Health Psychology Postdoctoral Fellow (howard)

Job Description

The Talent Acquisition department hires qualified candidates to fill positions which contribute to the overall strategic success of Howard University. Hiring staff “for fit” makes significant contributions to Howard University’s overall mission.

BASIC FUNCTION:

This American Cancer Society funded program focuses on preparing a postdoctoral trainee for an independent research career with a focus on psycho-oncology. This program is grounded in core competencies of team science, behavioral medicine research, program development & evaluation, community outreach and addressing health disparities.

The candidate will screen for psychosocial distress and provide appropriate resources to address psycho-social needs to Howard University Hospital (HUH) cancer outpatients in active treatment. The candidate will also communicate findings to the members of the distress screening team.  The candidate will prepare peer reviewed publications, present research findings at local and national conferences, and be trained in grantsmanship activities.   

SUPERVISORY ACCOUNTABILITY: 

Reports to Dr. Teletia R. Taylor (Principal Investigator)          

NATURE AND SCOPE:

The candidate will screen for psychosocial distress and provide appropriate resources to Howard University Hospital cancer outpatients in active treatment.

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES:

• Report to Principal Investigator
• Along with the study Social Worker, the Health Psychology Postdoctoral Fellow will:
• Carry out psycho-social distress screening
• Maintain comprehensive, timely and accurate documentation of distress screening assessments and upload results into online distress screening software
• Provide HUH cancer patients enrolled in screening program with linkages to community resources in response to distress screening
• Coordinate and administer research study associated activities
• Coordinate with relevant HUH departments to facilitate screenings
• Coordinate follow-up, referral and documentation with screening team
• Collaborate with the PI to prepare IRB and any other regulatory documents
• Assist with data interpretation and manuscript preparation
• Have weekly meetings with the distress screening team members

CORE COMPETENCIES:

• Ability to efficiently organize and prioritize tasks, time and resources.
• Ability to recognize/practice strong professional and ethical boundaries and be committed to promoting the welfare and wellbeing of patients.
• Demonstrated effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively as a member of a multidisciplinary team.
• Excellent interpersonal/professional skills, i.e., ability to respectfully interact with people.
   

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

The applicant must have completed all requirements for the Psychology doctoral degree by the start of the fellowship. Have specialty training in health-related psychology and have an expressed interest in psycho-oncology. Interest in behavioral medicine research, program development & evaluation, and community outreach. Interest in addressing health equity through social, psychological, and behavioral lens strongly desired. Computer experience and demonstrated competence with Microsoft Word, Excel, and the Internet.