federal and state statutes, regulations and orders pertaining to nondiscrimination, equal opportunity and affirmative action. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies: Ethics and Compliance Officer, Title IX Coordinator Health Services 230 TitleIXCoordinator@niu.edu 815-753-5560
Is Background Check Required
Yes
Visa Policy

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification document form upon hire.

ADA Accommodation

NIU remains committed to ensuring that its recruitment and application procedures include full opportunities for applicants with disabilities. Employment opportunities will not be denied to anyone because of the need to make accommodations for a person’s disability during either the application or interview process. An applicant who believes they require an accommodation to participate in the employment process due to a disability may request that accommodation through the Accommodation Request Form . For further assistance, please contact the office of Affirmative Action, Equal Opportunity and Education ( AAEOE ) at ada@niu.edu .

Clery Act Information

NIU provides information regarding campus security, personal and fire safety, including topics such as: crime prevention, emergency response procedures and crime reporting policies, in addition to crime and fire statistics for the most recent three calendar years. The Annual Security Report containing security and safety information is available at www.safety.niu.edu/clery or by contacting the University Police Department and Public Safety Department at 815-753-9628 to receive a hard copy. The Annual Fire Safety Report is available at www.niu.edu/clery/fire_report.pdf or by contacting the Environmental Health and Safety Department at 815-753-0404 to receive a hard copy.

Quick Link
https://employment.niu.edu/postings/57301
Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

Applicant Documents
Required Documents
  1. Resume/Curriculum Vitae
  2. Cover Letter
Optional Documents
  1. Military Discharge Documents ONLY (DD214/DD215/NGB22/DD256)


Get job alerts

Create a job alert and receive personalized job recommendations straight to your inbox.

Create alert