Program Details | Psychology Postdoctoral Fellowship at AHCH
Aims of the Program
The aim of the training program is to provide Fellows with advanced clinical training in both general and forensic psychological practice, with an emphasis on trauma and child maltreatment. Completion of the program requires a minimum of 1900 hours of supervised clinical and research experience and learning over the course of the one-year contract. The training year is structured to provide a progressive experience such that Fellows are expected to have mastered competencies that are key to effective functioning as general clinicians, trauma specialists, and forensic psychologists. These competencies are both foundational (e.g. professional values, attitudes and behaviors, reflective practice/self-assessment, scientific knowledge and methods, communication and interpersonal skill, ethical and legal practice, individual and cultural diversity, interdisciplinary systems) and functional (e.g. assessment/ diagnosis/conceptualization, intervention, research) in nature.
Requirements for Completion
Successful completion of the program requires a minimum of 1900 hours of supervised clinical and research experience and learning over the course of the one-year contract. Fellows are evaluated and rated on the below areas of competency and must achieve the minimum level of achievement rating of 3 (intermediate competence) on the evaluation form at the six-month mark and a rating of 4 (proficient competence) at the 12-month mark of the training program. Externs are expected to have mastered competencies that are key to effective functioning as general clinicians, trauma specialists, and forensic psychologists.
Training
The training consists of a one-year contract, with a minimum of 42.5 hours a week, meeting a minimum of 1900 training hours beginning on August 1 of the calendar year. Fellows are expected to work one evening a week until 7:30 pm. More than 25% of Fellow’s time is spent providing direct services.
Postdoctoral Fellow Stipend
Postdoctoral Fellows will be on site for 42.5 hours each week. Each Fellow will be a full-time employee of Hackensack Meridian Health Network and will have to comply with the HMHN onboarding process which includes a physical examination and background check. The Fellows are provided a full benefits package which includes medical, dental, and prescription coverage. Fellows are also provided three weeks of paid time off (PTO) and six hospital holidays. A financial stipend of $47,400 is provided for the 12-month training period.
Resources
Training is provided through active engagement by the training committee, consisting of four licensed, full-time psychologists, and supplemented through interaction with the rest of the mental health and medical staff. Fellows are provided a shared office with their own computer and workspace with access to the electronic medical record. Technology and equipment supporting the dictation of reports are also available to the Fellows. The AHCH also has several support staff for scheduling, billing, and other related activities. Fellows have access to the medical library, which is extensive to help support the Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine.
Supervision and Evaluation of Progress
Cases for evaluation are reviewed by the Mental Health Director and by individual supervisors to determine appropriate referrals for Fellows. These cases are then reviewed in preparation for evaluation. The evaluation is processed in rounds and a report is drafted under strict supervision. These documents are then signed by the supervisor, as well as the trainee, both of whom are clearly identified on the document. Similarly, trainees will inform treatment clients they are under the direct supervision of a licensed psychologist for the purposes of training.
Fellows spend a minimum of two hours per week in individual, regularly scheduled, face-to-face supervision. Individual supervision is delivered by a licensed psychologist and focuses on enhancing the Fellows' acumen in both assessment and treatment. As related to group therapy, some additional supervision may be provided by Fellows, under the supervision of a licensed psychologist. Fellows will also participate in a yearlong TF-CBT-specific group supervision to develop an in-depth understanding of the intervention. Additionally, Fellows will participate in group supervision which will be a combination of content and process-based focus. These sessions will be facilitated by members of the training committee and staff at large. Fellows are provided with regular feedback through the course of supervision. Formal written evaluations will be completed at the 6-month mark and at the completion of the Postdoctoral Fellowship training. The same form is used for both the 6 and 12-month evaluation, with a delineation as to which time the evaluation represents at the top to be written in by the supervisor[s]. Guidelines are in place to address issues in training, supplementing the larger institution’s Dispute Resolution Policy (PolicyStat ID: 8124499).