Post Doctoral Fellow-Severe Behavior Clinical Research

July 10, 2023
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Job Description

Emory Healthcare

Atlanta, Georgia, Discover Your Career at Emory University Emory University is a leading research university that fosters excellence and attracts world-class talent to innovate today and prepare leaders for the future. We welcome candidates who can contribute to the diversity and excellence of our academic community. Description The Severe Behavior clinical postdoc position focuses on providing behavioral assessments and interventions for children who engage in challenging behavior that cause significant danger or disruption to their lives or the lives of their families. While there is no restriction on the type of challenging behavior, those most frequently encountered include aggression, self-injury, property destruction, disruption, noncompliance, elopement (running away from supervision), and pica (ingesting inedible objects). Patients in the Severe Behavior Programs also represent a range of backgrounds and diagnostic categories. Treatments are matched to the individual needs of the child and their family, but frequently include the teaching communicative alternatives to challenging behaviors. Caregiver training and generalization to the natural environment are key aspects of the treatment model: parents, teachers, or other care-providers are trained in the implementation of the treatment both at the Marcus Autism Center, as well as in naturalistic settings such as in the child’s home, classroom, or other public venues. Children admitted to the intensive outpatient program (IOP) attend five hours per day, five days per week, for an average of 12 weeks. For children with less severe challenging behaviors, outpatient admissions are available that focus on parent training. These positions are a clinical training experience in treating individuals with autism and related disabilities who engage in severe behavior disorders within a multidisciplinary team.

The trainee would oversee client cases under the supervision of a BCBA-D. This would include working with RBTs on protocol development, overseeing protocol implementation, supervising staff, implementing and overseeing behavior-management techniques, conducting parent training, and other programmatic responsibilities. The position would be primarily clinical in nature; however, the position is supportive of conducting research, whether through chart review, recruitment of research subjects, and/or conducting research protocols with existing clients. Candidates need to have a PhD. Preferred qualifications include completion of the coursework to sit for the BCBA exam (or have an ABD status). Candidates can be eligible for a psychology license or from a PhD program in behavior analysis or related field. Candidates should have established clinical and research interests in the assessment and treatment of challenging behavior. The Marcus Autism Center provides semi-monthly grand rounds that the postdoctoral fellows are encouraged to attend. This series includes clinical and scientific lectures from Emory University and Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta faculty and staff, as well as invited faculty from academic institutions from around the country. Fellows will also receive monthly group supervision focused on topics related to the flied of autism research and practice as well as professional development.

Trainees will receive appointments through Emory’s School of Medicine. Candidates must have completed all requirements for doctoral degree prior to the start of the program. Emory Supports a Diverse and Inclusive Culture The COVID-19 vaccine or an approved exemption is currently only required for individuals working in a clinical setting. For more information on the University or Hospital policies, including exemptions, please see our website. Emory University is dedicated to providing equal opportunities and equal access to all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, ethnic or national origin, gender, genetic information, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, and veteran’s status. Emory University does not discriminate in admissions, educational programs, or employment on the basis of any factor stated above or prohibited under applicable law. Students, faculty, and staff are assured of participation in University programs and in the use of facilities without such discrimination. Emory University complies with Executive Order 11246, as amended, Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Vietnam Era Veteran’s Readjustment Assistance Act, and applicable executive orders, federal and state regulations regarding nondiscrimination, equal opportunity and affirmative action. Emory University is committed to achieving a diverse workforce through application of its affirmative action, equal opportunity and nondiscrimination policy in all aspects of employment including recruitment, hiring, promotions, transfers, discipline, terminations, wage and salary administration, benefits, and training. Inquiries regarding this policy should be directed to the Emory University Department of Equity and Inclusion, 201 Dowman Drive, Administration Building, Atlanta, GA 30322.

Emory University is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. To request this document in an alternate format or to request a reasonable accommodation, please contact the Department of Accessibility Services at 404-727-9877 (V) | 404-712-2049 (TDD). Please note that one week advance notice is preferred.

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