POSITION DESCRIPTION. Clinical Psychologist Critical Care Complex

Transcription

1 POSITION DESCRIPTION Clinical Psychologist Critical Care Complex Date Produced/Reviewed: 18 April 2011 Position Holder's Name:... Position Holder's Signature:... Manager/Supervisor's Name:... Manager/Supervisor's Signature:... Date:... Document ID: Obtain from Objective Version: 1.0 Department: Name of Department Last Updated: 18/04/2011 Document Owner: Person s Title Next Review Date: 18/04/2013 Approved by: Name of Approval Group/Committee Date First Issued: dd/mm/yyyy Counties Manukau District Health Board

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 / whanau development, adaptation, and recovery. At Counties Manukau District Health Board ( CM Health ), clinical psychologists work as part of multidisciplinary 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 support, 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 CM Health psychologists include individual therapy (often with a strong CBT / DBT 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. A Clinical Psychologist is a registered psychologist with the Clinical Psychologist Vocational Scope of Practice 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. This position involves provision of clinical psychology and related services within the Critical Care service at Middlemore Hospital and Counties Manukau District Health Board. The role will involve assisting patients, working to support the family/whanau and significant others of patients, and to provide role-appropriate support for staff working within these services. Provision of clinical services is a core activity of this role, and there is also opportunity for involvement in service innovation, research, and leadership activities to support the development of improved services. This is a pilot position within this hospital (although similar positions exist in other hospitals world-wide) and there will be considerable scope for developing the focus and range of activities of the role. This is a 0.5TFE (half-time) position

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 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 Care and Respect Professionalism Teamwork Innovation Responsibility 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 Surgical Services Service Manager CCC Clinical Head & Nurse Manager CCC Professional Leader Psychology Clinical Psychologist

5 NATURE AND SCOPE OF RESPONSIBILITIES Key Accountability Essential Requirements 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 Postgraduate 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) 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. Comply with requirements of the Mental Health Act (1992) and amendments. Adhere to the policies and procedures of Counties Manukau District Health Board and the Mental Health Service. Adhere to the procedures and standards of practise for clinical psychology of Counties Manukau District Health Board. Participate in competency assurance activities required by CM Health. Maintain all relevant legislative requirements,

6 Key Accountability Standards / Achievements including those expressed through the Health and Disability Commissioner, the Code of Health and Disability Services Consumers Rights and the Privacy Act (1993). Conduct oneself in a professional manner at all times. Address needs of clients and whanau 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 Maaori as tangata whenua. Support the trans-cultural development of the Mental Health Service at CM Health. 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 Follow best practice principles based on the least restrictive interventions and informed by evaluation, research and literature. 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

7 Key Accountability Standards / Achievements on thorough assessment that are used to guide responses to referral questions, treatment plans, and recommendations. Conduct neuropsychological, psychometric and cognitive testing procedures as appropriate to allow clarification of issues such as determination of cognitive function, diagnosis of intellectual disability to assist with treatment planning and placement, assist with differential diagnosis, or to assist with treatment planning. Clinical Intervention Analyse client behaviours identified as problematic to develop programmes to change specific behaviours, considering alterations in environment, social relationships, emotions, thoughts and behaviours. Develop treatment plans based upon comprehensive assessments. 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.

8 Key Accountability Standards / Achievements Provide multidisciplinary team members, Team Leader, 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. 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. Team Membership 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 Team Leader that are in line with the role of Clinical Psychology. Service development and implementation To actively participate in the planning, development and implementation of services. To actively participate to continually improve the quality of service delivery.

9 Key Accountability Standards / Achievements To provide Input into the Organisational Health of Critical Care Directorate monitoring via questionnaires, consultation, and service developments Teaching Professional Development For all members of the interdisciplinary team e.g. Topics such as Breaking Bad News and Bereavement, Psychological aspects of Critical Care, and reflective practice 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. Promote the role of clinical psychologist as an integral member of the Critical Care health team PROFESSIONAL SUPPORT Attend monthly psychologists meetings. Participate in and contribute to in-service training. Ensure effective communications and assistance is provided to the managers as requested within negotiated time frames

10 Key Accountability Standards / Achievements HEALTH & SAFETY To recognise individual responsibility for workplace Health & Safety under the Health and Safety Act 1992 For all Staff: 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 Utilise Information Technology And (for Managers): Ensure a safe working environment and safe working practices Plan, lead, organise and control Health & Safety activities directed at preventing harm in the workplace, in consultation with employees and Health & Safety representatives for area Ensure that all accidents/incidents in the workplace are investigated, and that hazards are recognised and adequate controls put in place 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, HCC, Concerto, Outlook, etc. Maintain own professional development by attending relevant IT educational programmes.

11 COMMUNICATION AND INTERPERSONAL SKILLS Will be required to interact on a regular basis with a range of CM Health staff members including other Clinical Psychologists, Psychology students, Professional Leader of Psychology, Multidisciplinary Team Members, Medical Practitioners, Registered Nurses, Allied Health Professionals like Occupational Therapists and Social Workers, Team Managers, etc. Externally there will be regular contact with: - Clients - Family / Whaanau - Consumer Groups - Caregivers - Community Groups - Medical Practitioners - External Clinicians - Non-Governmental Agencies - Government Agencies - Statutory Authorities Situations may often call for tact, diplomacy and will require information to be handled in a discreet and sensitive manner. In conflict situations will be required to exercise sound judgement, negotiation and persuasiveness skills, toward facilitating a workable outcome. PROBLEM COMPLEXITY Clinical Psychologists will be regularly challenged by a wide range of complex mental and physical health issues. There will be a requirement to be able to prioritise issues and negotiate time frames, while still providing a quality customer service. 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. Will refer to Clinical Head or Professional Leader for advice or second opinion.

12 SCOPE FOR ACTION Are empowered to make decisions or recommendations relating to Psychological interventions and participation in the MDT care patient planning. Are encouraged to use initiative and problem solving skills to develop innovative approaches to issues. Discretion is required to be exercised in releasing confidential information to the appropriate parties. DIMENSION OF THE POSITION Will be responsible to the Team Manager 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

13 PERSON SPECIFICATIONS Qualification Experience Skills/Knowledge/ Behaviour Minimum Doctoral/Masters Degree plus Postgraduate Diploma of Clinical Psychology or equivalent. Registration as psychologist with the NZ Psychologists Board, and holding a current Annual Practicing Certificate Must hold the Clinical Psychology vocational scope of practice under the Health Practitioners Competency Assurance (HPCA) Act Minimum 12 months practical experience in clinical psychology in an appropriate setting. Knowledge of psychometrics and experience with psychological testing Experience providing individual psychotherapy 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 High level of verbal and written communication skills Excellent report writing skills Preferred Member of NZ Psychological Society or NZ College of Clinical Psychologists. Evidence of continuing professional education. Previous experience within inpatient settings and/or intensive care or emergency care 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 of attending Treaty of Waitangi workshop Knowledge of community resources and networks Skills to prepare and make professional presentations Touch-typing skills Skills to conduct mental status examinations

14 PC based computer skills, including word processing Competencies in psychological assessment Competencies in psychological 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 Competencies in professional ethics Competencies to Incorporate cultural components & consultation in clinical practise Skills in cognitive testing Skills in personality testing Skills to provide group psychotherapy Skills to provide family therapy 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

15 Flexibility to provide variety of clinical services at times and locations required Satisfactorily meet professional performance management targets NOTE: Psychologists are appointed to a position in CM Health; additional details may be identified with each successive assignment and made an addendum to this document.