Contracting Psychologist - Specialized Assessments - Edmonton & Northern Alberta

Edmonton & Northern Alberta Contracting Psychologist – Specialized Assessments - Needed
Are you an experienced psychologist interested in providing independent, objective assessments that contribute to fair and informed decisions regarding the Disability Income Assessment (DIA) program administered by the Government of Alberta. Mandel & Associates Inc. is seeking experienced Registered Psychologists to join our team as contracted consulting psychologists providing Specialized Assessments for the DIA program.

WHO WE ARE AND WHAT WE VALUE
Mandel & Associates Inc. has specialized in the provision of expert assessments in the areas of clinical psychology, educational psychology, neuropsychology, rehabilitation psychology, and vocational psychology since 1997.
Our corporate mission is to provide independent, objective, state-of-the-art assessments that assist in decision-making and planning. Our primary focus is disability determination and recommendations for change.
As a provider of Specialized Assessments, we recognize the importance of comprehensive, evidence-based assessment in determining functional abilities and disability. The DIA requires input from independent experts to assist Adjudicators in making objective, fair, and timely decisions regarding eligibility for lifelong financial and medical benefits associated with the Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped (AISH) and Alberta Disability Assistance Program (ADAP).
DIA Applicants may experience disabilities arising from physical, cognitive, and/or mental health conditions. Specialized Assessments are intended to address whether the level of disability is severe and permanent and whether further treatment, intervention, or accommodation may reasonably improve functional abilities.

SUMMARY/ROLE DESCRIPTION
The Contracting Psychologist provides independent, comprehensive Specialized Assessments for DIA Applicants, with a focus on an adult population. Assessments are designed to address specific questions posed by DIA Adjudicators regarding an Applicant’s capacity for employment, independent functioning, and potential for improvement through treatment, rehabilitation, accommodations, or other interventions.
The assessment process emphasizes functional abilities rather than diagnosis alone, while recognizing that diagnostic information remains an important component of disability determination. Psychologists integrate multiple sources of information to develop an objective understanding of an Applicant’s strengths, limitations, functional capacity, and vocational potential.

The DIA program is the primary client within the Specialized Assessment service, with Applicants considered secondary clients. The Psychologist is expected to maintain independence, objectivity, professional integrity, and adherence to applicable ethical and professional standards throughout the assessment process.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES
Comprehensive Assessment
• Reviews and integrates file documentation provided by DIA, including relevant medical, psychological, educational, vocational, and functional information.
• Conducts comprehensive clinical interviews and obtains relevant qualitative information regarding the Applicant’s history, current functioning, and areas of disability.
• Conducts behavioural observations and considers their relevance to assessment findings and functional abilities.
• Assesses overall intellectual ability and other relevant cognitive capabilities, as appropriate to the referral question.
• Administers standardized self-report and/or other-report measures of disability and functional capability.
• Utilizes objective measures to evaluate the validity of performance-based and self-report measures, including performance validity tests (PVTs) and symptom validity tests (SVTs), as clinically appropriate.
• Selects core and optional assessment measures based on the referral question, available information, and the Applicant’s individual circumstances.
• Integrates psychometric findings with interview data, behavioural observations, file information, and other relevant sources of evidence.
• Identifies both areas of disability and areas of preserved or demonstrated ability.
• Considers the functional implications of identified cognitive, psychological, physical, pain-related, developmental, or other difficulties.

Functional and Disability Determination
• Provides clear, objective opinions regarding an Applicant’s capacity for employment and independent functioning.
• Considers the extent to which identified limitations affect the Applicant’s ability to perform activities required for competitive employment and daily living.
• Distinguishes between diagnostic conditions and their functional consequences.
• Considers the potential impact of environmental demands, workplace expectations, and other contextual factors on functioning.
• Identifies strengths, compensatory abilities, and existing resources that may support improved functioning.
• Considers whether further treatment, rehabilitation, accommodations, vocational intervention, or other supports could reasonably enhance functional capacity or employability.
• Provides practical recommendations intended to improve the Applicant’s functioning, independence, and vocational prospects where appropriate.
• Clearly addresses the specific questions posed by DIA Adjudicators.
Professional Reporting and Consultation
• Prepares comprehensive, objective, and evidence-based assessment reports.
• Clearly explains the rationale underlying assessment findings and professional opinions.
• Communicates complex psychological, cognitive, and functional information in a clear and accessible manner.
• Maintains appropriate professional boundaries and independence given that DIA is the primary client within the Specialized Assessment service.
• Participates in consultation with Mandel & Associates and other professionals, as appropriate, regarding assessment methodology and complex cases.
• Maintains current knowledge of developments in psychological assessment, psychometrics, disability determination, and functional assessment.

AREAS OF EXPERTISE
We are particularly interested in psychologists with demonstrated expertise in one or more of the following areas:
• Cognitive assessment
• Psychological assessment
• Chronic pain assessment
• Neuropsychological assessment
• Psychoeducational assessment
• Autism spectrum disorder assessment
• Vocational assessment
• Disability and functional assessment
Experience integrating assessment findings across multiple domains and considering their implications for employment and independent functioning is an asset.

QUALIFICATIONS
• Active registration in good standing with the College of Alberta Psychologists.
• Minimum of three years of experience completing disability-related psychological assessments.
• Demonstrated experience conducting comprehensive psychological, cognitive, neuropsychological, psychoeducational, chronic pain, autism spectrum disorder, and/or vocational assessments.
• Strong knowledge of standardized psychological and cognitive assessment measures.
• Demonstrated competence in evaluating the validity of performance and self-report measures.

Ability to integrate multiple sources of information and formulate clear, objective opinions regarding functional capacity.
• Strong clinical interviewing, report-writing, and professional communication skills.
• Access to the necessary psychological testing materials and appropriate testing space.
• Commitment to evidence-based, ethical, and objective assessment practices.

WORKING CONDITIONS
• Contract position with Mandel & Associates Inc.
• Assessments are completed in an appropriate professional assessment setting.
• Assessment schedules and caseloads are coordinated with Mandel & Associates.
• Psychologists are expected to maintain the professional standards and documentation requirements established by Mandel & Associates and the College of Alberta Psychologists.

WHAT WE OFFER
• Opportunity to contribute to objective and comprehensive disability determination.
• Access to a specialized assessment program with established assessment methodology and referral processes.
• Flexibility associated with a contracting role.
• Competitive renumeration
• Opportunities to develop or expand expertise in disability and functional assessment across a diverse Applicant population.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
Interested psychologists should provide:
• Curriculum vitae/resume.
• Cover letter outlining areas of assessment expertise and relevant disability-assessment experience.
• Confirmation of current registration with the College of Alberta Psychologists.
• Description of access to required assessment materials and appropriate testing space.
• Professional references, upon request.
Mandel & Associates Inc. welcomes applications from qualified psychologists with expertise in one or more of the identified assessment areas.

Please email your CV and cover letter outlining areas of assessment expertise and relevant disability-assessment experience to: admin@mandelassociates.com