Licensed Psychologist (Autism Diagnostics Specialist) - Verbal Beginnings
Columbia, MD 21046
About the Job
As an independent contractor, the Licensed Psychologist specializing in autism diagnostics will provide expert diagnostic evaluations for children suspected of having Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). This role requires proficiency in administering and interpreting evidence-based diagnostic tools, clear communication with families, and collaboration with clinical teams. The psychologist operates on a flexible schedule with autonomy while adhering to the organization’s clinical standards.
Responsibilities:Comprehensive Evaluations:
- Administer and interpret autism-specific assessments, such as the Autism Diagnostic
Observation Schedule-2 (ADOS-2), Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised (ADI-R), and other
psychological tools.
- Conduct cognitive, adaptive, and behavioral assessments as needed.
Clinical Interviews and Observations:
- Gather developmental and psychosocial histories through structured caregiver
interviews.
- Observe and document child behavior in clinical and/or natural settings as part of the
diagnostic process.
Family Communication and Reporting:
- Provide comprehensive feedback to families about diagnostic findings and
recommendations.
- Deliver clear, concise, and thorough written diagnostic reports.
Collaboration and Consultation:
- Work in coordination with multidisciplinary teams to ensure integrated care for the
child.
- Serve as a resource for families, offering referrals and guidance for treatment services.
Compliance and Standards:
- Ensure all evaluations and documentation comply with ethical guidelines, HIPAA
regulations, and state licensure requirements.
- Maintain a high standard of professional conduct as an independent contractor.
Required:
- Education: Doctorate in Psychology (PhD or PsyD) from an accredited institution.
- Licensure: Current, active, and unrestricted license to practice psychology in the state.
- Experience:
- Minimum of 2 years conducting autism diagnostic evaluations.
- Proficient with evidence-based autism diagnostic tools (e.g., ADOS-2, ADI-R).
Preferred:
- Prior experience as an independent contractor or private practitioner.
- Familiarity with electronic health record (EHR) systems for documentation.
- Bilingual proficiency (preferred based on client demographics).
Contractor Requirements
- Maintain professional liability insurance as required by state and federal laws.
- Own and maintain necessary tools and technology to perform evaluations (e.g., laptop, test
kits).
- Provide services in a HIPAA-compliant environment (whether in-person or telehealth).
- Operate as an independent contractor, responsible for taxes and business expenses.
Compensation and Benefits
- Competitive per-assessment rate or hourly rate based on qualifications and experience.
- Flexible scheduling with opportunities for some remote telehealth services.
- Access to training materials and ongoing professional development opportunities
(optional). $1000/assessment.
Additional Information
This position is for an independent contractor and does not include employee benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans, or paid time off. Contractors have the flexibility to accept or decline client assignments.
Equal Opportunity Statement
Our organization is committed to creating an inclusive and equitable environment for all clinicians and clients. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds.
Company Overview:
Verbal Beginnings is a growing, BHCOE-accredited and BCBA-owned and operated autism therapy provider serving children diagnosed with autism. Join our dedicated and quality-focused clinical team, where you can mentor trained professionals to excel with their ABA skills while receiving mentorship so you can grow as a clinician yourself. Work for a company that believes in educating parents, disseminating evidence-based ABA, collaborating as a team, innovating in the field with new research, and inspiring others to pursue long-term careers helping our clients. VB offers a variety of programs, including our Early Intervention Center program, In-home program, Social Skills program, Feeding program, Diagnostic program, and our new Comprehensive Services program, which includes Speech and OT services! VB also prioritizes, supports, and funds the professional development of our staff to ensure our staff has the resources and knowledge to provide top-quality services to our clients and families.