Easter Seals Jobs

The Department of Psychology at the University of Maine and the VA Maine Healthcare System are recruiting a clinical psychologist to fill a joint position with a 50%, nine-month UMaine appointment and a 5/8th twelve-month VA appointment.

This position provides unique opportunities for a clinical psychologist interested in a career that combines teaching, research, and clinical service. It is one of two positions shared by UMaine and VA Maine. Dr. Cara Struble (https://umaine.edu/psychology/people/cara-struble-ph-d/) currently serves in the other position. The successful candidate will join two outstanding institutions and have the opportunity to help shape the growing collaborations between the university and the VA. This is an ideal position for an early career psychologist who is passionate about all aspects of clinical psychology including clinical practice, teaching, research, and consultation. The position offers unique opportunities to pursue research funding through both external (NIH/NSF/HRSA) and internal (DoD, VHA) federal funding mechanisms. Mentorship will be provided at both institutions to foster strong career development. There is significant support for the development of the psychologist’s research program at the university and through the VA.

At the University of Maine, the successful candidate will be a tenure-track Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychology and a member of the faculty in the APA accredited doctoral program in clinical psychology. This is an academic year appointment. Starting date is flexible but no later than September 1, 2025. The faculty member will ordinarily teach one course per academic semester; maintain an active and productive research program (position is 50% research), including pursuit of external funding for research; mentor undergraduate and graduate students; and participate in departmental and university service at a level commensurate with a 50%-time appointment. Area of research expertise is open. The program values colleagues who bring diverse perspectives to their teaching, research, and service. The position will have a collaborating appointment in the university’s Institute of Medicine (https://umaine.edu/medicine/) .

The Department of Psychology (https://umaine.edu/psychology/) includes an MA program in Psychological Science (Social, Cognitive, Biological), and Doctoral programs in Psychological Science and Clinical Psychology. The doctoral program in clinical psychology (https://umaine.edu/psychology/clinicalpsychology/) has enjoyed continuous APA accreditation since 1975. Faculty clinical and research interests include cognitive aging, behavioral medicine, suicide risk assessment, forensic psychology, stress-illness models, and social determinants in health. The clinical program offers well-regarded Neuropsychology and Child Psychology training emphasis for doctoral students as well.

VA Maine Healthcare System:

The Mental Health Service (MHS) at VA Maine Healthcare System is comprised of more than 20 departments and programs and boasts a full range of services existing within an integrated healthcare system that encourages a collaborative, interdisciplinary, whole health approach to wellness and recovery. The service line is staffed by a multidisciplinary team of approximately 150 licensed independent clinical providers (Psychiatrists, Psychologists, Physician Assistants, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners, Social Workers, etc.), and also includes approximately 50 matrixed clinical and support staff (Nursing, Medical Support Assistants). More than 10,000 Veterans receive their mental health care at VA Maine each year – approximately 25% of the 42,000 Veterans from across Maine and northern New England that are enrolled in the VA Maine system.

In addition to providing world-class healthcare services, VA is committed to advancing applied clinical research and healthcare education. Clinical researchers may have access to VA’s expansive opportunities for funding as well as vast databases of clinical data. VA Maine also sponsors numerous training programs for health professions trainees, including three APA-accredited training programs: a doctoral psychology internship program, a postdoctoral residency in clinical psychology, and a two-year postdoctoral residency in neuropsychology. Pre-doctoral practicum students are also accepted from UMaine, with the hope to expand these opportunities with the new joint hires.

The successful candidate will work from the VA outpatient clinic in Bangor Maine – a full-service clinic providing primary care, mental health service, and basic specialty care (dental, vision, lab, radiology, etc.). The Bangor mental health team is comprised of 15-20 clinical staff who work as interdisciplinary teams for Veterans’ ongoing general mental health needs. The psychologist will function independently as a generalist performing assessments and providing psychological interventions (e.g., individual, group, systems therapies) consistent with the provider’s scope of practice (15 hours of direct service weekly). VA encourages the use of evidence-based practices, time-limited episodes of care, and measurement-based care in practice, though many of our Veterans’ chronic health problems necessitate longer episodes of treatment. In addition to clinical responsibilities, the incumbent will have protected time to engage in ongoing research (1/8th time (5 hours per week)) and will be encouraged to actively engage with psychology training.

VA clinicians gain access to many resources associated with being part of the nation’s largest integrated healthcare network, while simultaneously being part of a local community of dedicated providers giving back to those who have served in the country’s armed forces. Early career and unlicensed psychologists will have access to clinical supervision, mentoring, and other professional development opportunities and supports to facilitate successful transition into the profession.

MHS at VA Maine values and supports work-life balance. We also believe that a diverse workforce benefits the quality of our collaboration as well as the services we provide. We appreciate that diversity presents in many forms (both visible and invisible) and encourage interested candidates from all backgrounds to apply.

What to Expect:

The successful candidate will be fully engaged in the VA outpatient clinic and UMaine’s Department of Psychology, with access to all the professional resources available at both institutions. As an assistant professor, the psychologist will be supported by the Office of Research Development, the Center for Innovation in Teaching and Learning, the Institute of Medicine, the Dean’s Office, and the Department of Psychology. Faculty development support will include departmental and university mentorship, grant development support, access to seed grants, and instructional support. At VA Maine, the successful candidate will have access to a multidisciplinary mental health team, a diverse group of professional Psychologists, and contacts across a national healthcare system to assist with career development.

What might a week in the life of the successful candidate look like? There is flexibility in how one’s professional time is organized, but here’s an example of how a week might look.

