Research Psychotherapist I Multiple Sclerosis Research

Research Psychotherapist I Multiple Sclerosis Research (Job ID: 8600)

Our Neuropsychiatry program provides cognitive rehabilitation for MS patients through RehaCom and Goal Management Training (GMT), offered in-person and virtually. To address emotional challenges, we are adding a psychotherapy component tailored to MS-specific needs. As part of our team, you will deliver specialized therapy and contribute to research improving mental health and quality of life for those with MS.

The Neuropsychiatry Program at the BARLO Clinic is seeking a dedicated and motivated individual for the role of Research Psychotherapist I. This entry-level position offers an excellent opportunity for candidates interested in contributing to innovative research and patient care. The Research Psychotherapist will work within a research program involving participants who require psychotherapy interventions or whose data necessitate psychotherapy assessments. Responsibilities include administering clinical questionnaires to assess mood and psychological functioning, conducting clinical evaluations (via referrals or file review) to determine if therapy is contraindicated due to clinical concerns, and contributing to the overall success of the research program.

Research Psychotherapists work both independently and as part of an interdisciplinary team to perform the principal responsibilities of the role within a clinical research study which includes: performing clinical assessments; providing individual and/or group psychotherapy for research participants who require support for a wide range of psychological issues; implementing a treatment plan/regimen for each participant according to the study treatment protocol; monitoring participant progress on an ongoing basis, modifying the treatment plan as appropriate, consultation and collaboration with the program's Principal Investigator, research coordinator and other clinicians on the research team, as required; preparing, completing required study documentation in a timely manner; maintaining clinical records in accordance with the standards of practice set by the applicable licensing body; participating in research, participating in education and quality/administrative; performing cross-functional and other duties consistent with the job classification as assigned and/or required.

Duties/Responsibilities

Clinical Duties

• Provide psychotherapeutic intervention to participants that may include individual or group therapy. Some examples of psychotherapeutic interventions that may be used include, but are not limited to, person-centered therapy, cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), solution focused therapy, and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT).
• Conduct in-depth interviews and assessment of participants to evaluate clinical needs for the purposes of study data collection and clinical interventions as outlined in study protocol.
• Administer the research study intervention using the appropriate research protocols, tools, and resources.
• Administer standardized data collection forms as outlined in the research protocol to participants.
• Provide instruction to participants on the completion of the data collection methods.
• Liaise with treatment providers and other healthcare providers regarding participants' clinical progress and ongoing treatment planning, as necessary based on the study protocol.
• Participate in clinical supervision meetings with other study therapists/PI to discuss cases, debrief, and ensure therapy fidelity.
• Respond to inquiries from participants that are specific in nature and require specialized knowledge.
• Monitor participant safety and engage in intervention or follow-up, as required.
• Maintain and safeguard the confidentiality of participant's clinical records.
• Write and document therapy session notes in participants' clinical chart and/or in clinical research file, in accordance with the standards of practice set by the applicable licensing body.

Research Duties

• Engage in study participant recruitment initiatives.
• Present research data and/or clinical program initiatives to internal and external stakeholders.
• Provide training, guidance and support to students, clinical trainees, and Research Coordinators regarding clinical aspects of conducting research, like suicide risk assessment or performing diagnostic interviews.

• Document and report adverse events.
• Accurate data entry, in accordance with study protocol, and hospital and privacy regulations.
• Attend regularly scheduled lab and departmental meetings.
• Review Research Ethics Boards submissions for accuracy, in collaboration with study team.
• Other administrative duties as needed in support of Principal Investigator's clinical, research and knowledge translation initiatives.
• Performs Cross Functional and Other Duties as Assigned and/or Requested
• All staff are expected to carry out their assigned duties and responsibilities in a manner which prioritizes patient and employee safety, and confidentiality. Key accountabilities in this regard include:
• Strict compliance with patient/employee confidentiality practices and policies.
• Strict compliance with patient/employee safety practices and standards.
• Appropriate identification, reporting and response to patient/employee confidentiality breaches in accordance with established policies and procedures.
• Appropriate identification, reporting and response to patient/employee safety risks and incidents/events in accordance with established policies and procedures.

Qualifications

• Completion of a Master's Degree in Health or Social Sciences, with three (3)- or more years of practical and related experience OR demonstrable equivalent combination of specialized education and experience.
• Member in good standing with appropriate Regulatory Body (including College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario, Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers, College of Occupational Therapists of Ontario, College of Psychologists of Ontario.
• Specific psychotherapy approach (e.g., Mindfulness, Interpersonal and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy).
• Suicide Intervention (e.g., ASIST training).
• Experience providing psychotherapeutic assessments and structured psychotherapy treatment for individuals presenting with a wide range of mental health conditions.
• Clinical competence to provide structured psychotherapy in the areas of trauma, depression, anxiety, grief/loss, self-harm, and suicidality.
• Experience in providing individual and/or group psychotherapy required.
• Demonstrated ability to produce high quality assessment and treatment reports and clinical documentation.
• Able to communicate and work effectively in an interdisciplinary team environment and willingness to accept clinical direction.
• Experience in writing manuscripts for scientific journals will be considered an asset.
  

Please Note: Registering and making an account with Unity Health does not mean you have submitted an application for the position you would like to apply for. Please ensure you register and make an account with Unity Health AND apply to the position. Both need to be completed to consider your application.

Thank you for applying.