Psychologist I - Chronic Disease Management

As part of an inter-professional chronic disease management bariatric/diabetes specialty team, the psychologist provides psychological testing and other assessment procedures to clients living with chronic conditions such as obesity and diabetes. This position is responsible for leading and/or co-leading client screening and assessments, interventions, psychotherapy groups, structured groups. Using an educational approach, the psychologist is expected to share strategies, challenges, and develop individual treatment plans with collaboration from the inter-professional team. The psychologist is accountable for the application of evidence-based knowledge and critical analysis of client’s psychological needs enabling optimal support for the obese client. Additionally, as a member of the inter-professional team, the psychologist is expected to maintain clinical and professional standards and collaborate with other team members to coordinate professional activities. This position supports both the bariatric clinic and the diabetes clinic in Grande Prairie and may expand to supporting other clients living with a chronic condition. Psychological Assessments and Counselling. Collaboration with Primary Care physicians and Specialist. Decision-Making/Independence - Is responsible and accountable at all times for his/her practice in providing safe and competent care. Patient and Family Advocate. Quality Management - Ensures data is collected to monitor client outcomes; both quantitative and qualitative data collection is required. Ensures that practice adheres to policy. In addition to a competitive rate of pay, AHS currently has a Remote Retention Allowance in place to an annual maximum of $3,000. This allowance is non-pensionable and is payable on an hourly basis for all hours paid at the basic rate of pay.

As a Psychologist I, you will work with or within teams to provide a range of standard level psychology services to patients and their families within the established standards, directives, and policies for the work environment. Your services may include psychological screening and/or assessment, diagnosis, interventions, rehabilitation, prevention and promotion, as well as educational activities. You will collaborate with the multi-disciplinary team of healthcare professionals in planning and implementing services that align with best practices and ethical and professional standards. You will provide input to the interprofessional team related to psychological factors, barriers and dynamics that influence client treatment planning, participation, outcomes and team functioning, and consult and collaborate with teams and community services. Your duties may also include providing supervision to psychometrists, provisional psychologists and/or masters level psychology students, and providing input into program, policy and/or procedure development in addition to participating in formal research initiatives.

Master's degree in Psychology in an applied area relevant to the practice setting from an accredited university program. Active or eligible for registration with the College of Alberta Psychologists (CAP).

A minimum 3-5 years' experience in a healthcare or related setting ideally in an organization of significant size, complexity and diversity. Respect for the philosophy of bariatric and diabetes services, self-management, mutual aid, adult education principles and the understanding of the impact of chronic health conditions on the individual and the health care system is central to the vision required for this position. Community development and engagement skills are essential. Demonstrates excellent assessment, organization and client care skills. Ability to communicate findings in a concise and accurate manner. Must be able to lead group therapy and work closely with the inter-professional team. Experience or understanding in the area of disordered eating and/or emotional eating. May provide program planning, development and evaluation, and input into policies and procedures.

Experience with diverse & vulnerable populations. Specialized training in evaluation/counseling of obese clients. Leadership skills, ability & comfort with decision making responsibilities, coaching, able to inspire & build confidence in others, committed to operating within a team environment. Able to foster a climate of cooperation amongst & build solid relationships with AHS services, public agencies, government & committees. Excellent analytical, problem solving & decision-making skills.