Pediatric Psychologist, CHOC at Mission
Listed compensation
$116k-$191k
The week · per this posting · weekdays assumed
Ask the employer about call expectations, weekend coverage, benefits and time off.
Job Description
Work Location: Mission Viejo, California
Work Shift
Day – 08hrs (United States of America)
Why CHOC?
At CHOC, we strive to be the leading destination of children’s health by providing exceptional and innovative care. We are responsible for the overall health of our community’s pediatric population in our hospitals, clinics, and practices.
And because of our breadth of care, your career at CHOC can be as diverse and fulfilling as you determine. CHOC’s compensation structure, benefits offerings, and career development programs are geared to helping you achieve your professional and personal goals. Apply now to see where your career at CHOC can take you.
Environmental Sustainability Statement
Driven by the connection between children's health and a healthy environment, we commit to creating a healthcare model that incorporates environmental sustainability aligned with our mission to protect children's health and patient safety.
Job Summary
The Pediatric Psychologist provides a full range of mental health services to patients and their families. Duties may include diagnostic and psychological assessment, intervention, treatment planning, consultation, crisis intervention, case management, and discharge planning.
Maintain the highest standards of safety, ethical practice, and respect for diversity throughout service provision.
As a Pediatric Psychologists are expected to lead, facilitate, and/or participate in program, policy, and procedure development, service planning, staff development, quality improvement and evaluation, and/or research activities as identified by the needs of the service area(s).
This position also includes clinical supervision, oversight, and teaching to doctoral level psychology practicum students, interns, psychology fellows, or unlicensed psychological staff as directed.
Pay Range
Minimum $115,606 Midpoint $153,150 Maximum $190,736
Rate of pay is determined by various factors, including but not limited to knowledge, skills, competencies, experience, education, as well as position requirements.
Experience
- Required: Master’s degree (or admission to doctoral candidacy) in clinical, school, or counseling psychology. Three (3) years of post-Master’s degree of relevant clinical mental health experience. Minimum one (1) years of clinical experience in psychology at the post-doctoral level. Minimum one (1) year of mental health experience working with children and families.
- Preferred: Three (3) years of post-Master’s degree of relevant clinical mental health experience working with children, adolescents, and/or families. Three (3) years of post-Master’s degree of relevant clinical mental health experience working in a healthcare setting. One (1) year of experience supervising psychology practicum students, interns, or post-doctoral fellows.
Education
- Required:
Doctorate degree (Ph.D. or Psy.D.) from APA accredited doctoral program in clinical, school or counseling psychology.
Foundational coursework and training in the administration of psychological testing and interpretation of testing results to assist with mental health diagnosis and treatment planning.
Foundational coursework and knowledge of psychological research methods.
Foundational coursework, knowledge, and application of evidence-based psychological treatment methods.
Foundational coursework and knowledge of diversity and multicultural issues impacting mental health.
Preferred
APA accredited internship with emphasis/specialization in pediatric psychology.
Certification(s) in relevant child-focused evidence-based treatment modalities
Training
Required
Completion of one-year APA accredited doctoral clinical internship.
Completion of one-year clinical postdoctoral fellowship.
- Preferred:
Completion of one-year of APA accredited doctoral internship with emphasis/specialization in pediatric/health psychology.
Completion of one-year clinical postdoctoral fellowship with emphasis in child/pediatric/health psychology.
Eligibility for and preparation to seek board certification in clinical and/or health psychology.
Board certification in Clinical and/or Health psychology.
Specialized Skills
- Required:
Demonstrated competencies in the 9 Profession-Wide Core Competencies of APA accredited Doctoral Programs and Internship Programs as indicated by successful completion of these programs:
Intervention
Ethical and legal standards
Individual and cultural diversity
Professional values, attitudes, and behaviors
Communication and interpersonal skills
Consultation and interprofessional/interdisciplinary skills
Supervision
Assessment
Research
Broad knowledge of quality, patient safety, performance improvement, regulatory requirements, medical staff structure, peer review and legal aspects of care. Ability to relate and communicate positively, effectively, and professionally with others; provide leadership; be assertive and consistent in enforcing policies; respond courteously when under pressure. Exceptional verbal and written communication skills; interpersonal relationship and collaboration skills.
Ability to relate and communicate positively and effectively in person, in writing, and on the telephone, think critically; work independently; manage multiple assignments; compose written material; work well under pressure; problem solve; organize and prioritize workload; pay close attention to detail. Work calmly and respond courteously when under pressure; lead, supervise, teach, and collaborate.
Preferred
Bi-lingual in Spanish of other threshold language.
LPS Certification.
Licensure
- Required:
Psychology License: must have psychology license prior to start date, if psychology license is out of state (not California) and must convert to a California psychology license within 6 months of hire date
Work Environments - Functional Demand
Sedentary - Very light energy level Lift 10 lbs. box overhead. Lift and carry 15 lbs. Push/pull 20 lbs. cart.
Physical Activity Requirements
Bending, Carry Objects, Climbing, Keyboard use/repetitive motion, Pinching/fine motor activities, Push/Pull, Reaching forward, Reaching overhead, Sitting, Squat/kneel/crawl (Squad & Knee), Standing, Talk or hear, Taste or smell, Twisting, Walking, Wrist position deviation
Physical Activity Lifting
Lifting (Floor to waist level) - Constant 67 or more%, Lifting (Floor to waist level) - Frequent 36-66%, Lifting (Floor to waist level) - Occasional 0-35%, Lifting (Waist level and above) - Constant 67 or more%, Lifting (Waist level and above) - Frequent 36-66%, Lifting (Waist level and above) - Occasional 0-35%
Sensory Requirements
Color Discrimination, Depth Perception, Far Vision, Hearing, Near Vision
Environment Requirements
Airborn Communicable Disease, Bloodborne Pathogens, Chemical, Dust Particular Matter, Extreme Noise Levels, Extreme Temperatures, Radiation, Uneven Surfaces or Elevations
Non-Discrimination Statement
CHOC does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, marital status, genetic information, disability, sex, gender (including pregnancy, breastfeeding, childbirth, lactation or related medical conditions), gender identity or expression, medical condition, sexual orientation, veteran status, military or uniformed service member status, or other protected characteristics in accordance with state and federal laws.
We encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply for positions at CHOC, even if your experience doesn’t align perfectly with the listed qualifications for a particular role, as your unique experience may be a great addition to our culture for another one of our opportunities.
If you desire support or accommodations throughout the Talent Acquisition process, please inform your Talent Acquisition Partner.
Key Responsibilities
The Pediatric Psychologist provides comprehensive mental health services including diagnostic assessment, intervention, and treatment planning for patients and their families. The role also involves clinical supervision of trainees, participation in program development, and ensuring adherence to safety and ethical standards.
Requirements
Candidates must hold a Doctorate degree (Ph.D. or Psy.D.) from an APA-accredited program and possess a valid psychology license. The position requires at least three years of post-Master’s clinical experience and one year of post-doctoral clinical experience in a pediatric or mental health setting.
Qualifications
- Education
- Doctoral or professional degree (postgraduate degree)
- Experience
- 2+ years of experience
Key Skills
Pediatrics — Psychologist Career Context
Of the 50 active Pediatrics listings this role was benchmarked against, 36% are remote, 40% have no call, 56% require no weekends.
The cost-of-living index for California is 110.7 (US average = 100; BEA Regional Price Parities (2024)), so the posted ~$153k midpoint carries the purchasing power of roughly $138k in an average-cost state. 63.6% of California clinicians report burnout symptoms in WeekdayDoc's Burnout Index (2026-01 data).
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