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We are so glad you are interested in joining Sutter Health!

Organization:

SPMF-Sutter Pacific Medical Foundation - North

Position Overview:

The psychologist provides psychological care to older adults, focusing on the relationship between physical health conditions and mental health. This position involves requirement for program development skills and involves working with the medical director and neuropsychology lead to develop a program of geriatric, health psychology interventions for older adults coping with neurodegenerative conditions and the care partners. The role involves assessing, diagnosing, and treating psychological issues related to aging and chronic illness. The psychologist works closely with interdisciplinary teams, including medical professionals, to address both mental and physical health challenges, promote wellness, and improve the quality of life for elderly patients. Responsibilities included performing psychological assessment and brief cognitive assessments of older adults, establishing and providing psychological interventions and psychoeducation for mental health concerns and healthy lifestyle promotion targeting older adults with cognitive concerns and their care partners.

**Job Description** :

**Education** :

Doctoral degree (Ph.D. or Psy.D.) in Clinical Psychology, Health Psychology, or a related field with a focus on geriatrics.

**Typical Experience** : Experience in health psychology or working with older adults in healthcare settings is preferred.

Licensure

California State licensure as a clinical psychologist.

Skills and Knowledge

+ In-depth knowledge of the physical and psychological changes associated with aging, including a working knowledge of neurodegenerative conditions.

+ Expertise in managing the psychological aspects of chronic illness, disability, and pain in elderly populations.

+ Advanced knowledge of evidence-based interventions for healthy lifestyle promotion and psychotherapeutic interventions.

+ Strong collaboration and communication skills to work effectively with interdisciplinary healthcare teams.

+ Ability to provide compassionate, evidence-based care to older adults facing health-related challenges.

Communication Skills

+ Conveys empathy and active listening to understand the thoughts, concerns, and emotions of older adults.

+ Conveys complex psychological concepts in a straightforward, clear, and age-appropriate manner.

+ Demonstrates patience when communicating with older adults who may have difficulty processing or responding due to cognitive decline, sensory impairments, or health conditions.

+ Is aware of and respects cultural, ethnic, and generational differences in communication styles and healthcare beliefs.

+ Uses appropriate body language, facial expressions, and tone of voice to convey warmth, understanding, and professionalism.

+ Adjusts communication style based on the cognitive and emotional state of the patient, such as using simpler language for those with dementia or a more complex dialogue for patients with higher cognitive abilities.

+ Communicates clearly and efficiently with physicians, nurses, social workers, and other healthcare professionals to coordinate care.

+ Navigates conflicts between patients, families, and caregivers in a respectful, non-confrontational manner.

Quality

+ Provides older adults access psychological services promptly, especially during periods of acute need (e.g., post-hospitalization, after diagnosis of chronic illness, or during major life transitions).

+ Incorporates pre- and post-intervention measures to assess the effectiveness of psychological interventions.

+ Completes chart notes and documentation promptly.

+ Attends staff meetings and in-services, and adds to the department’s body of knowledge and enhancement of service delivery

Leadership and professional accountability

+ Takes a proactive role in ensuring that mental health and cognitive care are incorporated into the broader healthcare strategy for elderly patients.

+ Advocates for the integration of mental health care as a critical component of aging care, addressing gaps in services or access.

+ Builds capacity within the field by developing the next generation of healthcare providers through mentoring and supervision.

+ Leads efforts to innovate and enhance services that address the evolving mental health needs of older adults, improving care quality and patient outcomes.

+ Represents the field of gero health psychology through public speaking, workshops, conferences, or professional societies.

+ Adheres to ethical guidelines set forth by professional organizations (e.g., American Psychological Association) and regulatory bodies in the provision of psychological care.

+ Uses scientifically validated treatments and interventions, as well as continuous updating of clinical knowledge to stay current with research.

PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES AND REQUIREMENTS:

See required physical demands, mental components, visual activities & working conditions at the following link: Job Requirements (https://sutterhealth.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/JobAnalysisLibrary/EdsoIkVVe8xPhh5ZYrOkd5cBueb5YRFHGCSMix\_q9xhbZQ?e=Al8Omq)

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Job Shift:

Days

Schedule:

Full Time

Days of the Week:

Monday - Friday

Weekend Requirements:

None

Benefits:

Yes

Unions:

No

Position Status:

Exempt

Weekly Hours:

40

Employee Status:

Regular

Sutter Health is an equal opportunity employer EOE/M/F/Disability/Veterans.

Pay Range is $56.27 to $84.41 / hour

_The salary range for this role may vary above or below the posted range as determined by location. This range has not been adjusted for any specific geographic differential applicable by area where the position may be filled. Compensation takes into account several factors including but not limited to a candidate’s experience, education, skills, licensure and certifications, department equity, training and organizational needs. Base pay is just one piece of the total rewards program offered by Sutter Health. Eligible roles also qualify for a comprehensive benefits package._ _​_