CHILD PSYCHOLOGIST JOB DESCRIPTION

Child psychology means translating complex neurodevelopmental and behavioral findings into care paths that families can actually follow. In outpatient and community behavioral health settings, practitioners work within multidisciplinary teams alongside psychiatrists, social workers, and medical staff, applying instruments such as the ADOS-2 and DSM-5 diagnostic criteria to children presenting with conditions from disruptive behavior disorders to chronic illness adjustment. Medi-Cal compliance, HIPAA documentation standards, and state licensing board requirements frame every clinical decision. Few roles demand the same breadth of switching between diagnostic rigor and therapeutic relationship-building within a single caseload.

As the Child Psychologist, you will lead comprehensive psychological assessment and treatment for children and adolescents across outpatient behavioral health settings, translating evaluation findings into actionable intervention plans that guide multidisciplinary care teams. You will maintain a billable direct-service caseload while collaborating with physicians, therapists, and care coordinators, operating under the supervision of a Behavioral Health Director or equivalent clinical leadership.

Career Impact: Specializing in child and adolescent psychological assessment, including administration of gold-standard autism diagnostic instruments, establishes a clinician as a sought-after evaluator within community behavioral health and pediatric medical systems.

Business Impact: Accurate, timely diagnostic formulations and therapy outcomes directly reduce time-to-intervention for children with psychiatric conditions, improving care coordination metrics tracked by clinical supervisors and program directors.

Growth Opportunity: Sustained caseload experience across neurodevelopmental, mood, and behavioral presentations opens pathways to supervisory and training roles, clinical program development, and eventual licensure-track advancement to Lead Clinician or Program Director.

• Conduct comprehensive psychological assessments, including clinical interviews, standardized testing, and diagnostic formulations, for children and adolescents.
• Complete evaluation and diagnostic reports within the timelines established by the behavioral health program.
• Provide individual and family therapy to youth diagnosed with psychiatric conditions, chronic illness, or developmental delays, addressing adjustment and functional improvement.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, including physicians, social workers, and therapy staff, to develop and review care coordination plans.
• Maintain accurate, timely clinical documentation, including progress notes, assessment reports, and billing records, in compliance with Medi-Cal and HIPAA requirements.
• Monitor caseload productivity metrics and submit all required documentation within established program timelines.
• Supervise and support postdoctoral fellows or practicum students within the clinic's training program, as assigned.
• Coordinate care with schools, state agencies, and community behavioral health providers to support continuity of services.

• Doctoral degree (PhD or PsyD) in Psychology from an APA-accredited program or equivalent accredited institution.
• 3 or more years of clinical experience providing psychological assessment and therapy to children and families, with exposure to outpatient or community behavioral health settings.
• Current, unrestricted state licensure as a Licensed Psychologist, or eligibility for licensure within 6 months of hire.
• Proficiency in administering, scoring, and interpreting standardized psychological testing instruments for child and adolescent populations.
• Working knowledge of DSM-5 diagnostic criteria as applied to pediatric behavioral, developmental, and mood disorders.
• Demonstrated understanding of HIPAA compliance, clinical documentation standards, and applicable federal and state behavioral health regulations.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with children, families, referring physicians, and multidisciplinary team members.
• Ability to manage an independent caseload and meet program productivity standards with minimal supervision.

• Experience administering autism-specific diagnostic instruments, including the ADOS-2 or ADI-R, within a clinical or neurodevelopmental setting.
• Completion of an APA-accredited postdoctoral fellowship with a child and adolescent focus.
• Familiarity with Medi-Cal billing and documentation requirements, including DSH productivity standards and six-month case review cycles.
• Bilingual language proficiency relevant to the community served, or demonstrated competency in culturally responsive clinical practice.

