POSTDOCTORAL FELLOWSHIP IN CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY 2012-2013
About Didi Hirsch Mental Health Services Since 1942, Didi Hirsch Mental Health Services has served Southern California residents by providing mental health and substance abuse services. As the first non-profit mental health outpatient clinic in Los Angeles, Didi Hirsch was initially founded to help adults cope with the aftermath of the Great Depression. Over the years, Didi Hirsch has evolved in response to the needs of our increasingly complex community. From our 11 sites and more than 60 schools, we serve more than 70,000 clients a year throughout Southern California from Pacoima to South Los Angeles, Downtown Los Angeles to Santa Ana and many points in between. We offer a wide range of services through five divisions Adult Services, Child and Family Services, Substance Abuse Services, Suicide Prevention and Training. We offer a wide range of services, including crisis intervention and stabilization, counseling, residential treatment, case management, youth-at-risk and family reinforcement programs, delinquency prevention programs, substance abuse treatment and prevention, and extensive community outreach. As a member of the Lifeline Network, we also operate the only free, accredited, 24-hour, seven-days-a-week, suicide prevention crisis line from Orange County to Santa Barbara. Didi Hirsch also continually endeavors to reduce the stigma attached to mental illness and to provide hope and support to the many individuals and families whose lives are affected by mental illness. About Postdoctoral Fellowship Training Program The training of professionals in psychology and other disciplines has been an integral part of Didi Hirsch since its inception. This is the first year of the fellowship program, but the agency has a long history of training psychologists. The agency s psychology internship has been accredited by the American Psychological Association since 1956, making it the oldest accredited program in California and one of the oldest in the nation. Accepts 2 Fellows (1 child/family emphasis; 1 adult emphasis) 12 months starting September 4, 2012 2,000 hours (40 hours per week) $35,000 stipend plus medical and dental benefits 10 days vacation 10 agency holidays 10 sick days Mission The mission of the Postdoctoral Fellowship Program is to provide specialized training in the professional practice of psychology within the context of a large community mental health center. Within the concentration of either adult/ older adult or child/family populations, we train fellows to become competent licensed psychologists who can 1) help clients with severe mental illness to improve their quality of life through effective diagnosis and advanced intervention skills utilizing evidence based practices (Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Child Parent-Psychotherapy, Managing and Adapting Program, Seeking Safety, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and/or Recovery oriented treatment); 2) apply knowledge of research and scientific principles to clinical practice and program evaluation; 3) provide supervision in evidence based practices; 4) be sensitive to issues of cultural/ethnic diversity; 5) understand the role of psychologists in a multidisciplinary agency and work effectively as team members; 6) know and apply ethical principles, laws and regulations, and practice standards and guidelines in their professional practice; and 7) teach others about the use of clinical outcomes and importance of evidence based practice in psychology (EBPP).
Implementation Fellows choose to primarily concentrate on either child/family or adult populations. The fellows training experience throughout the year includes a multitude of opportunities. Caseloads and activities change throughout the year depending on program need, opportunity, and fellow individualized training plans. At the beginning of the year, fellows collaborate with the training staff to develop their own individualized training plan that may include elective training experiences such as participation on the research review committee, administration, and testing consultation on multidisciplinary teams. Training activities are organized in a sequential manner, requiring fellows to assume increasingly complex responsibilities over the course of the year. The following is an approximate overview of the weekly time commitments (40hrs/week): 20 hours client related activity (direct service, case management, report writing, paperwork) 5 hours individual and group supervision 2 hours supervision of others 2 hours didactic seminars 11 hours program evaluation/outcomes research Additional time may be necessary to write reports The following is an approximate overview of the caseload requirements each week: 8-10 individual cases utilizing evidence based practices (adult or child/family) Up to 2 therapy groups Intake assessments Goals and Competencies of the Fellowship Individual-Cultural Diversity Competency Goals: Independently monitor and sensitively apply knowledge of diversity issues, which includes responding effectively to the diverse needs and backgrounds of clients within the frame of evidence based practice. Reflective Practice/Self-Assessment Competency Goals: Demonstrate reflectivity and accurately self-assess competencies. This includes self-awareness regarding beliefs and values and their impact on clients and professional relationships. Relationships/Interpersonal Skills Competency Goals: Develop and maintain effective relationships with multidisciplinary co-workers and wide-range of clients through various modes of communication. This includes the resolution of issues or problems that impede professional development. Evidence Based Intervention Competency Goals: Develop competency in one or more evidence based practice. This includes the ability to independently plan and follow through on interventions, display a wide range of clinical skills, implement treatment models with fidelity while also remaining flexible, and evaluating treatment progress even in the absence of formal outcomes measures. Program Development and Evaluation Competency Goals: Develop new, innovative programs within the clinical programs and/or work with the Best Practices Department to evaluate effectiveness of existing programs. This includes conducting literature reviews, selecting evaluation measures to be used, conducting evaluations, and then presenting the results to agency staff. Professionalism/Leadership/Law and Ethics Competency Goals: Experience the operation of a multiply-funded, community mental health center; maintain compliance with policies and procedures (including timeliness, organization, and accurate documentation); develop a clear professional identity as a psychologist with advanced knowledge in program evaluation and utilization of evidence based practice in community mental health; and comply with legal and ethical guidelines of the profession.
