Health Psychologist, Multidisciplinary Anorectal Genitourinary Improvement of Continence (MAGIC) Program
The Hospital for Sick Children is a leading tertiary pediatric centre providing medical and mental health care to a diverse population of the most complex children and youth and their families. A dynamic clinical, education and research environment, SickKids is committed to excellence in integrated inter-professional care. It is a centre of excellence in the delivery of cutting-edge health care to the pediatric population.
Empowering children and families through excellence, innovation, understanding, and hope, the SickKids Department of Psychology is a respected leader in Precision Child Health. Integrating clinical care, research and education, through an equity-focused and inclusive lens, SickKids Psychology supports the generation of new knowledge and evidence, educates the next generation of specialized Psychologists, and effectively helps address the complex developmental, medical, and psychosocial needs of children and youth being treated for primary medical and psychiatric conditions at SickKids.
The MAGIC (Multidisciplinary Anorectal Genitourinary Improvement of Continence) Program, established in 2024, provides specialized care for the treatment of children and adolescents with congenital and acquired diseases of the pelvis who experience urinary and fecal functional problems. The program primarily focuses on surgical treatment, follow-up, and ongoing management of children with: Anorectal Malformation / Imperforate Anus Hirschsprung's Disease, Cloacal Anomalies, Bladder Exstrophy, Epispadias, Spina Bifida and Severe Functional Constipation. The multidisciplinary team currently consists of Paediatric General Surgery, Urology, Gastroenterology, Gynaecology, Nurse Practitioners, nurses, and a Social Worker.
Within the SickKids MAGIC clinic, the psychologist assesses, diagnoses, and treats behavioral and socio-emotional issues in pediatric patients. Responsibilities include psychoeducation, psychotherapy, monitoring comorbidities, supporting adjustment to diagnoses, promoting healthy behavior and compliance, enhancing coping, reducing distress, and supporting caregiver mental health. Interventions may be offered individually, with caregivers, or in groups. The psychologist collaborates closely with medical and psychosocial team members to address the needs of children and families. The psychologist also participates in other multidisciplinary clinics within the Division of Urology, for example the PUV (posterior urethral valves clinic).
Here's What You'll Get To Do
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Conduct thorough consultations, screenings, and comprehensive assessments to evaluate a child's current psychological and social-emotional functioning.
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Contribute to shared decision-making discussions surrounding surgery to improve continence and other functional outcomes.
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Provide ongoing correspondence, updating intervention progress, and providing relevant recommendations.
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Deliver clear and informative intervention and feedback to families and clinic teams regarding treatment goals and recommendations.
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Provide consultation services to school teams and other health, community and educational professionals, promoting collaboration and comprehensive support for the child.
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Enhance the team's ability to address the psychosocial needs of both the child and their family by complementing and expanding existing services.
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Work independently and collaboratively as a valued member of an interdisciplinary team.
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Participate in clinical research, identify questions and gaps in knowledge for this patient population, contribute to program development initiatives, and engage in quality improvement projects.
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Provide supervision and mentorships to trainees.
Here's What You'll Need
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Completion of a CPA/APA recognized Ph.D. degree program in Clinical or Health Psychology with a pediatric/developmental focus.
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Registration or eligibility for registration with the College of Psychologists and Behaviour Analysts of Ontario (CPBAO) for autonomous practice. Candidates in Supervised Practice with the CPBAO will be considered.
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At least two years of experience in a child or adolescent psychology setting, preferably with health psychology services.
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CPBAO Registered competency in Health Psychology, a current Health Psychology retraining plan, or a submitted Health Psychology plan.
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Experience with CBT, Motivational Interviewing, trauma care, crisis intervention, and other modalities.
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Excellent interpersonal, problem-solving, organizational, and time management skills.
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Comfort working in a dynamic environment focused on patient and family-centered care, innovation, and quality improvement.
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Strong written and oral communication skills.
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Ability to work effectively as a member of a multidisciplinary team.
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Demonstrated commitment and actions in advancing equity, diversity and inclusion objectives.
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Experience working in a health science hospital environment is a strong asset.
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Experience in providing clinical supervision for PhD-level psychology trainees is a strong asset.
Employment Type
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0.5 FTE, 2 year contract with Modified Benefits, On-Site Work Model
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Start date: As soon as possible
International applicants with the listed educational and clinical experience are encouraged to apply. Please direct questions to [email protected]
