Psychologist - Assessment Expert

Important messages

We are committed to providing an inclusive and barrier-free work environment, starting with the hiring process. If you need to be accommodated during any phase of the evaluation process, please use the Contact information below to request special accommodation. All information received in relation to accommodation will be kept confidential.

Information on accommodation for persons with disabilities

When you apply to this selection process, you are not applying for a specific job, but to an inventory for future vacancies. As positions become available, applicants who meet the qualifications may be contacted for further assessment.

When you apply, your employment application is automatically considered for positions at both the PS-02 and PS-03 groups and levels.

For your application to proceed, you must first meet the education and respective experience requirements of at least one group and level.

Please note that while other qualifications are the same for both levels, a higher degree of proficiency is required at the PS-03 level. In addition, action management and behavioral flexibility are essential (must be met in order to be appointed) for the PS-03 group and level as opposed to assets (may or may not be used for appointment) for the PS-02 group and level.

Assessment Board Members will determine whether you have qualified at one or the other group and level.

Should you not meet the screening requirements, your name will be withdrawn from the inventory. As soon as candidates are notified that they do not meet the screening or assessment requirements, they will have to wait one year before submitting another application for this inventory.

Duties

What are the functions of Psychologists at the Personnel Psychology Centre (PPC) of the Public Service Commission?

Psychologists at the PPC provide assessment services to federal government organizations, hiring managers and employees. Assessment results may be used to fill positions within, (1) the Research and Development (R&D) Division, (2) the Assessment and Counselling Services (ACS) Division, or (3) the Consultation and Test Services (CTS) Division.

R&D psychologists develop a range of standardized assessment instruments and processes for use in the selection and development of employees of the federal public service. They apply professional testing standards in psychology and analytic techniques in creating innovative approaches to employee assessment and test development. R&D psychologists also conduct applied research and develop competency-based assessment instruments.

ACS psychologists evaluate candidates for selection and promotion using a range of assessment methods including assessment centres and psychological assessments. They also deliver confidential development and career counselling services to prepare employees for selection based on assessments of their competencies, personality, interests and values. They also make recommendations on assessment for people requiring accommodations.

CTS psychologists, through consultation and outreach activities, promote the use of sound, professional assessment tools and practices for selection and leadership development within the federal public service. They exercise quality control over test scoring and establish and manage a certification program for reliable test administration.

Collaboration amongst PPC divisions also permits participation in a broader range of career assessment activities or other industrial psychology activities.

Work environment

The Public Service Commission is a government organization that encourages all employees to bring their ideas to the table. With us, you can watch your ideas grow from concept to fruition, alongside a supportive professional team. With sleek, modern facilities, 22 Eddy is a great place to work that fits every lifestyle. We have Active Workstations, 205km of bike paths right outside our door and fitness facilities within walking distance; an open floor plan and many collaboration areas, as well as several trendy restaurants nearby for the food connoisseurs and lots of coffee shops close by for the java buffs. Our location offers something for everybody — like the panoramic view of downtown Ottawa and the Gatineau hills.

Intent of the process

This process may be used to staff positions on an indeterminate, term or casual basis (with different lengths) within the PPC at the Public Service Commission (PSC) in Gatineau, Quebec (National Capital Region). Please note that term appointments may be extended or may lead to indeterminate appointments. A pool of qualified candidates will be established for future needs.

Please note that persons found qualified at the PS-02 group and level and subsequently appointed indeterminately will be placed into the Personnel Psychology Centre’s Psychologist Professional Training Program (PS PTP). The Program provides employees appointed to the PS-02 group and level with the opportunity to gain skills required for promotion to the next level (PS-03) within a period of two (2) years, which corresponds to the probationary period required by the Employer (Treasury Board Secretariat) http://www.tbs-sct.gc.ca/hrh/prob-eng.asp. In order to be promoted to the PS-03 group and level, employees will need to demonstrate that they have the required competencies and skills. Persons initially appointed to a term position could also be considered for indeterminate appointments to the PS PTP.

Positions to be filled: 5

Information you must provide

Your résumé.

In order to be considered, your application must clearly explain how you meet the following (essential qualifications)

EDUCATION:
COMMON TO BOTH LEVELS
Master's or doctorate degree in psychology from a recognized post-secondary institution (already obtained OR will be obtained in six months following the date the application is submitted).

IMPORTANT NOTE: Candidates who are registered in a combined MA - PhD Program in psychology, or registered in a doctorate's program in psychology, in a recognized post-secondary institution, may be eligible to apply if their university provides an attestation that the equivalent of a master's degree has been completed. Preference will be given to applicants who already have a degree.

Degree equivalency

The following will be applied / assessed at a later date (essential for the job)

Bilingual - Imperative (CBC/CBC)

Information on language requirements

EXPERIENCE:
PS-02
Experience in a field of psychology that is relevant to the personnel assessment activities* conducted by the Personnel Psychology Centre (PPC).

*See the activities listed under section "Duties".

PS-03
Experience leading or managing projects.

In depth experience* in a field of psychology that is relevant to the personnel assessment activities** conducted by the Personnel Psychology Centre (PPC).

*In depth experience means experience normally acquired over a minimum of two (2) years.
**See the activities listed under section "Duties".

KNOWLEDGE:
COMMON TO BOTH LEVELS
Knowledge of a range of personnel psychology assessment methods and instruments, their development and use.
Knowledge of measurement principles and psychometric properties of assessment instruments.

COMPETENCIES:
COMMON TO BOTH LEVELS
Critical thinking
Judgment
Service orientation
Collaborative working relations
Ability to communicate effectively orally
Ability to communicate effectively in writing

PS-03
Action management
Behavioral flexibility

The following may be applied / assessed at a later date (may be needed for the job)

ASSET QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION:
COMMON TO BOTH LEVELS
Master's or doctorate degree in psychology from a recognized post-secondary institution with one of the following specializations: measurement and evaluation, statistics, psychometrics, industrial/organizational psychology.

Degree equivalency

PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATION :
Member or eligibility to become a member of a provincial regulatory body for the practice of psychology.

EXPERIENCE:
COMMON TO BOTH LEVELS
Experience in test development and/or psychometric research.
Experience in the development of test accommodations for assessing persons with disabilities.
Experience in providing assessment or career development services for adults in the workplace.

COMPETENCIES:
PS-02
Action Management
Behavioral flexibility

Conditions of employment

Reliability Status security clearance

Other information

The Public Service of Canada is committed to building a skilled and diverse workforce that reflects the Canadians we serve. We promote employment equity and encourage you to indicate if you belong to one of the targeted groups when you apply.

Information on employment equity

Preference

Preference will be given to veterans and to Canadian citizens, in that order.

Information on the preference to veterans

We thank all those who apply. Only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.