Postdoctoral Psychologist Resident for Intensive Outpatient Programs

Location: All
Supervisor: Director of Intensive Outpatient Programs
Employee Classification: Exempt (Salaried), Full-Time
Hours: Full-time, 40 hours per week
Compensation: $65,000 annually

Start Date: September 9, 2024
End Date: September 5, 2025

Primary Function:

Postdoctoral Psychologist Residents for Intensive Outpatient Programs provide comprehensive services necessary for the promotion of optimal mental health, prevention and treatment of psychiatric disorders, and ongoing health maintenance services. Clinicians may be asked to provide therapy and assessment services to individuals, families, and groups of all ages within the Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP) and within Outpatient Psychotherapy Services, and to work in collaboration with others involved in the health of the patient(s).

Postdocs in this position will work within General Adult IOP and LGBTQ+ Adult IOP. Group curriculum within IOP will include, but is not limited to, psychoeducation and skill building, relational process group, and crisis management. All patients in IOP are assigned a treatment team, as such, there is a heavy emphasis on multi-disciplinary collaboration.

Portland Mental Health and Wellness clinicians generally practice from relational and process-oriented models and focus on the whole person in the context in which they live. Staff psychologists practice from gestalt, psychodynamic, and other person-focused and process-oriented frameworks. Supervision utilizes a therapeutic model in an effort to both support and challenge our trainees to attend to both their patients and their own process. Strong attention is paid to navigating ethical and legal matters, and sharpening your sense of how you wish to work as a professional to maintain a fulfilling career.

Essential Functions:

• Provide a variety of treatment services, including individual, family, couple, and group therapy in both outpatient and intensive outpatient programs, as appropriate to the clinician’s level of training and experience
• Conduct psychological assessments and interpret using advanced integration of test data from multiple sources (e.g. WAIS, Rorschach, PAI, and other instruments)
• Provide assessments for patients seeking gender affirming surgeries using a social justice perspective aligned with recognized WPATH Standards of Care
• Participate in weekly individual supervision, group supervision, and didactic/process groups
• Participate in 3 weekly grand rounds or patient staffings to discuss IOP patients’ treatment plans and progress
• Participate in clinic trainings and meetings
• Participate in 1 hour of face-to-face individual supervision per week for up to 20 hours of work, and at least 2 hours (the 2nd hour can be group or consultation) of supervision per week for more than 20 hours of work in a week.
• Participate in check-ins with Training Director weekly
• Provide individual and/or group supervision to doctoral student(s) for 1-2 hours per week, depending on prior agreement with PMHW
• Review the risks and benefits involved in therapy services and mandated reporting laws with patients
• Conduct initial assessment interview using the biopsychosocial model
• Assess the patient’s mental, physical, and social status based on the presenting symptoms and complaints
• Diagnose psychiatric disorders and mental health conditions
• Develop practice protocols for mental health problems based on review and evaluation of published research
• Develop treatment plans based on findings and in collaboration with the patients and their support system, when appropriate
• Update treatment plans, assessment updates, and testing as needed or as required
• When patients have been in services at PMHW for one continuous year, review the treatment plan and obtain signature from PMHW’s Licensed Medical Provider prior to re­authorization and continuation of services
• Obtain releases necessary to collaborate with outside agencies involved in the care of the patient when appropriate
• Consult with supervisors and other professionals when unusual or complex cases are encountered
• Refer patients requiring more specialized or complex treatment to psychiatrists, primary care physicians, or other health and wellness specialists
• Function as clinic liaison with community-­based specialists, emergency departments, hospitals, and care teams
• Facilitate a timely exchange of communication and information to ensure continuity of care
• Educate patients and family members about mental health and medical conditions, preventive health measures, and treatment plans
• Monitor electronic calendar to keep informed of upcoming appointments, changes and cancellations
• Maintain clinic records in accordance with insurance regulations and established clinic policies and procedures
• Perform other duties as assigned
• Clinical Encounter Expectations: Minimum of 19 clinical contact hours per week for full time postdocs. Required 218 clinical contact hours per quarter. This includes individual, family, and group therapy in outpatient and intensive outpatient. Documentation completed within 5 business days of patient contact or in accordance with PMHW documentation policies.