• Billable direct-service hours per week, measured against program productivity standards (e.g., 24 hours per 40-hour position).
• Diagnostic report completion rate within program-defined turnaround timelines, reflecting documentation compliance.
• Caseload size and active treatment episode count, tracking the psychologist's individual patient management capacity.
• Medi-Cal documentation accuracy rate, including timely signature compliance and billing submission within 36-hour windows.
• Care coordination touchpoints per quarter, measuring collaboration frequency with physicians, schools, and state agencies.
• Typical tools: Electronic health records (commonly EPIC or MyAvatar/Netsmart); psychological testing platforms (commonly Q-interactive or paper-based normed instruments).

• Base Salary Range: $95,000 to $130,000 annually, depending on licensure status and setting
• Bonus: Annual performance bonus of 3% to 8%, tied to productivity and quality metrics
• Equity: Typically not offered in nonprofit or community health settings
• Health Benefits: Medical, dental, and vision coverage; employer contribution varies by organization size
• PTO: 15 to 25 days annually, plus observed federal holidays; continuing education leave common
• Common Perks: Malpractice/liability insurance coverage, licensure renewal reimbursement, and supervision hours toward licensure where applicable

Figures are estimates based on general US market benchmarks and may be outdated. Adjust based on location, company size, and seniority level.

Background check completion, including criminal history screening and any applicable drug screening, is required as a condition of employment for all positions involving direct patient care. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, age, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, and local law. Reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities are available throughout the hiring process upon request. Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States.

The Child Psychologist delivers comprehensive psychological evaluations, including diagnostic testing using ADOS-2, ADI-R, and CARS instruments, for children and families within a behavioral health setting. Reporting to clinical leadership and collaborating with interdisciplinary team members, the Child Psychologist supports treatment planning and postdoctoral supervision to ensure accurate diagnoses and timely, high-quality care.

Key Responsibilities

• Complete assessment intakes, observations, and interviews of children and families, including psychological testing as needed for diagnostic formulations.
• Complete comprehensive evaluation and diagnostic reports within required timelines.
• Provide consultation support for behavioral treatment plans of children served.
• Maintain complete, accurate, and timely documentation, including assessment reports and progress notes.
• Obtain authorizations for evaluations from third-party payors as needed.
• Maintain required productivity levels as outlined in applicable policies.
• Supervise postdoctoral fellow psychologists as needed.
• Participate in and provide clinical training to other team members as identified.

Required Qualifications

• Ph.D. or PsyD in Psychology.
• Experience with Electronic Health Record software.
• Experience implementing the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, Second Edition (ADOS-2), the Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised (ADI-R), and/or the Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS).
• Knowledge of psychological theories, psychometrics, and diagnostic criteria as outlined in the DSM-5.
• Knowledge of Pervasive Developmental Disorders and Applied Behavior Analysis.
• Familiarity with applicable federal, state, and local laws, rules, regulations, and professional psychological standards.
• Proficiency in computer software programs, including Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint.
• Ability to work autonomously with minimal supervision.
• Professional communication and public speaking skills.
• Self-motivated with strong problem-solving skills and respect for confidentiality.

Embedded within an Outpatient Behavioral Health division, the Child Psychologist leads clinical curriculum development, workflow oversight, and regulatory compliance for an intensive specialty clinic serving adults with severe and persistent mental illness. Working closely with behavioral health staff and reporting to the Outpatient Behavioral Health Director, the Child Psychologist ensures trauma-informed, culturally responsive programming that expands access to intervention and stabilization services across the community.

Core Functions

• Lead clinical curriculum development, clinic workflow, curriculum quality assurance, and regulatory compliance across internal, state, federal, and applicable standards of care.
• Develop sustainable clinical protocols to prioritize the needs of those with severe and persistent mental illness.
• Ensure programming aligns with established principles of care.
• Ensure data is collected and disseminated to applicable oversight entities.
• Ensure comprehensive discharge plans prioritize community disposition in the least restrictive environment.
• Ensure programming creates barrier-free access to intensive intervention and emotional stabilization services for vulnerable community members.
• Ensure all clinical programs are trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and aligned with the needs of the community population served.
• Oversee all behavioral health staff and serve as clinical supervisor or clinical consultant as needed.
• Ensure clinical and administrative compliance with student training programs and workforce pipeline strategies.

