Pediatric Psychologist - Chronic Pain Program

Children's Healthcare of Atlanta • Atlanta, GA

155d

About The Position

Children's Behavioral and Mental Health Center is undergoing rapid growth and transformation. We are working to innovate the mental health care system for children in Georgia and are recruiting dedicated and experienced team members who are eager to join this mission. Children's is seeking a Pediatric Psychologist with experience in treating behavioral health needs in children and adolescents with Chronic Pain as a member of our multidisciplinary Pediatric Chronic Pain Clinic. This position will be primarily outpatient and will work closely with medical team members on our Chronic Pain Team including pediatric anesthesiologists, pediatric nurse practitioners, physical therapists, nurses, and social work. The Pediatric Chronic Pain team at Children's treats a diverse population of patients (e.g. racially, ethnically, geographically, and gender-diverse). A portion of the psychologist's time will be spent conducting multidisciplinary evaluations of patients experiencing chronic pain due to a variety of conditions including musculoskeletal pain, inflammatory pain, abdominal pain, hypermobility syndrome/Ehlers Danlos Syndrome, complex regional pain syndrome, and chronic headache. The psychologist will also carry a caseload of outpatient therapy patients for psychological treatment of chronic pain and associated distress. Opportunity to incorporate biofeedback into treatment is available, and we support both in-person and telemedicine treatment. The ideal psychologist will have experience with multidisciplinary treatment, diagnostic interviewing, behavioral and cognitive-behavioral interventions, pediatric hypnosis, and behavioral parent training for medically complex youth. A candidate who has completed a postdoctoral fellowship and/or has prior work experience in pediatric chronic pain is strongly preferred. Opportunities for development of groups or other clinical programming is available and supported by the Pediatric Chronic Pain team. Research opportunities are also available and encouraged for candidates interested in development or collaboration on research projects. We are seeking individuals interested in joining a dedicated team of professionals providing the highest quality care to children with pediatric pain conditions. This team includes two pediatric psychologists within the Pain Program. Within the Children's system, there are 25+ other Pediatric Psychologists across various disciplines. Psychologists participate in the training of psychology doctoral externs, doctoral interns and postdoctoral fellows as well other behavioral mental health trainees. Opportunities for clinical research and program development across our clinical care settings are supported. This position is eligible for a faculty appointment through the Emory University School of Medicine, with rank commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Requirements

• Four years of experience in direct assessment and care of pediatric patients in an inpatient and/or outpatient setting.
• Experience in conducting clinical supervision.
• Doctor of Philosophy or Doctor of Psychology from an APA/CPA accredited program.
• Completed an APA accredited internship.
• Licensed or licensed-eligible in Georgia prior to employment.
• Must obtain board certification within hospital timelines.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in providing family therapy/counseling.
• Experience in writing and research.

Responsibilities

• Provides effective delivery of services (e.g., psychological assessments, consultation, and therapy) appropriate to the patient's specific needs and severity level of disability or impairment.
• Integrates infection control and body substance precautions, patient safety, body mechanics, and knowledge of growth and development, including referral to outside agencies as appropriate.
• Provides appropriate assessment and treatment, including modifications for special population(s).
• Develops and successfully implements assessment standards and treatment plans that support established goals.
• Documents weekly/monthly treatment notes and assessment reports following established standards.
• Completes discharge and follows up according to departmental standards, including liaison services to patient's local school systems to assist with school re-entry and consultation for individual education program development as appropriate.
• Demonstrates and practices family-centered care.
• Maintains a therapeutic relationship with patient and family.
• Communicates relevant information at the patient/family level of understanding.
• Identifies patient/family need for services from ancillary departments and provides follow-up and referral as necessary.
• Includes family/caregiver participation in all phases of the patient's program.
• Evaluates patient and family psychosocial needs and provides appropriate direction to the team to meet these needs.
• Maintains an emphasis on minimizing duplication and increasing efficiency.
• Demonstrates commitment to continuous professional growth and improvement, meeting required continuing education standards.
• Provides clinical supervision to fellows, interns, psychometrists, students, and other employees as assigned.
• Supports and participates in continuous assessment and improvement of the quality of care and services provided.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Industry: Hospitals
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees