Application Deadline: January 15, 2012
Variable Start Date: July 1, 2012 through September 1, 2012
Applications are currently being accepted for Psychology Postdoctoral Fellowships in Clinical Psychology at VA Maine Healthcare System (formerly Togus VA Medical Center) in Maine. The Togus Psychology Postdoctoral Residency Program is accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA Commission on Accreditation, 750 First Street, NE, Washington, DC 20002-4242; (202) 336-5979). For the 2011-2012 training year, we anticipate two (2) open positions in the traditional area of Clinical Psychology, with an emphasis in PTSD/Mental Health. For details, please access our Psychology Postdoctoral Fellowship Brochure, including our Postdoctoral Application Form, on our web page at: http://www.maine.va.gov/psychtrain/
Appointment
The start date for this Fellowship is variable, starting as the selected candidates are available between July 1, 2012 and September 1, 2012. These start dates may need to be adjusted slightly to accommodate our Human Resources Management Service new employee orientation schedule. The Clinical Psychology positions represent a one-year appointment.
Program Philosophy and Model of Training:
We offer and implement advanced Clinical Psychology training within a rural psychology context, in accord with a scholar-practitioner model. In the process of rebuilding a formal research program, we identify with and conceptualize from a scientist-practitioner model. We offer advanced postdoctoral training within the traditional practice area of Clinical Psychology, with an emphasis in Posttraumatic Stress Disorder/Mental Health. At the postdoctoral level, we aim to train ethically grounded, culturally aware clinical psychologists with advanced competency in thoughtful development and application of evidence-based psychological assessment, treatment, and consultation skills for the benefit of persons and organizations, particularly within a rural environment.
Training Requirements and Rotations
By completion of the program, it is expected that residents would have developed advanced competencies in psychological assessment, psychotherapy, consultation, and professionalism, relevant to the particular practice area. Residents are expected to meet core requirements regarding minimum numbers and types of assessment, intervention, and consultation training experiences. Clinical Psychology residents train in the PTSD Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) and in at least one other rotation among the following treatment settings: PTSD Clinical Team (PCT), or Integrated Primary Care (IPC) Team.
Seminars:
Didactic experiences are considered to be an integral part of the postdoctoral training. The postdoctoral residents are provided with a wide range of didactic learning experiences. Clinical Psychology residents are currently required to participate in the following educational seminar and training offerings: ACT Clinical Supervision Group, Professional Development Seminar, Case Conceptualization Conference, Journal Club, Research Forum, Psychology Case Conference, and a series of cultural diversity seminars within a Clinical Psychology Seminar. They are required to provide presentations within the Clinical Psychology Seminar and to take VA Talent Management System (TMS) on-line training courses in Clinical Practice Guidelines for PTSD and the VA Human Subjects Protection and Good Clinical Practices Course. Residents may also participate in other Clinical Psychology Seminars, other VA Talent Management System (TMS) on-line training courses, a Clinical Assessment Supervision Group, the CPT Clinical Consultation Group, PTSD conference calls, Integrated Primary Care conference calls, Mental Health Grand Rounds, Dartmouth Psychiatry Grand Rounds, community mental health training workshops, and professional psychology conferences.
Stipend and Benefits:
Current residents receive a per annum training stipend of $42,239. The training appointment is for one calendar year (July through June, August through July, or September through August). All full-time VA psychology fellowships are designated as 2,080 hours per year, including 10 excused federal holidays, 13 days of accrued annual vacation leave, and up to 13 days of earned sick leave. The fellowship appointment provides optional medical and life insurance benefits for which residents pay a share of the premium. An Employee Assistance Program provides no cost assessment visits. Each resident receives use of well-appointed, individual office space with a personal computer linked to the local area network. Athletic facilities are available on site. The Medical Center has an excellent medical library. Professional development is encouraged as part of the training experience. Authorized absence may be granted with appropriate approval for participation in professional psychology conferences, off-site research time if of direct benefit to the VA, and job interviews with a federal agency.
Eligibility:
Applicants must have completed all requirements for the doctoral degree, which includes internship and the successful defense of their dissertation, prior to starting the postdoctoral residency. The Department of Veterans Affairs requires that residents are U.S. citizens, and that both doctoral degree and internship have been completed from programs that are accredited by the American Psychological Association. VA Maine Healthcare System is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Application:
To access our Psychology Postdoctoral Fellowship Brochure, including our Postdoctoral Application Form, please visit our web page at: http://www.maine.va.gov/psychtrain/. To apply, please submit the following information:
• Postdoctoral Application Form (included at the end of the brochure)
• Letter of interest outlining your postdoctoral fellowship and career goals
• Current curriculum vita
• Official transcript verifying your doctoral degree
(or verification of eligibility/readiness from your doctoral Training Director that you will complete your doctorate no later than August 31.)
• Certificate of internship copy
(or verification of eligibility/readiness from your internship Training Director that you will complete internship no later than August 31.)
• Official graduate transcripts (from all programs that you have attended)
• Three letters of recommendation (from faculty and/or clinical supervisors)
The application deadline is January 15, 2012.
Please send all application materials in one envelope. Transcripts and letters of recommendation should be signed across the envelope seal. All application materials should be sent to:
Psychology Training Director
VA Maine Healthcare System
1 VA Center (116B)
Augusta, Maine 04330
As a member of the Association of Psychology Postdoctoral and Internship Centers (APPIC), our program will be participating in the Uniform Notification Date with an option for a reciprocal offer (UNDr). Details regarding the UNDr are available at http://www.appic.org/About-APPIC/Postdoctoral/APPIC-Postdoc-UNDr/UNDr-Policy.
If further information would be helpful, please contact us by e-mail at erica.england@va.gov or by phone at (207) 623-8411, ext. 4706. We look forward to hearing from you, and we wish you well in your quest for a postdoctoral fellowship that best meets your training needs.
