Eligibility Review Psychologist (OIDD-Central Office)

Full Job Description

Under general supervision, the Eligibility Review Psychologist:

• Provides expert psychological evaluation, assessment, and clinical oversight to support eligibility and level of care determinations for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, head and spinal cord injuries, and at-risk children.
• Ensures high-quality, evidence-based, and legally defensible determinations through direct supervision of staff and contracted evaluators, forensic and court-related evaluations, consultation, training, and compliance with waiver requirements.
• Integrates specialized knowledge of complex comorbid psychological, mental health, substance use, and physical conditions to guide consistent, accurate, and timely eligibility determinations.

Provides daily clinical supervision to intake and clinical record review staff regarding assessments, testing, and best practices.

Serves as the final clinical authority on eligibility and level of care determinations for individuals with intellectual disabilities (ID), related disabilities (RD), head and spinal cord injury (HASCI), and high-risk infant/at-risk child (HRI/ARC).

Reviews and approves all clinical determinations, written justifications, and level of care recommendations; requests revisions or additional documentation as needed.

Consults with the Director of Eligibility and other agency staff on complex or ambiguous cases.

Supervises and supports staff conducting clinical record reviews to ensure the accurate, timely, and high-quality eligibility recommendations.

Monitors productivity and provides coaching to improve accuracy and efficiency. Reviews monthly performance data, identifies trends or gaps, and implements improvements.

Delivers targeted follow-up training to address knowledge gaps.

Recruits, manages, and clinically oversees a statewide network of licensed contracted psychologists and evaluators to ensure consistent, high-quality psychological assessments for eligibility determinations.

Provides oversight of evaluator credentialing, licensure verification, and contract compliance, including renewals and adherence to professional and ethical standards.

Provides guidance, feedback, and logistical support to ensure consistent, high-quality psychological assessments for eligibility determinations.

Ensures all contracted evaluators operate in alignment with state regulations, agency protocols, and waiver requirements.

Conducts and/or assigns psychological evaluations for judicial admissions, subclass cases, and high-profile or complex court-ordered evaluations.

Collaborates with the Office of Clinical Services and General Counsel. Provides written reports, clinical recommendations, and expert testimony in court, appeal proceedings, or administrative reviews.

Serves as a liaison to agency-approved testing providers, offering guidance and feedback to ensure standardized, defensible assessments.

Provides expert consultation to internal divisions and external partners on psychological, eligibility, and level of care issues, ensuring consistency with clinical best practices, agency policy, and waiver requirements.

Represents the agency as a subject-matter expert in administrative hearings, appeal proceedings, and court cases, providing written reports and oral testimony as required.

Provides guidance on clinical, forensic, and eligibility issues to support consistent and accurate decision-making across divisions and partner agencies.

Develops, delivers, and evaluates structured clinical training programs for internal staff, contracted evaluators and external stakeholders.

Addresses performance gaps, emerging clinical issues, and complex eligibility determinations. Provides follow-up technical assistance to reinforce learning and improve clinical practice.

Maintains active SC psychologist licensure and professional credentials. Performs all waiver-required functions for the Community Supports, ID/RD, and HASCI waivers.

Engages in ongoing professional development to maintain expertise in assessing complex populations with comorbid psychological, mental health, substance use, and physical conditions.

• Performs additional responsibilities as assigned by leadership, aligned with agency needs and mission.

The South Carolina Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities, Office of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities offers an exceptional benefits package for FTE positions that includes:

• 15 days annual (vacation) leave accrual per year
• 15 days sick leave per year
• 13 paid holidays
• Paid Parental Leave
• Health, Dental, Vision, Long Term Disability, and Life Insurance
• State Retirement Plan and Deferred Compensation Programs

Requirements

A doctorate in applied psychology from an accredited institution. Must be a licensed psychologist in the state of South Carolina in good standing OR eligible for licensure with ability to obtain full licensure prior to start date. Minimum of 2 years of experience conducting psychological evaluations or assessments in areas such as intellectual disability, developmental disabilities, neurodevelopmental conditions, or traumatic brain/spinal cord injury. Minimum of 1 year experience supervising clinical or administrative staff OR overseeing psychological services or eligibility-related programs.

Qualifications

Comprehensive knowledge of clinical psychology, including psychological assessment, diagnostic criteria, and the evaluation of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, head and spinal cord injuries, and associated comorbid conditions. Skilled in conducting and interpreting complex psychological evaluations, supervising and training professional staff and contracted evaluators, providing expert testimony, and developing clinical guidance and training programs. Ability to exercise independent clinical judgment, communicate effectively both orally and in writing, manage complex cases and workflows, and provide expert consultant to internal divisions and external partners. Licensure as a Psychologist in the State of South Carolina, or be eligible to obtain full licensure prior to the start date, and maintain compliance with all professional and regulatory requirements.

Additional Information

About Our Agency: The South Carolina Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities, Office of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities plans, develops, coordinates, and funds services for South Carolinians with the severe, lifelong disabilities of intellectual disability and related disabilities, autism spectrum disorder, traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury and similar disability.

EEO Statement: The South Carolina Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities, Office of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities provides affirmative action and equal opportunity in employment for all qualified persons regardless of race, color, sex --including the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions, national origin, age, religion, or disability.

Employment Contingency: Employment is contingent upon our receipt of the following required pre-employment screenings: medical screening – to include a drug screening; background record checks (to include fingerprinting), South Carolina Department of Social Services’ Child Abuse and Neglect Central Registry screening, U.S.

Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General “List of Excluded Individuals/Entities” screening; South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles Driving Record check; and a review of transcripts verifying educational credentials.

We reserve the right to rescind an offer of employment in the event minimum requirements are not met to include positions that require certifications and/or licensure, your application is incomplete or inaccurate, or our review of your background uncovers information, including opinions of previous employers and references, which cause us to conclude, at our sole discretion, that you are not suited for the position.

Immunization: If this position requires the applicant to work directly with consumers of The South Carolina Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities, Office of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, tuberculosis (TB) skin or blood testing must be completed prior to beginning employment.

All new employees who are healthcare providers are required to provide documentation of immunity or be immunized against measles, mumps, rubella, pertussis, Varicella and Hepatitis B prior to beginning employment.

State Disaster Plan: In accordance with the State's Disaster Plan, which includes hazardous weather, employees of The South Carolina Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities, Office of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities may be required to work in times of an emergency or disaster.

Employee Referral: The South Carolina Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities, Office of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities supports a Referral Incentive Reward and a Retention Bonus program.

You may contact Human Resource for further information. Supplemental Questions: Supplemental questions are considered part of your official application.

Any misrepresentation will result in your disqualification from employment. Please complete the State application to include all current and previous work history and education.

A resume will not be accepted nor reviewed to determine if an applicant has met the qualifications for the position.