Neuropsychology Technician

GENERAL SUMMARY/ OVERVIEW:

The Learning and Emotional Assessment Program (LEAP) at Massachusetts General Hospital is a neuropsychological assessment service for pediatric and adolescent patients aged 2 to 22. The Neuropsychology Technician (a.k.a. Psychometrician or Psychometrist) supports staff neuropsychologists in conducting clinical neuropsychological evaluations by administering a wide range of standardized tests to patients with a diverse range of acquired or developmental neurocognitive disorders, then scoring the tests and compiling a data sheet for each patient. Other responsibilities include maintenance of test equipment and record forms in working condition and good supply, as well as to maintain appropriate testing environments within the clinic, and other related duties as needed.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Scoring of Patient Files (~30-40%):

* Accurately and efficiently score all patient files following standardized scoring rules, compiling a data sheet for each patient.

* Make corrections to scored patient files as part of a peer reliability-check process.

Test Administration (~30-40%):

* Efficiently administer a wide range of standardized neuropsychological tests that assess cognitive and behavioral functioning (including intelligence, attention/executive functions, memory, language, visuospatial/quantitative abilities, mood, and personality).

* Establish rapport with patients, recognizing and adapting to their psychiatric and/or neurological state over a testing session of up to several hours, while maintaining adherence to standardized procedures.

* Transcribe patient responses verbatim and to act as the 'eyes and ears' of the Neuropsychologist.

* Make accurate and relevant observations of the patient's behavior and affect during the evaluation, paying particular attention to any information that may affect the validity of test results. Communicate these to the neuropsychologist in a concise, systematic manner by completing a behavioral observation form.

* Use clinical judgment to determine when to consult with the neuropsychologist and make recommendations for next steps (e.g., breaks, discontinue evaluation, schedule completion session, adjust battery, add validity measures, etc.).

Clinic Maintenance Responsibilities (~20%):

* Re-file and restock test record forms.

* Maintaining testing kit cabinets and testing rooms daily (straighten and organize materials, find and return missing items, ensure all materials are available in the proper storage location).

* Ordering test materials, ensuring all required forms and other materials in working order and good supply.

* Assist generally with requests from clinical staff, both faculty and trainees, as appropriate.

* Contribute to general upkeep of materials and clinic space as well as shared workspace and scoring materials.

Supervisory Responsibilities (~20% beginning in Year Two):

* Participate in the quality control process by which each file scored by any Neuropsychology Technician is reliability-checked by a peer.

* Participate in training junior Neuropsychology Technicians on scoring procedures, including reviewing feedback and scoring corrections.

* Participate in training junior Neuropsychology Technicians on testing procedures through practice and observation.

* Acts as a knowledgeable resource and mentor to entire clinical staff, and may be involved in training psychology interns and post-doctoral fellows.

SKILLS/ABILITIES/COMPETENCIES REQUIRED:

* Careful attention to detail

* Strong time management, organizational, and problem-solving skills

* Ability to follow written and verbal instructions

* Ability to accept feedback well and incorporate it into work

* Ability to take initiative, self-monitor productivity, and set priorities

* Good written and verbal communication skills

* Proficient in Microsoft Office

* Good clinical judgment

* Flexibility and ability to switch between tasks efficiently

* Sound interpersonal skills

* Ability to establish rapport with patients and to elicit engagement with testing from diverse patient populations, including patients with significant cognitive, behavioral, and psychiatric challenges.

* Ability to work independently and as a team member

ADDITIONAL SKILLS (PREFERRED, NOT REQUIRED):

• Spanish-speaking
• Excel programming experience
• Knowledge of SPSS

EDUCATION: Minimum of B.A. or B.S. in Psychology or related field required.

EXPERIENCE: Prior experience or knowledge of neuropsychological test administration preferred, but not required.

Massachusetts General Hospital is an Affirmative Action Employer. By embracing diverse skills, perspectives and ideas, we choose to lead. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religious creed, national origin, sex, age, gender identity, disability, sexual orientation, military service, genetic information, and/or other status protected under law. We will ensure that all individuals with a disability are provided a reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment.