Clinical Neuropsychologist – Pediatrics

Position Summary:

• We are seeking a Pediatric Clinical Neuropsychologist to be a part of our Pediatric Hematology/Oncology and General Pediatric Neuropsychology team. This role is split evenly, with 50% of time devoted to Hematology/Oncology referrals for patients transitioning off treatments, and 50% focused on non-Hematology/Oncology referrals from within Advocate Children’s Hospital and the community. The position supports both inpatient and outpatient needs, with technician support provided. While some initial diagnostic visits and feedback sessions can be conducted virtually, all testing will be performed in person, with a private office provided at our facility. The neuropsychologist will collaborate with psychologists, neuropsychologists, physicians, school coordinators, and nursing staff to deliver comprehensive care. Responsibilities include neuropsychological testing for pediatric Hematology/Oncology patients as well as those with complex medical diagnoses, central nervous system disorders, cardiovascular conditions, brain injuries, and ADHD. The role also involves developing the neuropsychology program for the Hematology/Oncology population and requires flexibility, collaboration, and a commitment to training in this specialized area. Caseloads will vary based on the unique testing needs of each patient population. Below is a general description of the role shared across sites, duties may vary based on position and site.

Major Responsibilities:

• Provision of Clinical Neuropsychological Services
  •     1)Administers and interprets appropriate diagnostic instruments including patient and family interviews and neuropsychological tests to determine a patient's level of cognitive, psychological, emotional and behavioral functioning, including their adjustment to injury/illness. Recommends appropriate treatment plan and documents according to established department procedures and hospital policies.
  •     2)Educates patient and family (where appropriate) regarding the nature of the patient's illness, it's expected course, treatment of illness and alternative treatments.
  •     3)Formulates goal-oriented treatment plan with expected outcomes in collaboration with the patient and family where appropriate.
  •     4)Assesses patient's and the patient family's level of understanding and motivation and level of compliance to engage in treatment according to plan, including their expected roles in the treatment process and makes appropriate changes in treatment plan as needed.
  •     5)Provides diagnostic consultative services as ordered by the physician.
  •     6)Conducts preliminary assessments to determine the appropriateness of the psychological testing as well as the selection of appropriate tests designed to address specific diagnostic questions.
  •     7)Prepares psychological testing report and documents findings according to established procedures and standards. Communicates results and treatment plan to patient and family, and referring provider.
  •     8)Develops strategies where appropriate to assist families and other health care providers in management of the patient's behaviors and illness.
• Program Specific Activities
  •     1)Provides programmatic support to referring pediatric clinical programs, including but not limited to Sports Medicine/Concussion, Midwest Children's Brain Tumor Center, Pediatric Neurology and Developmental Pediatrics.
  •     2)Provides ACH management teams with regular reports regarding all aspects of program development and evaluation.
  •     3)Evaluates program performance in terms of process and outcome, suggesting functional improvements as necessary.
  •     4)Works collaboratively with other staff and clinical and administrative professionals on projects of any nature.
  •     5)Coordinates the clinical services of staff providing clinical supervision as appropriate and as assigned.
  •     6)Other duties as assigned.
• Education and Training
  •     1)Provides health care providers (i.e. psychologists, physicians, residents, nurses, therapists, social workers, aids) with education regarding neuropsychological factors in illness, treatment, and recovery from illness as well as approach to and management of patient and families.
  •     2)Presents educational material in formal settings (i.e. rounds, seminars) to clinicians inside and outside of the hospital setting as assigned.
  •     3)Presents educational issues to the community.
  •     4)Provides clinical supervision of staff as appropriate as assigned by the Manager of Psychological Services.
  •     5)Provide clinical training and supervision to psychology graduate students, medical residents and students according to departmental procedures, hospital policies, Division and Department standards, and Standards of Practice for Psychologists.
• Professional Growth & Development
  •     1)Provides clinical services in a professional and customer friendly manner.
  •     2)Conducts self in a professional and courteous manner with concern and respect for both internal and external customer needs.
  •     3)Provides professional services in strict accordance with Ethics and Standards of Practice of the American Psychological Association for Licensed Clinical Psychologists.
  •     4)All documentation of clinical services in the patient medical record and maintenance of the medical records are completed according to established departmental procedures; Division and departmental guidelines, hospital policies and Standards of Practice.
  •     5)Attends and participates in all appropriate patient staffings to facilitate multidisciplinary treatment planning and care of patients and families, as well as aftercare planning collaborating with other health care providers on issues regarding patient treatment and management.
  •     6)Attends and participates in continuing education for clinical neuropsychologists working with patients with psychiatric, psychological or behavioral health problems in accordance with standards set forth by the Division of Psychology / Department of Psychiatry.
  •     7)Reports on conferences, seminars and workshops attended at appropriate department meetings for the purpose of informing and educating colleagues if needed.
  •     8)Maintains licensure through CME certifications and medical staff privileges at affiliated sites
• Departmental Activities
  •     1)Attends and actively participates in Division Training Activities if involved in Psychology student training.
  •     2)Attends and participates in all relevant team, department, and division administrative and planning meetings as assigned or appropriate.
  •     3)Other duties as assigned.

Licensure:

• Psychologist Clinical with State of IL

Education/Experience Required:

• • Ph.D. or Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology or Neuropsychology from an APA accredited graduate program.
• Completion of APA accredited Predoctoral Internship / Residency in Clinical psychology
• Graduate curriculum / coursework and clinical training which reflects preparation to function as a psychologist with a specialty in neuropsychology
• Three to five years clinical experience preferred, accepting newly licensed individuals if prior pediatric experience via training or fellowship.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Required:

• Advanced knowledge of and skills in psych-diagnostic assessment and evaluation, psychotherapy and psychological testing commensurate with the level of education and training and as appropriate for the area of specialization
• Advanced knowledge of and skills in case conceptualization, formulation of behavioral treatment plan and collaborative and multidisciplinary treatment planning
• Advanced knowledge of and skills in psychiatric diagnosis using current DSM criteria
• Excellent interpersonal communication skills
• Advanced knowledge of Ethical Principles and Standards of Practice for Psychologists (APA)
• Advanced knowledge of and skills in customer-oriented service and customer satisfaction
• Basic knowledge of clinical leadership, coordination of clinical activities.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions:

• Ability to work in a brief managed care friendly model with patients and families across the continuum of care throughout the hospital.

This job description indicates the general nature and level of work expected of the incumbent. It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required of the incumbent. Incumbent may be required to perform other related duties