Health Psychologist, SickKids Liver Transplant Program

North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology Hepatology and Nutrition; Toronto; On-site; CAD 80,000 - 100,000; Part time

Job summary

A leading pediatric health institution in Toronto seeks a psychologist to provide psychoeducational and therapeutic interventions for children in the Pediatric Liver Transplant program. The role involves conducting psychological assessments, collaborating with medical teams, and enhancing psychosocial services. Ideal candidates will have a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology and at least 2 years of relevant experience. This is a part-time role with an on-site work model, offering potential future full-time opportunities.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. from a CPA/APA-accredited program with pediatric focus.
• Minimum of 2 years pediatric clinical-health psychology experience.
• Registration or eligibility with the College of Psychologists of Ontario.

Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive psychological assessments.
• Provide updates and recommendations on treatment progress.
• Communicate treatment plans to families and healthcare teams.
• Consult with professionals to support the child's needs.
• Enhance psychosocial services through program collaboration.
• Engage in clinical research and program initiatives.
• Supervise and mentor trainees.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Trauma care

Crisis intervention

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Motivational Interviewing

Education

Ph.D. in Clinical or Health Psychology

Job description

The Hospital for Sick Children is a leading tertiary pediatric centre providing medical and mental health care to a diverse population of children and youth with complex needs. SickKids is committed to excellence in integrated inter-professional care, research, and education, focusing on innovative and equitable health services.

The Department of Psychology at SickKids is a leader in Precision Child Health, supporting clinical care, research, and education with an emphasis on equity and inclusion. The department aims to generate new knowledge, train future psychologists, and address the developmental, medical, and psychosocial needs of children and youth with medical and psychiatric conditions.

The Transplant and Regenerative Medicine Center (TRMC) offers specialized care for children under 18 with solid organ transplants and intestinal failure. It is Canada's largest pediatric liver transplant program, performing 25-40 transplants annually, with over 50% involving living donors. The program emphasizes holistic, long-term care, including a multidisciplinary psychosocial team comprising nurses, social workers, therapists, dieticians, pharmacists, child life specialists, and psychiatrists. The team is active in scholarship, quality improvement, and research, with strong NIH-funded collaborations and philanthropic support.

The psychologist in the Pediatric Liver Transplant program will assess, diagnose, and treat behavioral and socio-emotional issues in pediatric transplant survivors, providing psychoeducational and therapeutic interventions to support adjustment, adherence, coping, and caregiver mental health. The role involves working with children and families in individual, caregiver, or group settings, collaborating with the medical and psychosocial team.

Key Responsibilities:

• Conduct comprehensive psychological assessments and screenings.
• Provide updates and recommendations on intervention progress.
• Communicate treatment plans clearly to families and healthcare teams.
• Consult with school and community professionals to support the child's needs.
• Enhance psychosocial services through collaboration and program development.
• Work independently and as part of an interdisciplinary team.
• Engage in clinical research, quality improvement, and program initiatives.
• Supervise and mentor trainees.

Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in Clinical or Health Psychology from a CPA/APA-accredited program with pediatric/developmental focus.
• At least 2 years of pediatric clinical-health psychology experience.
• Registration or eligibility for registration with the College of Psychologists of Ontario.
• Experience with CBT, Motivational Interviewing, trauma care, crisis intervention, and other modalities.
• Strong interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary, patient-centered environment.
• Experience in pediatric hematology/oncology or hospital settings is a plus.
• Experience supervising psychology trainees is an asset.
• Commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion initiatives.

Employment Details:

0.8 FTE, 2-year contract with modified benefits, potential for full-time in the second year.

On-site work model.

J-18808-Ljbffr