POSITION DESCRIPTION. Clinical Psychologist AT & R Unit, Middlemore Hospital

Transcription

1 POSITION DESCRIPTION Clinical Psychologist AT & R Unit, Middlemore Hospital Date Produced/Reviewed: 22 nd February 2010 Position Holder's Name : Position Holder's Signature :... Manager / Supervisor's Name : Manager / Supervisor's Signature :... Date :... Approval Date: Review Date:: A.P.P.R.O.V.E.D Position Title: Clinical Psychologist

2 PURPOSE OF THE POSITION Clinical psychology is a discipline integrating psychological and associated science, theory, and practise to understand and alleviate human suffering and disability, as well as to promote individual and family/whaanau development, adaptation, and recovery. At Counties Manukau District Health Board (CMDHB), clinical psychologists work as part of interdisciplinary teams to provide psychological assessments and interventions for clients of their teams. Clinical psychologists also provide a range of other services to support the development and function of their teams and the organisation as a whole. These activities include, but are not limited to: case consultation, staff training and supervision, leadership and involvement in service development activities, and research and evaluation-related activities. Assessments undertaken by clinical psychologists provide an understanding of the person and their difficulties from a broad bio-psycho-social and developmental perspective and include the use of detailed psychological, cognitive and behavioural assessment interviews, and the use of standardised cognitive, neuropsychological, psychometric, and personality assessments. Interventions commonly used by CMDHB psychologists include individual therapy (often with a strong CBT focus), therapeutic groups, family therapy, psychoeducational groups, behaviour management, and case consultation. Psychological services are provided in accordance with designated standards of practise and with a commitment to the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi. The Clinical Psychologist is registered with the vocational scope of practice Clinical Psychologist under the Health Practitioners Competence Assurance Act 2003, holds a current annual practising certificate, and holds an acceptable Doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology or an acceptable Masters or PhD and the Diploma in Clinical Psychology (or an equivalent qualification). The Clinical Psychologist independently carries out functions of clinical psychology. The Assessment Treatment and Rehabilitation (AT & R) Service at Middlemore Hospital provides assessment, treatment and rehabilitation for people 65 years and over, who have multiple medical problems and functional impairment. In addition the AT & R Unit, provides a service for patients under 65 years of age with neurological problems currently expanding to other diagnoses. Both these services have an outpatient/community facility. This post involves providing clinical psychological services for the AT & R Unit, primarily on the inpatient adult rehabilitation wards with an extension of this service into the community. The role would include provision of assessment and interventions for patients and their family/whaanau/significant others. In addition the role includes providing neuropsychological assessments for outpatients within the AT & R Service.

3 Vision & Values Organisational Shared Vision Our DHB shared Vision is to work in partnership with our communities to improve the health status of all, with particular emphasis on Maaori and Pacific peoples and other communities with health disparities. We will do this by leading the development of an improved system of healthcare that is more accessible and better integrated. We will dedicate ourselves to serving our patients and communities by ensuring the delivery of both quality focussed and cost effective healthcare, at the right place, right time and right setting. Organisational Values Partnership Care and Respect Professionalism Teamwork Innovation Responsibility Working alongside and encouraging others in health and related sectors to ensure a common focus on, and strategies for achieving health gain and independence for our population Treating people with respect and dignity, valuing individual and cultural differences and diversity We will act with integrity and embrace the highest ethical standards Achieving success by working together and valuing each other s skills and contributions Constantly seeking and striving for new ideas and solutions Using and developing our capabilities to achieve outstanding results and taking accountability for our individual and collective actions

4 PLACE IN THE ORGANISATION Clinical Director General Manager Service Manager Operations Manager Professional Leader Clinical Psychologist

