Judith Ann Griese Institute at Judi’s House, Denver, CO, USA - 1 Psychology Postdoctoral Research Fellowship in Family Grief and Trauma

Applicants are sought for a Psychology Postdoctoral Research Fellowship in family grief and trauma to begin September 1, 2014. This is a unique opportunity to receive advanced training in grief and trauma assessment, intervention, and community-based research, and to contribute to the emerging child bereavement field through collaborative publications and presentations. This fellowship includes both research and clinical opportunities (60%/40%, ratio negotiable), with an emphasis on the integration of academic research and evidence-based practice within a community setting. The fellowship involves collaboration with clinical and research staff from Judi’s House and academic faculty and staff from both the University of Colorado Boulder Department of Psychology and Neuroscience and the University of Colorado School of Medicine.

Judi’s House is a non-profit, community-based bereavement center that provides comprehensive care free of charge to approximately 1,000 grieving children and adult caregivers annually. The comprehensive model of care developed at Judi’s House includes a structured assessment protocol for bereaved children and adults, a trauma-informed curriculum used in 10-week bereavement groups, ongoing support groups, and individual and family counseling and therapy. Services are provided at Judi’s House and in schools and community-based organizations throughout metro-Denver. In an effort to better understand the needs of bereaved families and continuously evaluate and improve its programs, Judi’s House has a longstanding collaboration with Dr. Louise Silvern from the University of Colorado at Boulder Department of Psychology and Neuroscience. In collaboration, they have been conducting a prospective, longitudinal study on the short- and long-term impact of bereavement and of grief support services for children and families. This ongoing study currently includes over 2,000 participants, and has been instrumental in shaping services provided at Judi’s House. In conjunction with the newly formed Judith Ann Griese Institute, Judi’s House is developing a collaborative network of researchers, practitioners and community partners aimed at utilizing innovative technology, training and multi-site research to increase access to integrated systems of care that effectively address the unique and diverse needs of the bereaved throughout Colorado and beyond.

Fellowship applicants should have a doctoral degree in Clinical or Counseling Psychology or a related field and the ability to work collaboratively as part of a team. We are seeking applicants who have a strong interest in developing a program of research in the area of child and family grief and trauma. As collaboration will be a key component of this position, there will be ample opportunity for scientific writing, publication and presentation. The ideal candidate will have previous research experience as well as experience working with grieving and/or traumatized children and families. APA accredited graduate programs and internships preferred. Strong data analytic skills are preferred, although support with analyses will be provided by statisticians and researchers on the project. Salary is commensurate with level of experience. Benefits include vacation, paid time off, professional development funds and leave and health care coverage.

Opportunities within this Postdoctoral Fellowship will include:

• Collaborating on publications based on large, established dataset concerning bereaved children and families as part of an interdisciplinary research and clinical team
• Ample time for literature review and writing
• Topics include effectiveness of an established bereavement intervention program and wide-ranging questions about individual differences and developmental trajectories
• Conducting data analyses and interpreting findings as part of collaborative team
• Assisting with coordinating data collection and management
• Conducting assessments and providing group and individual counseling/therapy with bereaved children and adults
• Providing trainings and presentations to interns and community-based clinicians and agencies
• Opportunities for supervision may be available depending on previous experiences and fellowship responsibilities
• Participating in trainings at Judi’s House and the Judith Ann Griese Institute
• Participating in research colloquia at CU Boulder and didactics, grand rounds, presentations and trainings at CU Medical School and Children’s Hospital Colorado

Individual clinical and research supervision will be provided weekly, in addition to participation in weekly clinical review meetings at Judi’s House, which include disposition planning and case consultation. All hours accrued (both for clinical and research activities) will be supervised by a licensed psychologist and will count towards psychology licensure. The following four licensed psychologists will be working closely with the Fellow to fulfill the established goals of the postdoctoral fellowship:

• Micki Burns, Ph.D., Director of Programs, Judi’s House
• Brook Griese, Ph.D., Co-Founder and Chief Clinical Officer, Judi’s House
• Louise Silvern, Ph.D., Principal Investigator for the Judi’s House Research Initiative; Associate Professor, Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of Colorado at Boulder
• Ayelet Talmi, Ph.D., Director of Research, Judi’s House; Associate Professor, Departments of Psychiatry and Pediatrics, University of Colorado School of Medicine at Children’s Hospital Colorado

Application Procedures: Applications will be considered until the position is filled. To apply, please submit: 1) a cover letter specifying interest in this postdoctoral fellowship; previous clinical, research and professional experience relevant to the position; and expectations of personal and/or professional goals that may result from engaging in the fellowship; 2) a current Curriculum Vitae; 3) three letters of recommendation. Prior to accepting an offer for fellowship, candidates will need to provide written verification from graduate program training directors and internship training director regarding status toward degree/internship completion, if applicable. Candidates will also need to provide proof of degree prior to beginning fellowship.

To apply, please email the above application materials to the fellowship selection committee at HR@judishouse.org, including “Postdoctoral Research Fellowship” in the subject line of the email. Please contact Dr. Ayelet Talmi at ayelett@judishouse.org with any questions about the position.