IBD PSYCHOLOGIST: JOB DESCRIPTION

GENERAL SUMMARY

Brigham and Women's Hospital (BWH) seeks a psychologist for a full-time position integrated within the Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endoscopy and the Crohn's and Colitis Center at BWH. The psychologist will be a key member of the interdisciplinary team who provides and oversees the provision of psychosocial care for selected patients with gastrointestinal medical conditions, specifically inflammatory bowel disease and motility disorders. The psychologist will work alongside gastroenterologists, advanced practice providers, nurses, and dieticians with expertise in gastroenterology and will conduct comprehensive diagnostic and neuropsychological evaluation and bio-psychosocial assessments and provide intervention and treatment as indicated. The psychologist will identify high-risk psychosocial factors that impact health status and help hospital/clinic staff understand the influence of those factors upon the course of medical care, assume clinical evaluation, intervention and planning for patients with complex psychosocial risk and/or chronic medical conditions and work effectively as part of an interdisciplinary health care team. Psychologists with training in cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness/stress management and other evidence-based treatments are encouraged to apply. Those who collaborate well with colleagues, work effectively in teams and thrive in a busy clinical setting will be well suited for this position.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Clinical Practice:

Provides assessment of patients to evaluate mental health, psychiatric history, emotional issues/coping style, understanding of illness/adjustment/compliance, barriers to care, cultural issues, abuse/neglect and domestic violence.

Employs a range of clinical interventions such as individual, group and/or family counseling, consisting of evidenced- based treatment modalities such as cognitive behavioral therapy, supportive psychotherapy and mindfulness meditation . Advocates on behalf of patients and families to gain access to services and resources. Refers patients to other providers, as necessary.

Works with other members of the team including multidisciplinary psychosocial program and psychiatrist at the IBD Center and in the Gastroenterology division to provide integrated care involving mental health, nutrition, stress management, medical care, and education. Participates in mind-body program at the IBD Center.

P rovides mandated assessments when abuse is suspected (child, disabled adult, elder) and safety assessment when domestic violence is reported. Files reports as indicated.

Implements crisis management, including determination of need for higher level of clinical care such as partial hospitalization or inpatient psychiatric level of care where necessary.

Facilitates the appropriate and efficient use of hospital and community resources.

May participate in clinical research.

The position is primarily clinical with potential opportunities for training of psychology interns.

Organizational/Administrative Skills:

Takes responsibility for own administrative duties, including timely and appropriate documentation in patient medical records, timely and accurate daily reporting of activities, and accurate reporting of time worked.

Provides clinical documentation including psychosocial assessment, progress notes, and billing compliance (if appropriate).

Attends and participates in Staff Meetings and interdisciplinary meetings/rounds. May participate in Departmental and Hospital committees.

GI Specific Requirements

The psychologist should feel comfortable providing clinical consultation for patients with gastrointestinal medical conditions including inflammatory bowel disease. Assists in the development of an individualized care plan with a patient, integrating the available services, and works integrally with patient to engage the patient in their individualized care plan. Knowledge of Inflammatory Bowel Disease is recommended.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education: Ph.D. or Psy.D. in clinical or counseling psychology from an APA/CPA accredited program and must have completed an APA accredited internship

Licensure: Current License or License-Eligible in Massachusetts

Experience: Previous experience and expertise in treating adults using evidence-based treatment approaches . Expertise working with individuals with chronic disease and/or inflammatory bowel disease preferred.

COMPETENCIES

Clinical experience, understanding of, and comfort working with patients of all ages who suffer complex medical and psychiatric problems; ability to work with the families of such patients, and ability to help patients and families understand and access the resources required to support care.

Previous experience in a health care setting; knowledge of Inflammatory Bowel Disease and gastrointestinal medical conditions preferred

Ability to provide rapid clinical psychosocial assessments and brief, short or long term treatment/management with individuals, families, couples and/or groups.

Advanced crisis intervention/treatment/management skills; strong assessment and treatment skills.

Cultural sensitivity and demonstrated competency in age specific behaviors

Knowledge of specific medical/psychiatric illnesses, procedures and treatments including

Excellent clinical assessment and crisis intervention knowledge and skills

Knowledge of community agencies/resources. Ability to advocate/negotiate systems for/with patients and families.

Demonstrated ability to communicate effective orally and in writing. Excellent interpersonal skills including negotiation skills necessary to collaborate within a multi-disciplinary team.

Flexibility and ability to work in fast-paced, dynamic environment.

Demonstrable engagement in academic scholarship.

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Psychologists provide clinical care in various settings: in the clinic or as virtual visits

This position will be a 40/hour a week position

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