Pediatric Psychologist

More Than a Job, It's a Calling

At Akron Children's, helping patients and families is at the heart of all we do. We are the only freestanding, independent pediatric hospital in the region, and our compassionate providers are committed to delivering a lasting and meaningful impact.

Whether you're early in your career or a seasoned specialist, you'll find opportunities to expand your skills, pursue leadership roles, participate in research and help shape the future of pediatric health care.

If you're ready to make a difference in a collaborative, child-centered environment, we can't wait to meet you!

Department-Specific Summary:

The Division of Pediatric Psychology at Akron Children's Hospital (ACH) is seeking to grow our team with several open pediatric psychologist positions. Opportunities to specialize in one or more areas of pediatric subspecialty medicine exist based on candidates' interest and expertise:

• Gastroenterology and Colorectal Surgery. Highly integrated into the Divisions of Gastroenterology and Surgery, this role offers the opportunity to provide both outpatient and inpatient consultation and intervention services to patients with a variety of GI-related diagnoses. The psychologist can join the well-established multidisciplinary Constipation Clinic and DGBI Clinics, along with the multidisciplinary group treatment program for pediatric functional constipation (Poop Group!). Opportunities in program development are robust, including establishing a comprehensive colorectal psychology program and increasing programing for children with chronic GI conditions including IBD and Celiac Disease.

• Epilepsy. This role provides opportunities to collaboratewith neurology and neurosurgery for patients in treatment for seizure and epilepsy diagnoses, focusing on adjustment to the diagnosis and adherence to medical recommendations, including ketogenic diet. Opportunities include both inpatient and outpatient care, including consultation for patients being evaluated for epilepsy surgeries. Program development in establishing psychology involvement in epilepsy clinics and community outreach in partnering with local support groups is also available.

• Rheumatology. As a growing division, a psychologist is sought to develop an integrated psychology program within the Rheumatology Division. Following guidelines from the American College of Rheumatology to regularly screen children with chronic rheumatological conditions for anxiety and depression, the medical team is seeking a psychologist that can provide consultation and care for these patients. Common diagnoses include Vasculitis (including GPA/MPA), Lupus, and Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA). Participating in an established multidisciplinary clinic for patients with vasculitis is also sought. This role is a great opportunity to build relationships and programs with a medical team that is highly appreciative and supportive of psychology services.

• Nephrology. This role provides opportunity to expand and build an integrated service within our Nephrology Division. In this role, the psychologist will have the opportunity to provide collaborative care for youth with a variety of kidney-related conditions, including patients with end stage renal disease, patients receiving hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis, and post renal transplant. Within this role, common presenting concerns include medical adherence, adjustment and coping with medical course, pre-transplant evaluations, and increasing quality of life.

• Feeding Disorders Program. In this role, the psychologist will join an established and growing Interdisciplinary Feeding Team, including other psychologists, occupation and speech therapists, and registered dieticians. The psychologist will conduct individual and team evaluations and provide treatment for children with feeding difficulties, including Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) and Pediatric Feeding Disorder (PFD). Opportunities for program development and clinical research are encouraged, including access to a robust research database.

• Behavioral Sleep Medicine. This role offers the opportunity to join an established and growing multidisciplinary team in the AASM-accredited sleep center. In this role, the psychologist will evaluate and treat behavioral sleep concerns including insomnia, nightmare disorders, nighttime fears, nighttime fears, circadian rhythm disorders, parasomnias, and concerns with sleep quality (e.g., compliance for treatment of sleep apnea, restless leg syndrome). Embedded within the outpatient Sleep Center, close collaboration with medical and behavioral health team members is encouraged.

Medical Coping Clinic. For psychologists interested in variety and are passionate about improving equitable access to quality care, the Medical Coping Clinic is seeking additional psychologists to provide pediatric psychology services to patients in the regional services areas of Akron Children's Hospital. Opportunities to establish clinics in various locations across Ohio are available. Psychologists in this clinic provide generalist pediatric psychology services to patients that do not have imbedded psychology support or have barrier limiting access to traveling to Akron for specialized services. Working closely with other behavioral health providers, this role may also offers leadership opportunities in providing consultation and/or supervision to masters-level therapists on evidence-based interventions

Opportunities for engagement in program development, quality improvement initiatives, and clinical research are robust, regardless of area of clinical specialization. Research support is available through protected time, close collaboration with the Research Institute to provide research coordination and statistical support, and additional funding for travel to present research at national and international conferences. Psychologists have strong partnerships with several local universities to collaborate on clinical research and obtain additional student mentorship and support. Research mentorship and peer collaboration opportunities are also robust resources.

Training and supervision opportunities are also available to all psychologists. Akron Children's Hospital has a robust externship program in close collaboration with several area universities, a newly developed Pediatric Psychology Internship Program, and an established Pediatric Psychology Fellowship Program. Psychologists also work closely with pediatric residents and fellows training in Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, Child Psychiatry, and several medical subspecialties to provide interprofessional education. Opportunities to teach medical students through collaboration with Northeast Ohio Medical University is also available. Educational and mentorship support is available for new supervisors and those looking to enhance their educator skills.

Requirements include a doctorate degree (Ph.D. or Psy.D.) in clinical, counseling, or educational psychology from an APA-accredited doctoral program, completion of an APA-accredited internship (child or pediatric emphasis preferred), license eligibility in the State of Ohio, and strong interest in the practice of evidence-based pediatric psychology

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