Pediatric Psychologist F71080- Department of Psychiatry

Mission or Goal of Unit:

The mission is to improve the mental health of individuals and families through clinical care, research, education and public awareness as part of the Comprehensive Autonomic Center (CAC).

Chief Purpose of this position:

Virginia Commonwealth University Medical Center, Department of Psychiatry in collaboration with the Children’s Hospital of Richmond (CHoR) is seeking a full-time pediatric psychologist to provide clinical services, research, and program development in the Comprehensive Autonomic Center (CAC). The CAC is an interdisciplinary diagnostic, treatment, research and educational service that seamlessly integrates pediatric and adult services. Key disciplines include neurology, psychology, gastroenterology, PM&R, cardiology, genetics, PT and others. The CAC is anticipated to operate in two locations in Richmond, one on the main academic campus and one in the community.

The goal for this position is to create an atmosphere where pediatric psychology is fully integrated into the pediatric medical subspecialty area and has close and supportive working relationships with community pediatricians and hospital-based physician specialists as well as colleagues throughout psychology and psychiatry at CHoR. Teaching is expected and research and other scholarly activity will be encouraged and supported.

Position Responsibilities:

Teaching - Teaching and training fellows, students, staff, and professionals, with regard to clinical evaluations, treatments, and program development.

Research - Assisting and supporting on-going funded research, applying for grants as appropriate, and participating in the dissemination of science and practice, including writing of articles and presentations.

Service - Participating in university and department committees as requested. Engaging in activities sponsored by advocacy and service organizations for individuals with autonomic disorders.

Clinical - Providing psychological interventions to youth and young adults with autonomic disorders and associated medical complexities impacting daily function. Providing health and behavioral interventions including, psychoeducation and evidence-based psychological interventions related to adjustment to medical and psychological difficulties for patients and families or caregivers, including such methodologies as behavior management, cognitive behavior therapies (CBT), pain reprocessing therapy (PRT) and emotional awareness and expression therapy (EAET).

Consultation to referral sources and interdisciplinary treatment team; collaboration related to patient's cognitive and behavioral strengths and weaknesses, psychological, medical, and behavioral needs and issues; improve patient's and family's psychological wellbeing via development and implementation of intervention plans based on clinical interviews, assessment, observations, and test findings.

Timely preparation and submission of documentation including reports, clinical interviews, and progress notes; liaison between psychology staff, referring professionals, patient, and family; maintenance of practice credentials and completion of education as required by hospital, university, and state practice organization.

Administrative - Leadership of the development and evolution of the pediatric and young adult component of the intensive treatment program and directorship of the pediatric treatment team including physical and occupational therapists, nutritionists and other health practitioners as appropriate.

Required Qualifications:

• A doctoral degree in clinical or counseling psychology and Virginia state licensure or license-eligibility is required.
• Experience with assessment and treatment of mental health concerns and complex pediatric medical conditions.
• Applicants must have demonstrated experience working in and fostering a diverse faculty, staff, and student environment, or be commitment to do so as a faculty member at VCU.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Board eligibility is preferred.
• Competence and expertise with psychological assessment, family services, psychological and behavioral therapies, behavior management, and emotional adjustment to medical and health concerns are strongly preferred.