Monday: Morning - Research, lab meeting and meetings with graduate advisees

Afternoon - Course prep and faculty meetings

Tuesday: Morning - Course prep, research

Afternoon - Teach graduate seminar

Wednesday (Flex day) - Morning - VA research, writing, training

Afternoon - UMaine research, writing, course prep/grading

Thursday: Clinical day - VA Community Based Outpatient Clinic

Friday: Clinical day - VA Community Based Outpatient Clinic

About the University:

The University of Maine is a community of more than 11,900 undergraduate and graduate students, and 2,500 employees located on the Orono campus, the regional campus in Machias, and throughout the state. UMaine is a land, sea and space grant university, and maintains a leadership role as the University of Maine System's flagship institution. UMaine is the state's public research university and a Carnegie R1 top-tier research institution, dedicated to providing excellent teaching, research and service for Maine, the nation and the world. More information about UMaine is at umaine.edu.

The University of Maine offers a wide range of benefits (https://www.maine.edu/human-resources/benefits/) for employees including, but not limited to, tuition benefits (employee and dependent), comprehensive insurance coverage including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and short and long term disability as well as retirement plan options. As a former NSF ADVANCE institution, the University of Maine is committed to diversity in our workforce and to dual-career couples.

UMaine is located in beautiful Central Maine. Many employees report that a primary reason for choosing to come to UMaine is quality of life. Numerous cultural activities, excellent public schools, safe neighborhoods, high quality medical care, little traffic, and a reasonable cost of living make the greater Bangor area a wonderful place to live. Learn more about what the Bangor region has to offer here (https://www.visitbangormaine.com/about-the-region/the-region-at-a-glance/) .

Qualifications:

Required

• Ph.D. awarded by date of hire from a graduate program in Clinical Psychology (or closely related field) accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA), the Psychological Clinical Science Accreditation System (PCSAS), or the Canadian Psychological Association (CPA).

• Have successfully completed a professional psychology internship training program that was accredited by APA or CPA at the time the program was completed and that is consistent with the assignment for which the applicant is to be employed.

• US citizen, proficient in written and spoken English. Selective Service Registration required for males born after 12/31/1959.

• Licensed or license-eligible to practice psychology in Maine or qualifications consistent with eventually becoming licensed to practice psychology in Maine.

• Evidence of potential for scholarly productivity and for the successful pursuit of extramural funding in the field of Clinical Psychology.

• Suitable experience and academic preparation for teaching and mentoring at the graduate and undergraduate level.

• Suitable training and experience to provide psychological services to veterans.

• At time of hire, must meet other requirements of federal employment, including but not limited to basic background investigation, pre-employment physical examination and/or pre-employment drug screen, participation in influenza and covid-19 vaccination programs unless granted accommodations (e.g., medical, religious), and serving an initial probationary period.

Preferred

• Evidence of successful mentoring of graduate students in psychology.

• A record of involvement in activities that enhance diversity, equity, and inclusion.

• Experience working with serious mental illness.

• Experience or interest in rural health.

• Research interests that may include depression, addiction, PTSD, TBI, serious mental illness, rehabilitation, mental health and spirituality, or rural mental health.

Other Information:

To be considered for this position you will need to “Apply” and upload the documentation listed below:

• Cover Letter: Describe your qualifications with specific reference to the required and preferred qualifications and explain your interest in this joint position.

• Research Statement: A statement summarizing your experience and proposed program of research including future directions.

• Teaching Statement: A statement describing your teaching experience and philosophy.

• Statement of Contributions to Diversity: A statement describing experience and leadership in fostering equity and diversity and/or potential to make such contributions.

• Resume/curriculum vitae.

Candidates selected to proceed to the final stages of the search process will be requested to provide a list of names and contact information for references.

Incomplete application materials cannot be considered. Materials received after the initial review date will be reviewed at the discretion of the University.

For full consideration, materials must be submitted by October 15, 2024.

Questions may be directed to the chair of the search committee: Jeffrey Hecker, Ph.D., Chair, Clinical Search Committee, Department of Psychology, University of Maine, 301 Beryl Warner Williams Hall, Orono, ME 04469-5742 (207-581-2035; hecker@maine.edu).

The successful applicant is subject to appropriate background screening.

Because this position includes a half-time appointment with the VA, eligible candidates will need to meet basic requirements for federal employment by the time of their appointment in addition to any other qualification/eligibility requirements listed in job announcements. Common requirements include US citizenship, selective service registration for individuals categorized male sex at birth, English language proficiency, pre-employment drug screening, and basic background/suitability determination. Candidates with questions or concerns regarding federal employment requirements are encouraged to reach out early in the application process for assistance.

In complying with the letter and spirit of applicable laws and pursuing its own goals of diversity, the University of Maine System does not discriminate on the grounds of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, transgender status, gender, gender identity or expression, ethnicity, national origin, citizenship status, familial status, ancestry, age, disability physical or mental, genetic information, or veterans or military status in employment, education, and all other programs and activities. The University provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies: Director of Equal Opportunity, 101 Boudreau Hall, University of Maine, Orono, ME 04469-5754, 207.581.1226, TTY 711 (Maine Relay System).

Clery Act

The Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, or Clery Act, mandates that all Title IV institutions, such as the University, prepare, publish and distribute an Annual Security Report, (ASR) and provide notice of the availability of the ASR to all prospective employees. This report consists of two basic parts: disclosure of the University’s crime statistics for the past three calendar years; and disclosures regarding the University’s current campus security policies. You may view the University’s Annual Security Report (https://umaine.edu/police/clery-annual-safety-report/) . If you wish to have a paper copy of the ASR or you need to have a copy of the ASR in an accessible format, the University will provide such a copy upon request. Please contact: UMaine Police Department, 81 Rangeley Rd., The University of Maine, Orono, ME 04469-5794, or call 207.581.4053.