Supervision-Teaching Competency Goals: Provide instruction and disseminate clinical knowledge to other professionals and paraprofessionals as well as evaluating and monitoring professional functioning of others. This includes teaching in multiple settings and providing effective supervision to less advanced students. Each fellow will give at least four presentations during the year to other trainees, agency staff, or other agencies on clinical or research topics that they choose. Fellows will have the opportunity to provide supervision to junior trainees (interns, practicum students, masters level trainees) and/or specific supervision to unlicensed staff on the use of outcomes measures in clinical work. Resources Location: The agency headquarters are on Sepulveda Boulevard in Culver City, within 4 miles of the Pacific Ocean and close to the UCLA and Pepperdine University West L.A. campuses. The fellow in the child/family emphasis provides services within the child outpatient services at the Glendale Center and also conduct program evaluation at the headquarters in Culver City. The fellow in the adult/older adult emphasis provide services at agency headquarters. Some field-based work (e,g., home visits, IEP meetings, and outreach) is required in all programs. Computer Resources: Each intern is supplied with a desktop computer with up-to-date version of Microsoft Office as well as an internet connection. Psychological assessment materials including: training videotapes, handbooks, and computer scoring programs. Audio and videotape equipment. Journal access. Opportunities ADULT CONCENTRATION (Headquarters, Culver City) Outpatient/Field Capable/Intensive Services The adult programs serve a multi-ethnic population of adults with severe and persistent mental illness (e.g., schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, major depression) and use a recovery-oriented approach (see http://www.apa. org/practice/leadership/smi/recovery-resolution.pdf ) to assist clients to maximize their level of functioning in the community. Depending on the client s current level of functioning they are provided with services that range from least intensive (Wellness Center) to most intensive (Full Service Partnership) with outpatient and field capable services in the middle of the service spectrum. A substantial portion of clients may be homeless, have co-occurring disorders, have an incarceration history, and/or have required frequent hospitalizations. Case managers with expertise in community resources and numerous therapy groups are resources for team therapists. Fellows have the opportunity to provide individual and group therapy, consultation with multidisciplinary team members, and case management. Fellows will have the opportunity to participate in field crisis calls (involuntary hospitalizations) with staff and police, develop relationships with law enforcement personnel, and conduct fieldwork. Specialty EBP training includes training, supervision, and participation in the Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) consultation team as well as the IMPACT model of integrated healthcare and Problem Solving (PST) with our primary care partners. Staff and fellows all follow a multidisciplinary team approach with psychiatrists, social workers, MFTs, psychologists, nurses, and case managers. CHILD/FAMILY CONCENTRATION (Glendale Center) Outpatient Program This team serves a multi-ethnic population of children ages birth to 18 and their families. A significant number of clients are children who have been victims of abuse, neglect, or trauma. Fellows are involved in initial assessments/ intakes; individual, group, and family psychotherapy; and collaboration with schools and other community systems. Fellows will learn and become a certified provider of at least one Evidenced Based Practice (EBP) such as Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TFCBT), Managing and Adapting Program (MAP), Seeking Safety, Brief Response to Crisis (BRC), or Child Parent-Psychotherapy (CPP). TRAINING Postdoctoral Fellow Didactic Seminar This year-long seminar series is held weekly for two hours and includes separate modules on supervision, program evaluation, quality improvement, and administration. The seminar is conducted by the Division Director of Training and Vice President of Best Practices as well as guest speakers.
Continuing Education Seminar Series This series addresses the needs of licensed agency staff. Guest or agency speakers present once a month on a variety of advanced topics related to issues in mental health service delivery or special client populations. Examples of topics recently addressed include immigration and acculturation issues in clinical practice, Latinos in therapy, working with immigrant Latino families, mental health needs of African-Americans, PTSD, eating disorders, ADHD, and HIV/AIDS. The seminar series also included information on psychopharmacologic treatments in child and adult disorders, legal and ethical issues, and current topics in clinical supervision. Other Didactic Opportunities Fellows will have the opportunity to participate in a two-day training on Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). The Fellow in the child track with have the opportunity to become certified in at least one of the evidence based practices and participate in trainings and consultation calls as required. The agency also provides APA-approved courses through the online learning system, Essential Learning. Fellows will also have the opportunity to take the State of California required licensure courses. Staff TRAINING Dawn Vo-Jutabha, Ph.D., Division Director, Training TRAINING SUPERVISORS Matthew