Qualifications & Experience

• Doctoral degree in psychology.
• Completion of an American Psychological Association (APA) accredited internship.
• 2 years of progressive leadership experience in community behavioral health or a related behavioral health field.
• 2 years of experience in a nonprofit, foundation, or government agency in roles of progressively increasing responsibility.
• Experience developing strategies for accurate and timely data collection and reporting.
• Knowledge of applicable state laws and regulations relating to behavioral health providers.
• Proficiency in computer skills required to complete online learning, access online forms and policies, and complete online benefits enrollment.
• Strong customer-service focus with excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Superior organizational skills with a thorough, accurate, and detail-oriented work style.
• Ability to work effectively within an organizational structure with minimal supervision.

Reporting to departmental leadership, the Child Psychologist provides comprehensive assessment and treatment services to children from birth through kindergarten within a multidisciplinary Young Child Clinic team that includes psychologists, psychiatrists, and social workers. Partnering with trainees, referring providers, and colleagues across inpatient and outpatient settings, the Child Psychologist advances the clinic's training programs and contributes to published research and professional practice evaluations.

Primary Duties

• Practice effectively as an independent clinician and adhere to applicable professional and licensing body standards.
• Provide comprehensive assessment and treatment services to children and families in inpatient and outpatient settings, and communicate with referral sources as indicated.
• Maintain clinical productivity standards and manage scheduling availability in accordance with departmental guidelines, including anticipated cancellations and no-shows.
• Collaborate within the department and with other colleagues to ensure patients receive appropriate care and respond to consultation requests promptly.
• Participate in departmental committees, training faculty activities, and clinical program development.
• Provide supervision to trainees, including externs, interns, and fellows, within the department's psychology training programs.
• Deliver lectures and training to other disciplines, including child psychiatry.
• Complete all mandatory education requirements, annual health screenings, vaccinations, and other requirements per applicable policy.
• Maintain licensure, including completion of required continuing education.
• Present work locally or regionally and publish or present at least one paper or chapter yearly.
• Participate in community service and ongoing professional practice evaluations as a clinician and peer reviewer.

Education & Experience

• Earned PhD or PsyD in Psychology from an APA- or CPA accredited program.
• Completed APA- or CPA accredited internship training.
• Completed postdoctoral training in child and adolescent-focused psychology directly related to the job role (Level I, 0-7 years).
• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to develop and maintain effective relationships with medical and administrative staff, patients, and the public.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Skill in exercising initiative, judgment, problem-solving, and decision-making.
• Ability to accept feedback and incorporate it into professional growth and performance improvement.
• Commitment to maintaining strict confidentiality.

Sitting at the intersection of clinical supervision and direct patient care, the Child Psychologist carries a psychotherapy caseload of at least 15 hours per week while overseeing trainee compliance, billing, and documentation within a multidisciplinary clinic's training program. Operating across child, adolescent, and adult populations, the Child Psychologist serves as a liaison between families and medical staff to support developmental and behavioral treatment planning.

Duties

• Provide clinical and administrative supervision within the clinic's training program, including an average of 7.38 hours of administrative supervision and 1.07 hours of clinical supervision per week.
• Facilitate group supervision and didactics specific to child and family therapy.
• Provide crisis consultation to trainees.
• Attend and participate in monthly case consultation, Grand Rounds, business meetings, and other required meetings.
• Carry a psychotherapy caseload of at least 15 hours per week, providing diagnostic assessments, treatment planning, psychotherapy, and discharge planning for early childhood, child, adolescent, and adult patients.
• Review supervisees' documentation and take responsibility for corresponding billing, ensuring consistency with managed care contracts and professional standards.
• Ensure trainee compliance with licensing board rules, applicable regulations, documentation and billing standards, and other healthcare regulations.
• Assist in intermittent peer reviews of patient files and maintain compliance with clinic documentation standards.
• Maintain professionalism in all interactions with staff, patients, and business associates.