5 NATURE AND SCOPE OF RESPONSIBILITIES Key Accountability Essential Requirements / Qualifications Professional Delivery of Services Standards / Achievements A Clinical Psychologist is a person registered with the vocational scope of practice Clinical Psychologist under the Health Practitioners Competence Assurance (HPCA) Act 2003, who holds a current annual practising certificate and an acceptable Doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology or a Masters degree or PhD in psychology and the Diploma of Clinical Psychology (or an acceptable equivalent), and who, under professional supervision, has had not less than 12 months practical experience in clinical psychology in an appropriate setting (including practicum experience during training) Acceptable, when used in relation to psychologist degree qualifications, means a Doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology, or PhD in psychology, or Masters degree in psychology issued by a New Zealand University, or an equivalent degree issued by a recognised overseas university. Apply and adhere to the legal requirements of the New Zealand Psychologists Board and the Health Practitioners Competence Assurance Act Comply with the Code of Ethics of the New Zealand Psychological Society and the New Zealand College of Clinical Psychology. Adhere to the policies and procedures of Counties Manukau District Health Board. Adhere to the procedures and standards of practise for clinical psychology of Counties Manukau District Health Board. Participate in competency assurance activities required by CMDHB. Maintain all relevant legislative requirements, including those expressed through the Health and Disability Commissioner, the Code of

6 Key Accountability Standards / Achievements Health and Disability Services Consumers Rights and the Privacy Act (1993). Conduct oneself in a professional manner at all times. Address needs of clients Deliver high quality assessment and treatment for clients of the service. Develop and maintain supportive relationships with clients, their families/whaanau and support networks, and recognise the diversity of peoples cultures. Apply the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi and recognise Maori as tangata whenua. Demonstrate awareness of cultural issues in clinical practise. Incorporate cultural consultation in clinical practise. Demonstrate an empathetic approach to clients, fostering a therapeutic alliance and informed consent. Clinical Assessment Conduct thorough assessment of clients, including: interviews, collateral contacts, file reviews, consideration of psychosocial history (developmental, family, relational, educational, medical, vocational, drug/alcohol, mental health, treatment, violence, legal), mental status examination, and risk to self/others. Develop sound psychological formulations based on thorough assessment, (including as appropriate, DSM-IV Multiaxial diagnoses, response to referral questions, treatment plan and recommendations) that can assist the patients and their family/whaanau to manage difficulties associated with strokes and other physical health problems and their families. Conduct psychometric and cognitive testing procedures as appropriate to allow clarification of issues such as determination of cognitive function, diagnosis of dementia to assist with treatment planning and placement, assist with

7 Key Accountability Standards / Achievements differential diagnosis, or to assist with treatment planning. Analyse client behaviours identified as problematic to develop programmes to change specific behaviours, considering alterations in environment, social relationships, emotions, thoughts and behaviours. Clinical Intervention Develop treatment plans based upon comprehensive assessments and psychological formulation. Recognise and utilise contributions of the multidisciplinary team in the management and treatment of clients; provide psychological input to clinical reviews of clients. Provide professional psychological consultation and opinions regarding clients. Provide behaviour management programmes. Provide individual psychotherapy to clients, aimed at resolution of symptoms or disorders for which they are being treated, and/or for improvement in psychological well-being. Provide information and educational experiences to a homogeneous group of clients aimed at increasing understanding of symptoms and mental disorder, and enhancing coping skills and adjustment. Communication Communicate clearly and appropriately with all constituencies. Provide multidisciplinary team members, Operations Manager, Service Manager or Professional Leader with relevant information in a timely manner. Produce formal psychological assessment reports and psychological testing reports according to standard and within timeframes. Maintain accurate and timely records, and comply with clinical documentation policy.

8 Key Accountability Team Membership Standards / Achievements Work cooperatively as a team member; contribute to harmonious team relationships. Contribute to the development of and participate in achievement of team goals, quality assurance activities and initiatives that meet team and organisational standards. Contribute effectively to the planning, organisation and evaluation of services. Contribute to approved projects and applied research activities. Ensure that resources are used appropriately and effectively. Undertake any other functions as required by Operations Manager that are in line with the role of Clinical Psychology. Professional Development Regularly participate in and actively meet requirements of clinical supervision; participate in peer review. Apply principles as a scientist-practitioner to appraise relevant research, enhance knowledge and incorporate learning into practise. Participate in and contribute to in-service training; attend conferences and training. Identify learning needs and address them through Professional Development Plan. Develop knowledge and skills, and provide services under supervision, based upon Senior Clinical Psychologist competencies. HEALTH & SAFETY To recognise individual responsibility for workplace Health & Safety under the Health and Safety Act 1992 Counties Manukau DHB Health and Safety policies are read and understood and relevant procedures applied to own work activities Workplace hazards are identified and reported including self-management of hazards where appropriate Can identify health and Safety representative for area