Meyer, Ph.D., Vice President of Best Practices, Primary Supervisor for Program Evaluation/Outcomes Research Zer Alon, Psy.D., Therapist II, Adult Division Evelina Baras, Psy.D., Supervising Psychologist, Adult Division Dee Chappelear, Ph.D., Supervising Psychologist, Adult Division Noya Dekel, Ph.D., Supervising Psychologist, Family Division Patrick Kelly, Psy.D., Supervising Psychologist, Family Division Nisreen Mandilawi, Psy.D., Therapist II, Family Division Andrea Marcus, Ph.D., Supervising Psychologist, Training Division Kristin Olson, Ph.D., Therapist II, Family Divison Kristine Santoro, Ph.D., Supervising Psychologist, Family Division Angela Williams, Psy.D., Supervising Psychologist, Adult Division ADJUNCT SUPERVISORY STAFF Sandy Escobar, Ph.D. Janie Strasner, Ph.D. Dmitry Tuller, Ph.D. Cheron Zekevat, LMFT OTHER CONTRIBUTORS TO THE PROGRAM Curly Bonds, M.D., Medical Director Kita Curry, Ph.D., CEO and President Rebecca Gaba, LMFT, Ph.D., Vice President of Clinical Operations Nick Gutierrez, M.D., Staff Psychiatrist Sharon McDaniel, R.N., M.S.N., P.M.H.N.P., Nursing Director Donald Meland, M.D., Staff Psychiatrist
Required Qualifications Applications for postdoctoral fellowship positions are accepted from individuals who are enrolled in and completing APA-accredited doctoral programs in clinical or counseling psychology and whose internships are APA accredited. Applications from individuals who do not meet these requirements will not be reviewed. Applicants must be have U.S. Citizenship and not have a felony conviction within the past six years. Applicants must have their degree posted by the fellowship start date. Applicants must be able to pass a Department of Justice and FBI background check. Experience utilizing evidence based practices with a community population. Experience in community mental health settings and/or with the same population as Didi Hirsch. Experience with program development, program evaluation, or community based research. Experience teaching or supervising. Desirable applicants will have (though it is not required): A commitment to working with underserved adult and child populations in a community mental health setting. An interest in developing leadership and administrative skills. Experience utilizing outcomes measures to evaluate treatment effectiveness. An ability to remain flexible and adapt to change. Application Information A complete application includes: 1) An updated CV 2) An cover letter addressing previous experience, future career goals, how the fellowship at Didi Hirsch will allow you to pursue those goals, to which track (child or adult) you are applying, and what you are interested in learning and doing during your postdoctoral year. 3) Three Letters of Recommendation are required with at least one letter from your Director of Clinical Training or Dissertation Chair. Additional letters may be sent by individuals familiar with the applicant s clinical and/or research experience. All correspondence should be addressed to Dawn Vo-Jutabha, Ph.D. Division Director, Training. 4) A copy of a graduate transcript. 6) A completed application form. Applications are accepted beginning in December and are due no later than January 22, 2012; interviews generally begin in late January and are ongoing through February. Didi Hirsch selects applicants based on the match between candidate interests and the agency mission. Notification of acceptance will be by March 5, 2012. We are not currently members of APPIC. The application and CV are to be emailed to: Dawn Vo-Jutabha, Ph.D., Division Director of Training, Didi Hirsch Mental Health Services, 4760 South Sepulveda Blvd., Culver City, CA 90230. Letters of recommendation may be sent via email from the official email account of the referring party or by regular post. Applicants will be notified by January 25, 2012 regarding an interview. Interviews will be with the Vice President of Best Practices, the Division Director of Training, and other clinical supervisors. For further information, email Dr. Vo-Jutabha at evo-jutabha@didihirsch.org. No phone calls, please. DIDI HIRSCH MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES 4760 South Sepulveda Boulevard, Culver City, California 90230 Graciela Mora, Training Coordinator: (310) 751-5344 The description of this postdoctoral fellowship program is subject to change at any time based on agency needs and resources.
DIDI HIRSCH MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES 4760 South Sepulveda Boulevard, Culver City, California 90230 General Information: (310) 390-8896 Training Coordinator: (310) 751-5344 Training Fax: (310) 751-5295 Main Office: (310) 390-6612 Culver-Palms Center 11133 Washington Boulevard Culver City, CA 90232 Phone: (310) 895-2300 Fax: (310) 895-2395 Excelsior House 1007 Myrtle Avenue Inglewood, CA 90301 Phone: (310) 412-4191 Fax: (310) 412-3942 Glendale Center 1540 East Colorado Street Glendale, CA 91205 Phone: (818) 244-7257 Fax: (818) 243-5431 Inglewood Center 323 North Prairie Ave Inglewood, CA 90301 Phone: (310) 677-7808 Fax: (310) 677-7205 Jump Street 1233 South La Cienega Boulevard Los Angeles, CA 90035 Phone: (310) 855-0031 Fax: (310) 855-0138 Mar Vista Center 12420 Venice Boulevard Suite 200 Los Angeles, CA 90066 Phone: (310) 751-1200 Fax: (310) 398-0312 Metro Center 672 South La Fayette Park Place Suite 6 Los Angeles, CA 90057 Phone: (213) 381-3626 Fax: (213) 380-8923 Orange County Center 2021 E. 4th St. Ste 204 Santa Ana, CA 92705 Phone: (714) 547-0885 Fax: (714) 547-8352 S. Mark Taper Foundation Center 1328 West Manchester Avenue Los Angeles, CA 90044 Phone: (323) 778-9593 Fax: (323) 778-0028 Via Avanta Pacoima, CA Phone: (818) 897-2609 Fax: (818) 890-7159