The University of Miami’s Autism Spectrum Assessment Clinic (ASAC), an affiliated clinic of the Center for Autism and Related Disabilities (CARD), within the Department of Psychology is recruiting a full-time Psychology Postdoctoral Associate. The Post-Doctoral Associate will a) conduct psychological assessments, b) deliver evidence-based therapies (e.g., parent-mediated interventions, social skills groups, parent training) and c) provide clinical case management for clients at ASAC/CARD offices throughout Miami-Dade County. Research opportunities are available in the areas of early identification and evidence-based treatments, among others, for the successful candidate. The position is designed to fulfill licensure requirements in the State of Florida within one year.

The Department of Psychology has a strong research portfolio with funding from agencies such as NICHD and NIMH, as well as private foundations. Successful candidates will possess strong interpersonal skills and the ability to collaborate well with others. The postdoctoral associate should have knowledge of principles, methods, and procedures for diagnosis and treatment of neurodevelopmental disorders, including autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Experience in assessment for ASD and clinical training and experience with the in the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, Second Edition (ADOS-2) is required. Research reliability in the ADOS-2 is highly preferred. Experience implementing evidenced-based intervention (e.g., Parent-Child Interaction Therapy, Project ImPACT, RUBI) is also highly preferred.

The University of Miami is among the top research universities and academic medical centers in the nation, and one of the largest private employers in South Florida. With more than 16,000 faculty and staff, the University strives for excellence, and is driven by a powerful mission to transform and impact the lives of its students, patients, members of the community, and people across the globe. The University is committed to fostering a culture of belonging, where everyone feels valued and has the opportunity to add value. Through values of Diversity, Integrity, Responsibility, Excellence, Compassion, Creativity, and Teamwork (DIRECCT) the U community works together to create an environment driven by purpose, excellence, community, and service.

Application Requirements:

All applicants must have completed an APA-accredited doctoral program in clinical, counseling, or school psychology; an APA-accredited doctoral internship; and all requirements for their Ph.D. or Psy.D. prior to the beginning of position.

Clinical training and experience in administration of the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, Second Edition (ADOS-2) is required; research reliability is preferred.

Bilingual (English and Spanish) to serve the client population of our agency is also preferred.

Screening of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled. Applicants should submit (1) a current curriculum vitae and (2) a cover letter that describes their professional background, education, and relevant experiences; goals for position; and approach to integrating and/or addressing issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in one’s professional capacities. Applicants should arrange for three letters of recommendation to be emailed to Meaghan Parlade, Ph.D. (mparlade@miami.edu) by their respective letter-writers.

The anticipated start date is August 19, 2024, and the duration of the position is one year. Renewal of the position for a second year may be offered and contingent upon satisfactory progress and availability of funding. Effective July 1, 2023, UM instituted a new compensation structure for post-doctoral associates that exceeds the NIH’s NRSA stipend guidelines; annual stipend for a post-doctoral associate with <1 year experience is $57,300.

Apply online (https://umiami.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/UMCareerStaff/job/Coral-Gables-FL/Post-Doctoral-Associate--Psychology-_R100072728)  or email me directly (mparlade@miami.edu). 

Activities:

While the majority of time will be spent conducting psychological assessments for individuals with or suspected of autism spectrum disorder or another neurodevelopmental disorder, the post-doctoral associate will engage in a number of activities to ensure breadth and quality of training experiences, including assessment, research, intervention, consultation/training, and case management.

Psychological Assessments

•     Administer, score and interpret psychological, developmental, psycho-educational and autism-specific assessments/evaluations (e.g., ADOS-2).

•     Identify developmental disorders, including autism spectrum disorder, using information obtained from interviews, tests, records, and reference materials.

•     Develop recommendations for therapeutic and educational treatment plans.

•     Write integrated reports, detailing test results, clinical impressions and treatment recommendations.

•     Coordinate with members of a multidisciplinary evaluation team.

•     Discuss evaluation results and treatment recommendations with caregivers.

•     Provide supervision to doctoral student trainees during assessment/evaluation sessions.

•     Participate in case conferences and staff meetings.  

•     Perform timely and complete documentation of services provided, consistent with State regulations and professional standards.

•     Maintain privacy of clients; maintain a professional demeanor at all times with clients, students and employees.

•     Commute and provide services at various CARD/ASAC offices, as needed, throughout Miami-Dade County.

Research

• Collaborate on ongoing research studies in the Center for Autism and Related Disabilities and Department of Psychology, including the efficacy of evidence-based interventions and the reliability of psychological assessments

• Support data collection and analysis and participate in recruitment of research participants

• Contribute to manuscript preparation and conference presentations

Consultation/Training and Psychotherapy Services

•     Provide consultation to individual families and/or individuals with autism spectrum disorders and related disabilities.

•     Provide individual and/or group therapy services to individuals with autism spectrum disorders and related disabilities.

•     Provide supervision to doctoral student trainees during individual and group psychotherapy sessions.

•     Provide clinical consultation and technical assistance to agencies who serve individuals with autism spectrum disorders and related disabilities.

•     Develop and present training seminars to parents and professionals on issues related to autism spectrum disorders and related disabilities.

•     Participate in regular case conferences and staff meetings.

•     Perform timely and complete documentation of services provided, consistent with State regulations and professional standards.

•     Maintain privacy of client; maintain a professional demeanor at all times with clients, students and employees.

•     Commute and provide services at various locations throughout Miami-Dade County, including school and community settings.

Supervision:

The postdoc will receive an average of at least two hours of weekly clinical supervision for therapy and assessment cases, research efforts, and other activities, with at least one hour of individual face-to-face supervision. The remaining hour of clinical supervision may include individual supervision, group supervision or case presentation. Opportunities to provide peer supervision of doctoral-level practicum students/interns will also be available.