Performance Requirements: 

Knowledge: 

• Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders. 
• Knowledge of principles, methods, and procedures for diagnosis, treatment planning, and engagement of psychotherapy and/or psychiatric services.
• Knowledge of principles of case conceptualization and diagnostic justification.
• Knowledge of group behavior and dynamics, societal trends and influences, human migrations, ethnicity, and cultures and their history and origins. 
• Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services.
• Knowledge of or willingness to learn practice policies and procedures. 
• Knowledge of or willingness to learn medical terminology associated with specific role
• Knowledge of or willingness to learn basic insurance terminology and procedures associated with providing clinical services within an insurance-based practice.
• Knowledge of grammar, spelling, and punctuation, for effective and appropriate communication. 
• Knowledge of web-based computer programs and applications in an Apple/Mac environment

Skills: 

• Demonstrate an understanding of sound ethical practice in conjunction with the established and defined ethics of one’s training and discipline.
• Appropriately and effectively assess and treat behavioral and affective disorders, with an emphasis on relational and process intervention models.
• Assess risk for harm to self or others at intake as well as throughout the course of treatment.
• Maintain current and comprehensive clinical documentation compliant with Oregon Health Authority requirements. 
• Coordination of care with multiple providers, both within the practice and at other facilities.
• Welcome and utilize feedback with interest and curiosity from peers, colleagues, managers and directors, as well as in supervision and consultation settings.

Abilities: 

• Provide clinically sound treatment services based on patient needs and treatment plans.
• Demonstrate an understanding of diagnostic evaluation methods, such as the mental status exams, the LOCUS, CASII, ECSII, Level of Care, CANS, PAI, and additional tools used in diagnosing
• Demonstrate an understanding of the DSM­ 5.0.
• Respond to a range of patient needs using differential diagnoses and treatment approaches.
• Demonstrate an understanding of sound ethical practice in conjunction with the established and defined ethics of one’s training and discipline.
• Effectively organize time and responsibilities.
• Demonstrate an understanding and abide by the regulations set forth by HIPAA.
• Model through behaviors and attitudes the values that reflect and are consistent with the policies of PMHW.
• Engage in ongoing training opportunities provided by Portland Mental Health & Wellness and elsewhere to improve skills in diagnosis, treatment planning, and engagement of psychotherapy and/or psychiatric services that emphasize the mission, vision and values of Portland Mental Health & Wellness.
• Ability to work effectively as a team member, and to communicate clearly, compassionately, and respectfully, with medical and mental health professionals, as well as with administrative support staff.
• Ability to flexibly respond to changing demands within the work environment. 
• Ability to organize and prioritize tasks, time, and responsibilities effectively, as well as to work independently and with minimal supervision.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with patients, employees, and the public. 
• Ability to function proficiently in a web-based computer environment.

Minimum Qualifications:

• PsyD or PhD in clinical or counseling psychology (ABD at the time of application is acceptable) from an accredited US Program.
• Postdoctoral psychology residents must have a Contract for Supervision of a Psychologist Resident form signed by the Oregon Board of Psychologist Examiners and have completed all PMHW onboarding and credentialing paperwork in order to begin employment.
• NOTE: PMHW is unable to offer this position to international applicants or those with degrees from outside the US due to Oregon Board of Psychology restrictions related to postdoctoral residency and PMHW is unable to offer necessary visa sponsorship.
• Demonstrate competence and humility in terms of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religion, class, ability et al
• Demonstrate commitment to the preservation of a workplace which embraces diversity
• Demonstrate commitment to confidentiality of patient and employee information
• Communicate professionally and effectively with patients and clinicians
• Demonstrate a strong attention to detail and organization
• Demonstrate patience: being patient with people who may have trouble communicating or understanding what is happening is imperative for this position
• Follow policies and procedures to contribute to the administrative efficiency of the practice, taking initiative to suggest and develop those that may be needed
• Ability to work with Mac OS & Google Workspace

Equipment Operated: Standard office equipment, including computers, copiers, printers, telephones, etc. 

Work Environment: When working from a PMHW office, the position is in a well-lit office environment. Varied activities including sitting, standing, walking, reaching, bending, and lifting.

