Position Description

Royal Commission Psychologist /Clinical Psychologist (SE205)
Position:
Division:
Section:
Salary Level:
Position Reports to:
Location:
Last Review:
Health Services Division
Social and Emotional Wellbeing Services
Allied Health Level 9/1 –10/1
Senior Clinical Psychologist
Alice Springs
October 2016
Role Description
This newly created position works within a multidisciplinary team providing psychology assessment and
therapeutic services to children, young people, families and others impacted by the events and stories of
the Royal Commission in Youth Detention. This position includes the ongoing treatment and support of
clients including the treatment of trauma, mental health and AOD issues.
The Clinical Psychologist provides professional clinical supervision to other therapeutic staff, including
staff completing supervised practice.
The position will be supported by an Aboriginal case worker providing cultural and social support to
clients where appropriate. Remote travel within Congress’ service charter is an inherent requirement of
the position.
Team Description
The position is located in the Congress Social and Emotional Wellbeing (SEWB) Service with access to
a network of peer support including clinical supervision. The SEWB team embeds three streams of
care: medical, therapeutic and cultural and social support with intensive case management as required.
Young people accessing the SEWB services have access to a dedicated GP that can provide mental
health care plans and integrate care through our therapeutic and social and cultural support teams.
Congress is an Aboriginal community controlled health service providing comprehensive primary health
care services to Aboriginal people in Alice Springs and across five remote Aboriginal communities in
Central Australia. Further information is available at www.caac.org.au.
Responsibilities
MAIN DUTIES
(This is not a
comprehensive list of
all duties required of
the position)
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Deliver high level clinical services to adolescents, young people and
families affected by the Royal Commission into Youth Detention under the
direction of the Senior Clinical Psychologist;
Travel to remote communities within the Congress service charter to
provide social and cultural support services, including occasional
overnight stays.
Attend public hearings and community forums related to the Royal
Commission into youth detention to provide support where needed;
Liaise with other organisations, professionals and services involved in the
Royal Commission to provide support to clients and promote the Congress
service
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WORK
ORGANISATION


(Planning and
coordination)
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
WORK HEALTH AND
SAFETY
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
VALUES AND
BEHAVIOURS
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Participate and attend Client Review Meetings as part of clinical
governance and MDT work;
Work with the social worker/ case worker to provide holistic care for the
clients by delivering clinical psychological services based on the 3 streams
of care model – Medical, Therapeutic, and Social and Cultural Support;
Access contemporary knowledge of clinical practice standards including
any that relate to Aboriginal social and emotional wellbeing service
delivery. All aspects of Clinical Psychology practice should demonstrate
cultural competency towards Aboriginal culture;
Apply knowledge of relevant mental health legislation and policy and
where relevant, any mandatory legislative policy related to children and
youth services;
Maintain comprehensive, factual, legible and timely client records in
Communicare, ensuring appropriate records management systems are
maintained to preserve professional confidentiality at all times;
Undertake other duties (and training) that are safe, legal, logical and
responsible while being within the limits of employee’s skill, competence
and training, consistent with the position classification.
Report to the Senior Clinical Psychologist and SEWB manager
Work within a multidisciplinary team to provide appropriate support to
clients
Provide support to other SEWB programs where appropriate.
Be an active team member and support a service based work culture
showing commitment to the organisation’s strategy, mission, vision and
values outlined by the board.
Take all reasonable steps to support the employment, professional
development and promotion of Aboriginal people across all parts of
Congress.
Take reasonable care for your own health and safety and for the health
and safety of anyone else who may be affected by your acts and
omissions in the workplace.
Work in accordance with Congress’ WHS policy, the WHS Act,
Regulations and Code of Practices.
Ensure WHS non-conformances or incidents/injuries are notified.
Conduct all work in line with Congress values which are: Equity and Social
Justice, Respect, Recognition, Resourceful, Responsibility, Relationships.
Apply strict confidentiality practices and guidelines to all patient, client,
personal and commercially sensitive information.
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Person Requirements (Qualifications & Attributes)
ESSENTIAL
1. Relevant qualifications in Psychology involving CBT, full registration with the Australian Health
Professionals Regulation Agency (AHPRA) and a minimum of two years supervised clinical
experience. Clinical Endorsement is highly regarded.
2. Eligibility to apply for a Medicare Provider Number and bill for services rendered.
3. Demonstrated experience in completing comprehensive psychological assessments, diagnosis,
case formulation with current evidence of the ability to work effectively with complex
psychological presentations using evidence-based practice.
4. Knowledge of mental health best practice in relation to prevention, early identification, treatment
and rehabilitation and a proven capacity to deliver innovative, quality client services within
professional and service timeframes.
5. Awareness of and sensitivity to Aboriginal culture and history, and knowledge of current
issues affecting the lives of Aboriginal people in Central Australia, including an
Understanding of the Royal Commission into the Protection and Detention of children and young
people, with a willingness to incorporate Aboriginal values into clinical practice
6. Willingness, ability and appropriate levels of health and fitness to travel to and work from remote
locations.
DESIRABLE
1. Experience working with Aboriginal Adolescents and families
2. A strong interest in youth justice
Appointment Conditions
 Employment with Congress is conditional on the employee providing NT Working with Children Check
(Ochre Card), Satisfactory Criminal History Check.
 Employee interaction with residents within communities will be taken into account as part of the final
performance assessment during the probation period.
 Persons being considered for a position with Congress may be required to undergo a pre-employment
medical examination and drug screen to determine fitness to perform nominated duties.
 Congress reserves the right to vary or withdraw availability of an advertised role to meet operational
requirements
Authorised By: ______________________________________
October 2016
GENERAL MANAGER HEALTH SERVICES DIVISION
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
I have received a copy of the Position Description and have read and understand its contents.
Employee Name
Signature
Date
Supervisor Name
Signature
Date
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