Psychologist 2 at State of Iowa – Woodward, Iowa

The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is seeking a full-time Psychologist 2 (Board Certified Behavior Analyst) to join the team at the Woodward Resource Center (WRC). If you are passionate about making a positive impact in your community and seeking a role where your expertise can truly shine, then look no further. At WRC, we're committed to empowering individuals to lead fulfilling lives, and as part of our dynamic team, you'll have the opportunity to be a catalyst for meaningful change.

About Woodward Resource Center (WRC)

At WRC, our mission is to prepare and support individuals to in the community of their choice. We’re committed to providing quality care and support tailored to each individual's needs and aspirations. Join us in our mission and be a part of something greater at WRC.

What You'll Do

• Conduct assessments: Utilize a variety of assessment techniques including interviews, observations, and functional analyses to understand the needs and aspirations of individuals.
• Develop Behavior Support Plans (BSPs): Create personalized BSPs in accordance with Intermediate Care Facilities for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities (ICF-ID) regulations to promote positive behavior and skill development.
• Advocate for evidence-based practices: Educate the Interdisciplinary Team (IDT) about scientifically supported behavioral treatment procedures tailored to individual resident’s needs.
• Provide training and support: Offer competency-based training to staff on behavioral programming and other relevant topics, ensuring BSP implementation compliance and integrity.
• Facilitate individual and group sessions: Lead discussions and mentoring sessions and prepare behavioral reports including Individual Service Plan (ISP) reports.
• Collaborate and attend meetings: Regularly participate in interdisciplinary team meetings, ISP meetings, staff meetings, psychiatric consultations, and psychology department meetings.

Key Competencies

Successful candidates for this position will demonstrate the following competencies:

• Psychology: Understanding of human behavior and performance, individual differences, learning and motivation, psychological research methods, and assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders.
• Therapy and Counseling: Familiarity with principles, methods, and procedures for diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of physical and mental dysfunctions, as well as career counseling and guidance.
• Agency & Legal Knowledge: Ability to acquire a working knowledge of agency organization as well as knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, and government regulations.
• Effective Communication: Ability to actively listen, understand, and respond appropriately to others while conveying information effectively through verbal communication.
• Critical Thinking: Proficiency in using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
• Complex Problem Solving: Skill in identifying complex problems, reviewing related information, developing and evaluating options, and implementing solutions.

Applicants will be required to complete a background check to be considered for this position.

Benefits of Joining WRC

Working for the State of Iowa comes with its perks. In addition to a competitive salary, you'll enjoy a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your well-being and professional growth:

• Health, Dental, and Vision Coverage: Health and dental insurance packages to keep you and your family healthy at a low cost with outstanding coverage!
• Paid Time Off: Take time to recharge with paid time off, including vacation(96 hours/year to begin, increasing with years of service), sick leave (144 hours/year), and paid holidays (9 days/year).
• Retirement Plans: Participate in retirement plans such as IPERS (employees contribute 6.29% and the State of Iowa contributes 9.44%) as well as our Retirement Investors Club (RIC), Employer Sponsored Retirement Plan (the State of Iowa matches dollar for dollar up to $75/month).
• Flexible Spending Accounts: Take advantage of flexible spending accounts for medical and dependent care expenses.
• Insurance Coverage: Benefit from life insurance and free long-term disability insurance for added peace of mind.
• Employee Assistance Program: Access resources and support through our Employee Assistance Program for personal and professional challenges.
• Employee Discount Programs: Enjoy discounts on a variety of goods and services through our employee discount programs.

For additional information on benefits click here.

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Join Us Today

Join us at WRC and be part of a team where your work truly matters. Apply now to start your journey towards a rewarding career with purpose!

New to the area or looking to relocate to Iowa? Visit This is Iowa to see how Iowa offers something for everyone- competitively low cost of living, bustling cities and neighborhoods, access to entertainment, opportunities for career growth and unrivaled access to outdoor adventures.

HHS values those with “lived experience” and encourages adults who were fostered as youth, foster parents, and/or parents who were in the DHS system to apply. Minorities, women, persons with disabilities and veterans are encouraged to apply (Hearing and Speech Impaired – Relay Iowa 1-800-735-2942 TDD).

Our agency uses E-Verify to confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, please visit www.dhs.gov/E-Verify.

Applicants must meet at least one of the following minimum requirements to qualify for positions in this job classification:

1) Graduation from an accredited college or university with a doctorate degree in psychology, behavior analysis, or counseling. 2) Graduation from an accredited college or university with a master’s degree in psychology, behavior analysis, social work, or counseling, and experience equal to two years of full-time clinical work in the provision of counseling and therapy in an institutional or community mental health, intellectual disability, long-term care, or correctional program.
3) Possession of a license to practice psychology from the Iowa Board of Psychology.
4) Current, continuous experience in the state executive branch that includes twelve months of full-time work as a Psychologist 1.
For additional information, please click on this link to view the job description.

• Designated positions at the Glenwood and Woodward Resource Centers require certification with the Behavior Analyst Certification Board as a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst, or require such certification within a period of time after hire as determined by the appointing authority.
• Designated positions may require licensure by the Iowa Board of Psychology Examiners, as determined by the appointing authority.