Psychotherapist (Research) - University Health Network, Toronto

AI Summary

This temporary full-time Psychotherapist (Research) position at University Health Network (UHN) in Toronto, ON, offers a unique opportunity within the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre. The role is equally divided between providing compassionate clinical psychosocial oncology care and supporting vital research, project management, and education initiatives. Key duties involve delivering evidence-based psychotherapy to individuals and families affected by cancer, alongside coordinating training programs and assisting with quantitative and qualitative research. Candidates require a master's degree in Health, Psychology, or Social Sciences, at least two to three years of practical experience, and membership in a regulated health professions College.

About the Role at UHN

The University Health Network (UHN) is seeking a dedicated Psychotherapist with a strong focus on research to join the Department of Supportive Care at the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre in Toronto. This pivotal role is situated within the Global Centre for Research and Training in Psychological Care (G-CPC), offering a dynamic environment for professional growth. The successful candidate will dedicate half of their time to delivering evidence-based psychosocial care, employing a patient-centred, relational therapeutic approach to support individuals, couples, and families navigating the complexities of cancer. The other half of this exciting opportunity involves contributing significantly to ongoing research, project management, and educational support activities. This blend of direct clinical practice and academic contribution ensures a comprehensive and impactful career path within a leading Canadian healthcare institution. The position requires a commitment to UHN's values and offers the chance to make a tangible difference in the lives of those affected by cancer, while also advancing the field of psychological care through rigorous research and training.

Key Responsibilities and Professional Development

As a Psychotherapist (Research) at UHN, your clinical responsibilities will involve completing thorough psychosocial assessments and delivering specialized psychotherapy, including models like Managing Cancer and Living Meaningfully (CALM) and Emotion and Symptom-Focused Engagement (EASE). This direct care will be provided within hospital-based clinical programs and as part of research trials evaluating the benefits of psychotherapy added to usual care for patients and families affected by cancer. You will collaborate effectively within interdisciplinary teams to enhance patient and family wellbeing across the illness trajectory, meticulously documenting all clinical work according to UHN standards. Beyond direct patient care, this role provides extensive opportunities for professional development through its research, education, and program responsibilities. You will coordinate and facilitate supervision groups for clinical trainees, support the development and delivery of workshops and seminars, and assist with creating digital educational materials. Furthermore, you will contribute to quantitative and qualitative research related to CALM and EASE therapy, clinician training, and supportive care innovation, assisting with ethics submissions, data collection, and project coordination across national and global initiatives. This comprehensive role ensures continuous learning and a significant contribution to both clinical practice and the advancement of psychological care within the cancer community.

Candidate Profile and UHN Benefits

To excel in this Psychotherapist (Research) role, candidates must hold a master's degree in Health, Psychology, or Social Sciences, coupled with a minimum of two to three years of practical and related experience. Membership in good standing with an appropriate regulated health professions College, such as the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario, is essential. Preferred qualifications include experience in individual and group psychotherapy, clinical competence in areas like trauma, depression, anxiety, and grief/loss, and familiarity with providing services via telehealth. Training in CALM, EASE, mentalization-based, and relational psychotherapies is also highly valued. The successful candidate will demonstrate strong presentation and facilitation skills, experience in research coordination, and a proven ability to work collaboratively within an interdisciplinary clinical and research team. Joining UHN offers competitive compensation, membership in the Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan (HOOPP), access to transit and shuttle services, a flexible work environment, and numerous opportunities for professional development and advancement within a large, esteemed organization.