Psychologist

POSITION SUMMARY

The Psychologist is primarily responsible for the assessment, development, implementation and evaluation of specialized care plans for patients with complex behavioural issues. The Psychologist in this role would benefit from specialty training in conducting functional analysis of challenging behaviours and behavioural interventions. The Psychologist will function as a member of the centralized Clinical Neuropsychology Service (CNS), a team which includes neuropsychologists, psychometrists and various learners.

The Psychologist will work within a recovery-based model of care to provide time limited, inpatient behaviour therapy services to individuals with challenging or aggressive behaviours related to their mental health diagnosis (i.e., personality disorders), as well as individuals with a dual diagnosis (i.e., developmental disabilities and mental health needs) or dementia.

The Psychologist will collaborate with the various other healthcare disciplines within the patient’s unit to provide training and education to front-line staff and in the development and provision of integrated care plans and recommendations in accordance with best practice standards.

The Psychologist plans, coordinates and provides related research and program evaluation activities. Specific roles and tasks will be shaped by program needs and client population. The psychologist takes a leadership role in education, clinical training and other academic activities within the program.

The Psychologist practices within the scope of declared competencies registered with the College of Psychologists of Ontario. Given that St. Joseph's Healthcare is affiliated with McMaster University, the psychologist is expected to engage in appropriate teaching and research activities and holds a faculty appointment within the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences.

• Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from an APA/CPA-accredited program (or equivalent).
• Registered or eligible for registration with the College of Psychologists of Ontario, with competency in clinical psychology for adult populations (additional competency in seniors and/or neuropsychology is an asset).
• Certification with the Board Certification of Behaviour Analysts (BCBA) is an asset

• Minimum one year of post-doctoral clinical experience (preferred).
• At least two years working with individuals with major mental illness, developmental disabilities, dual diagnosis, or dementia.
• Experience managing challenging and aggressive behaviours in adults and seniors.

• Proficiency in standardized psychological assessments (diagnostic and intellectual).
• Knowledge of behavioural assessment, management, and treatment planning, including crisis intervention and prevention.
• Ability to develop, implement, and evaluate individualized behavioural care plans.
• Understands key risk factors in terms of patient/client behaviours within a dynamic inpatient mental health setting.

• Excellent organizational, interpersonal and communication skills to interact effectively with patients/clients, clinical team staff, and community partners.
• Ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary team and dynamic environment.
• Initiative, sound judgment, flexibility, and problem-solving skills.
• Knowledge of community resources (asset).
• Compliance with ethical and professional standards.

• Demonstrated interpersonal and supervisor skills required for the supervision of students, interns, residents, psychometrists, staff from other healthcare disciplines, and psychologists and/or psychological associates registered for supervised practice by the College of Psychologists of Ontario
• Advanced oral and written communication for reports, presentations, and publications.
• Track record of academic productivity and proficiency in clinical research design and analysis.
• Teaching and research experience suitable for faculty appointment at McMaster University.

• Conduct evidence-based psychological assessments, including psychodiagnostic, intellectual disability, and…