9 Key Accountability Utilise Information Technology FUNCTIONAL RELATIONSHIPS Internal Other Psychologists Professional Leader of Psychology Senior Medical Officers Multidisciplinary Team Members Allied Health Professionals Hospital Ward and Service Teams Administrators Registered Nurses Standards / Achievements Demonstrate an ability to use the phone, paging systems and other telecommunication equipment as required Demonstrate an ability to access and use available clinical information systems Be conversant with applications required for Clinical Psychologists. For example, PIMS, Concerto, Outlook, etc Maintain own professional development by attending relevant IT educational programmes External Clients Family/Whaanau Consumer Groups Caregivers Medical Practitioners Non-Governmental Agencies Government Agencies Statutory Authorities PROBLEM COMPLEXITY Clinical Psychologists will be regularly challenged by a wide range of complex Mental Health issues. The range of problems will be diverse and require solutions customised to meet the circumstances of the client. Therefore opportunities will arise to provide innovative options to the client based on proven outcomes. There will be demands to meet deadlines, maintain accuracy and quality of information. Failure to do so could impact on the organisation. There will be a requirement to be able to prioritise issues and negotiate time frames, while still providing a quality customer service. Will refer to Supervisor, Operations Manager and/or Professional Leader for advice or second opinion.

10 DIMENSION OF THE POSITION Will be responsible to the Operations Manager and Professional Leader for the achievement of agreed objectives and operates within the confines of Counties Manukau District Health Board. POSITIONS REPORTING TO THIS POSITION Directly Indirectly Nil Nil PERSON SPECIFICATIONS Qualification Experience Minimum Doctoral Degree or Masters plus Diploma of Clinical Psychology or equivalent. Registration as psychologist with the NZ Psychologists Board Must hold the Clinical Psychology vocational scope of practice under the Health Practitioners Competency Assurance (HPCS) Act Minimum 12 months practical experience in clinical psychology in an appropriate setting. Knowledge of scientific method Knowledge of psychopathology Knowledge of psychological theories Knowledge of psychometrics and experience with psychological testing Knowledge of theories of personality and psychotherapy Experience providing individual psychotherapy Preferred Member of NZ Psychological Society or NZ College of Clinical Psychologists. Evidence of continuing professional education. Previous experience within a variety of clinical settings Experience with applied research Extensive knowledge of DSM-IV diagnoses Experience administering and interpreting a variety of psychological tests In-depth knowledge of at least one theory of psychotherapy Experience providing case consultation Experience providing consultation to families Experience with Mental Health Act proceedings

11 Skills/Knowledge/ Behaviour Experience providing psychoeducational groups Experience with behavioural management Knowledge of family dynamics Knowledge of professional ethics Knowledge of Mental Health Act (1992) Knowledge of bicultural practises and awareness of cultural issues Experience in working with people with neurological disorders and physical health difficulties. Experience with neuropsychological testing. High level of verbal and written communication skills Excellent report writing skills PC based computer skills, including word processing Competencies in psychological assessment Competencies in psychological, and neuropsychological, testing. Competencies in treatment planning Competencies to work with a multidisciplinary team Competencies to provide case consultation Competencies to provide behaviour management programmes Competencies to provide individual psychotherapy Competencies to provide psychoeducational groups Competencies to provide family consultation Experience of attending Treaty of Waitangi workshop Knowledge of community resources and networks Previous experience in inpatient settings. Skills to prepare and make professional presentations Skills to conduct mental status examinations Skills in cognitive testing Skills in personality testing Skills to provide group psychotherapy Skills to provide family therapy

12 Competencies in professional ethics Competencies to Incorporate cultural components & consultation in clinical practise Additional Skills Hold clean NZ driver s license Ability to positively contribute to the welfare of the team Ability to positively contribute to the clinical psychology discipline Ability to maintain professional demeanour Able to work as an independent professional Recognise need for and seek clinical supervision Commitment to working in a multidisciplinary team Flexibility to provide variety of clinical services at times and locations required Satisfactorily meet professional performance management targets