Skills & Qualifications

• Doctoral degree in Psychology or Counseling from a regionally accredited academic program.
• Full, unrestricted licensure as a Licensed Psychologist in the applicable state.
• AAMFT-approved supervisor or applicable board-approved supervisor preferred.
• Strong theoretical orientation that integrates contextual and developmental approaches.
• Strong clinical acumen and competence providing psychotherapy to children.
• Knowledge of and ability to apply theory and recent research on supervision.
• Knowledge of and ability to educate trainees on evidence-based practices and treatments.
• Flexibility to meet with patients and trainees in accordance with licensure board guidelines.

A key member of multidisciplinary medical clinics, the Child Psychologist conducts psychological assessments, individual therapy, and family therapy for youth with chronic illness, facilitating treatment planning alongside physicians and therapy staff to address developmental, emotional, and behavioral needs. Collaborating across behavioral health, state agencies, and schools, the Child Psychologist coordinates care and supports program development to improve patient functioning and medical compliance.

Functions

• Conduct initial evaluations to assess current functioning, diagnose psychiatric conditions, and assist in treatment planning and intervention.
• Administer cognitive, achievement, and developmental testing, as well as other specific assessments, to diagnose psychiatric conditions and evaluate current functioning.
• Provide individual therapy to youth diagnosed with chronic illness to address psychological disorders, improve overall functioning and adjustment to medical conditions, and increase compliance with medical recommendations.
• Provide family therapy to support the care of children in the home, decrease the likelihood of multiple placements, improve adjustment to a family member's medical condition, and increase compliance with medical recommendations.
• Participate in multidisciplinary clinics to facilitate treatment planning and assist in care coordination.
• Provide psychological consultation regarding patients to physicians, medical staff, and therapy staff.
• Provide crisis assessment and intervention as needed in medical clinic settings.
• Participate in program development in the behavioral health department and multidisciplinary clinics.
• Coordinate care with applicable state agencies, schools, and behavioral health agencies as needed.
• Maintain appropriate documentation of clinical evaluations and interventions, ensuring patient confidentiality and HIPAA compliance.

Knowledge Skills & Abilities

• Knowledge of diagnosis and treatment of mental health disorders.
• Advanced study of mental health assessment practices, regulations, and laws relating to clinical psychology practice.
• Knowledge of psychological testing administration, scoring, and interpretation.
• Knowledge of community mental health service delivery systems and available resources.
• Understanding of principles of legal documentation and medical records release of information.
• Working knowledge of MS Office and EMR software.
• Skills in psychological and behavioral intervention and crisis management.
• Ability to maintain regular, punctual attendance and perform essential job functions in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local standards.

Child Psychologist oversees psychological testing, diagnostic assessment, and therapeutic services for children and adolescents presenting with psychiatric disorders across community mental health clinic settings. The work directly supports a multidisciplinary treatment team, informing therapist-led care and ensuring timely documentation, productivity, and compliance with child welfare and HIPAA standards.

Accountabilities

• Accept and respond promptly to referrals of children and adolescents presenting with symptoms of psychiatric disorders.
• Complete assessment and evaluation processes, including appropriate tests, instruments, and assessments in accordance with accepted professional standards and applicable documentation guidelines.
• Complete all required performance outcome measures for assigned clients within set timelines.
• Ensure all applicable documents include appropriate signatures and are signed within required timeframes.
• Participate in all required meetings regarding case plan development and review.
• Keep the clinical supervisor, assigned therapist, and program director informed of any case issues as necessary.
• Maintain availability for crisis intervention services and provide office staff with updated contact information and weekly work schedules.
• Complete and submit all progress notes and billing documents within 36 hours of contact and in accordance with applicable documentation format requirements.
• Complete regular, timely case reviews at six-month intervals in accordance with applicable format and timelines.

Experience & Qualifications

• Doctoral degree in psychology or a similar field (PhD or PsyD), with current licensure in the applicable state.
• Experience in the field of mental health.
• Experience providing mental health therapy to children and families, including children involved in the child welfare system.
• Experience with adoption and family relationship issues in adoption is a plus.
• Knowledge and experience utilizing psychological testing instruments for children and adolescents.
• Valid driver's license and ability to meet applicable insurability requirements.