Mental and Physical Requirements: Involves sitting approximately 90 percent of the day, walking or standing the remainder. Ability to tolerate mental and emotional distress as an anticipated aspect of the position. May require working under stressful conditions.

Portland Mental Health & Wellness offers a competitive benefits package for full-time employees that includes:

• Paid Time Off (80 hours per year, accrued)
• Paid Health Leave (40 hours per year)
• Paid Floating Holiday Hours (80 hours per year)
• Medical and Vision Insurance – Kaiser (choice of three plans) – Covered at 60%
• Dental Insurance – Principal – Covered at 60%
• Employer Paid Life and AD&D Insurance – Principal 
• Voluntary Additional Life and AD&D Insurance – Principal  
• Voluntary Short Term Disability Insurance – Principal 
• Voluntary Critical Illness Insurance – Principal 
• Voluntary Accident Insurance – Principal 
• Flexible Spending Account, Health Care – Ameriflex
• Flexible Spending Account, Dependent Care – Ameriflex 
• Commuter Benefits – Choice of One Below:
  • Monthly TriMet Transportation Pass – Covered at 50%
  • Parking Reimbursement – Up to $50 per month
• 401K Retirement Plan – Up to 4% Company Match Once Eligible
• Quarterly Profit Sharing Incentive 
• Enrollment with Student Loan Tutor
• 20% Discount on Vitamins & Supplements Through Fullscript
• 15% discount at VioletSuitesPDX
• OnPoint Group Banking Benefits
• Discounted Monthly Membership with Müv Fitness
• Limited Access to Columbia Sportswear Employee Store
• Loan Repayment Program Opportunity Through the Oregon Health Authority’s Behavioral Health Workforce Initiative
• Access to Clearly Clinical Continuing Education Resources at No Additional Cost
• Weekly Consultation Groups
• $5,000 relocation stipend (if relocating to Portland, OR, and to be paid with the first applicable payroll after start)
• $600 to help offset the costs of EPPP study-materials or exam fees incurred during the contract period
• Option/anticipation to stay on at PMHW once licensed

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How To Apply:  

Step 1: Interested candidates are asked to first review our organizational culture page to learn more about PMHW, how we work, and assess their commitment to becoming a contributing member of this culture. You may also read about our Intensive Outpatient Programs here. If after reviewing these pages you continue to be excited about this opportunity, please proceed to the next step.

Step 2: Submit a detailed letter of interest and curriculum vitae here. This form will provide you with the place to name your three professional recommendation providers who will then be sent a link to upload their recommendation to us.

Step 3: Eligible applicants will be reviewed as received and will be notified whether or not they will be invited to interview.

Application Deadline:we are accepting applications on a rolling basis until all positions are filled

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This description is intended to provide only the basic guidelines for meeting job requirements. Responsibilities, knowledge, skills, abilities, and working conditions may change as the practice’s needs evolve. Regular and predictable attendance is an essential function of every job.

The requirements described above are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. By signing below, you acknowledge that you are able to perform the Essential Functions of this job, with or without accommodation. If an accommodation is needed, you acknowledge that you have an opportunity to discuss this with Human Resources.

It’s essential to clarify that at Portland Mental Health & Wellness, we hire W-2 employees for most positions, rather than contractors. This decision reflects our commitment to professionalism, accountability, and the highest standards of care.

In Oregon, the distinction between W-2 employees and contractors holds significant legal and ethical implications. By hiring W-2 employees, we ensure that our staff receive fair wages, benefits, and protections mandated by state labor laws. This includes access to healthcare, paid leave, and workers’ compensation, fostering a supportive and secure work environment.

Moreover, hiring W-2 employees allows us to maintain consistent quality control and oversight over our services. We prioritize building a team of dedicated professionals who share our values and commitment to providing exceptional mental health care to our clients. This ensures continuity of care and fosters trust within our community.

At Portland Mental Health & Wellness, we believe that investing in our employees translates to better outcomes for our clients. By hiring W-2 employees, we uphold our commitment to integrity, transparency, and excellence in mental health care delivery. Join us in our mission to promote holistic well-being and support the mental health needs of individuals and families in Portland and beyond.