Edmonton Brain Injury Relearning Society

Psychologist Job Description

July 2010

 

PURPOSE

The psychologist is responsible for the assessment of participants, facilitating research to advance EBIRS’ programs, administrative responsibilities and developing education initiatives for participants and staff / service providers

• Provides delivery of direct and indirect client care including assessment and intervention
  • Responsible for / participates in clinical decisions regarding assessment, intervention, discharge, and/or follow-up of patients with complex psychological needs.
  • Completion of assessments that may be complex either due to the need to utilize uncommon or specialized tests and/or the need to utilize advanced skills i.e.  altering standardized administration) resulting from the difficulties presented by the complexity of either the presenting problem(s) or the patient needs.
  • Carries out assessment services on an individual in conjunction with other disciplines at EBIRS / in the hospital / in the community
  • Establishes and maintains effective communication with colleagues and community agencies concerning the client treatment plan, progress and discharge plans.
  • Leads or assists in client/family/caregiver education in conjunction with other disciplines as required.
  • Works collaboratively with community agencies and other health care facilities and practitioners to promote continued client care.
  • Provides consulting services to external facilities or personnel on request.
  • Demonstrates expertise in specific areas of clinical service, and serves as a consultant in this area both internally and externally.

• Administrative Role
  • Attends service, program and team meetings as required
  • Records and maintains workload and other statistical data
  • Leads and/or participants in quality improvement activities such as audits, program evaluation and accreditation processes
  • Is assigned to play a lead role in or initiates program-related activities to ensure effective delivery of client services (may include development of assessment forms, protocols, client/family/caregiver education programs, and quality improvement projects)
  • Takes a leadership role in psychology service committees/projects

• Education Role
  • Participates in the education of staff and patients regarding psychological issues either individually or in cooperation with others through group presentations, etc.
  • Assigned a role as a lead in ensuring the provision of best practice, reflecting relevant evidence-based research.
  • Coordinates and/or present education activities to enhance professional competence level of staff
  • Participates in ongoing education in order to maintain professional competence as outlined by the professional psychology regulatory association (College of Alberta Psychologists)

• Research Role
  • Initiates and/or pr participants in the design and implementation of independent, professional service or interdisciplinary research.
  • Facilitates research partnerships through linkages with the University and/or other health care organizations.
  • Provides leadership in improving quality client care according to best practice guidelines including outcomes, client/family satisfaction and positive client-therapist interactions
  • Ensures the development of quality service through clinical evaluation and incorporation of scientific-based evidence into clinical practice.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Doctorate degree (Ph.D.) in Psychology from an accredited university program.  An equivalent combination of education and experience satisfactory to the employer may be considered.
• Internship from APA/CPA accredited internship program preferred.
• Minimum two (2) years experience and expertise in the treatment of patients with complex psychological disorders is required
• Must have and maintain registration with the College of Alberta Psychologists (CAP) throughout the duration of employment.  A successful candidate who is not currently registered with the College of Alberta Psychologists must obtain registration (provisional, courtesy or full registration) prior to commencement in the position.

SPECIAL KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES/COMPETENCIES

• Knowledge

• Knowledge of client and/or family centred practice models
• Knowledge of community rehabilitation service delivery
• Specialized knowledge with respect to brain injury
• Knowledge of specialized psychometric tests and methods of non-standardized testing

• Skills/Abilities/Competencies

• Demonstrated ability to work within an interdisciplinary team
• Demonstrated ability to work in a client/family centred environment.
• Effective clinical reasoning skills
• Effective interpersonal skills
• Effective verbal and written communication skills
• Effective problem-solving skills, including analytical thinking and conflict resolution
• Demonstrated initiative, adaptability and flexibility to meet varying clinical and operational needs
• Basic computer literacy
• Effective planning and organizational skills
• Effective program planning, coordination and evaluation skills
• Able to function as a consultant and educator
• Understanding of research methodology, with an ability to critically evaluate research finding s and apply those appropriate to area of practice
• Advanced skills in psychological assessment, including the ability to utilize non-standardized testing methods, proficiency in administering specialized tests, and/or advanced skills in interpretation of test results
• Broad, proficient skills in therapeutic techniques, with the ability to tailor the technique to the unique needs of the patient