OPERATIONAL CIRCULAR

Transcription

1 Department of Health Government of Western Australia OPERATIONAL CIRCULAR Enquiries to: Corinne Glenn Number: OP 1753/ Date: 18 March 2004 Supersedes: File No: Subject: CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST CAREER STRUCTURE ADDITIONAL GRADES THREE AND FOUR The purpose of this circular is to complete the implementation of a new Clinical Psychologist career structure in accordance with decisions of the Western Australian Industrial Relations Commission (WAIRC) in application P39 of This Circular should be read in conjunction with OP1678/03. The decision has facilitated the creation of two additional grades for Clinical Psychologists: either a Specialist Clinical Psychologist or a Specialist Clinical Psychologist Coordinator at Grade 3 (equivalent Level 10); and a Consultant Clinical Psychologist at Grade 4 (equivalent Level 11). The WAIRC s decision creating the Grades 3 and 4 classifications will apply retrospectively from 1 September This will allow some Clinical Psychologists who believe they are undertaking the roles and responsibilities at the new Level 3 or 4 to make an application for reclassification. To facilitate this, the WAIRC orders provide a time frame for reclassification applications to be made. Any Clinical Psychologist wishing to apply for reclassification to either the Level 3 or 4 must submit an application prior to close of business on Thursday 15 April Successful reclassification applications received before this date will have salary backdated to 1 September Reclassification applications received after this date will be backdated only to the date of their reclassification application if they are successful. Applications received by 15 April, 2004 are required to be determined by close of business on Thursday 13 May Any disputed applications may then be referred to the Public Service Arbitrator for determination. Applications should have the following cover sheet attached and contain a statement addressing how the position meets the criteria outlined below as well as a current job description form and should be lodged with the Health Services Human Resources Department. The classification criteria for the new grades are as follows: SPECIALIST CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST (GRADE 3) A Specialist Clinical Psychologist (Grade 3) will be required to demonstrate a high level of clinical expertise. OP 1753/04 1

2 Clinical expertise may include but not be limited to: (a) Research and Evaluation involving: research where the clinical psychologist has been assigned responsibility as principle researcher for the design, implementation and reporting of significant psychological research that may influence the delivery of specialist services in the state, and demonstrate ongoing involvement in this research; and/or Evaluation, where the clinical psychologist is responsible for setting up evaluation systems for programs and service and major quality improvement projects. (b) Consultation, involving: the provision of consultation with other clinical psychologists or with other professional bodies and organisations (e.g. other government agencies) regarding psychological services and / or development of policies and procedures in areas requiring specialist psychological knowledge. This role may also provide high level clinical psychology advice to the Area Mental Health Service; and/or Developing new protocols for individual and group treatment programs and making these available to other health professionals. Developing assessment procedures for clinical decision making. This may include training health professionals in new protocols or assessment procedures. (c) Training and Supervision in a designated specialist area, involving the training and supervision of clinical psychologists and / or other health professionals that requires high level specialist psychological skills; and/or developing and implementing training programs for other health professionals or clinical psychologists. SPECIALIST CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST COORDINATOR (GRADE 3) A Specialist Clinical Psychologist Coordinator (Grade 3) position may demonstrate any of the characteristics of a Specialist Clinical Psychologist (Grade 3) and in addition will also be required to demonstrate coordination duties that may include: (iii) the coordination of clinical psychology services within an area, program or clinical stream (eg. Adult, Older Adult and CAMHS) or an identified specialist Clinical Psychology service unit; and/or monitoring and coordination of professional and service standards of clinical psychology staff in that area or stream; and/or responsibility for management, implementation and evaluation of performance development and supervision of students and clinical psychology staff. OP 1753/04 2

3 CONSULTANT CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST (GRADE 4) Positions classified at Grade Four must meet the following criteria: A Consultant Clinical Psychologist (Grade 4) though based in a particular health service, will operate on a state wide basis providing high level clinical expertise and performing the following functions within a defined area of specialisation: 1. Strategic and expert advice in regards to mental health professional development, policy development, planning, monitoring and evaluation of specialist mental health services and standards, which will influence the provision of mental health services in Western Australia. 2. Professional/expert level consultation to clinical psychologists, other health professionals in the State, and may include teaching specialised clinical skills to other clinical psychologists. 3. Conduct or facilitate specialist research of a significant nature, which would influence the delivery of specialist services in the state and demonstrate ongoing involvement. 4. Liaise with relevant professional associations, other specialist health professionals, government and non-government agencies and Universities to instigate contemporary practice models in their area of specialisation. Specific duties for each of these positions may include but not be limited to: Developing a widely acknowledged level of expertise specific to the designated area of specialisation; Providing direct clinical involvement in the management of highly complex cases to support the sector and its clients; Monitoring clinical psychological service standards with responsibility for professional functioning of clinical psychology staff in the area of specialisation across the State; Providing advice at the highest possible level (including members of the Office of Mental Health Executive with portfolio responsibility) on clinical psychology matters in the designated areas of specialisation; and Assist members of the Office of Mental Health Executive in the development of industry level policy and standards as required by the Department of Health. If you have any questions about the decision or the reclassification process, please labour.relations@health.wa.gov.au. Marshall Warner ACTING DIRECTOR WORKFORCE DIRECTORATE OP 1753/04 3

4 CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST RECLASSIFICATION SUBMISSION CHECKLIST/ COVERSHEET In accordance with WAIRC No. P39 of 1997 (B) Please complete this checklist before attaching it to the front of the reclassification submission EMPLOYEE SECTION Name: Position: Phone: Location: Position Number: Current Grade: Grade Sought I have read and understood the Operational Circular outlining the new Clinical Psychologist career structure and understand that my application for reclassification will be based on my position meeting the criteria as defined in the Circular. I have discussed this application with my Manager/Supervisor and believe the responsibilities identified fall within the scope of this position I have completed and attached all necessary paperwork: Statement in support of reclassification Current JDF clearly identify duties that are applicable to current position Organisational Chart (clearly marked with proposed reclassified position) Signed: Name: Date: REGISTRATION This application was received by Human Resources on: Signature of CE s Representative Date OP 1753/04 4

5 MANAGEMENT SECTION Area Director Mental Health This reclassification request was discussed with me Additional Comments Sheet completed (copy to employee) Area Director Human Resources This reclassification request is complete and contains the current, approved job description form as signed off by the Area Health Service. Management Comments Sheet completed (copy to employee) Area Chief Executive/ Regional Director This reclassification request was discussed with me Management Comments Sheet completed (copy to employee) Completed Applications to be sent to Labour Relations Branch, Workforce Directorate, Department of Health PO Box 8172 Perth Business Centre WA DoH use only Received by: OP 1753/04 5