Head Of Psychology

Members of the multi-disciplinary team: -Surgical, Medical & Radiation oncologists, Psychiatry, Palliative care staff, Clinical Nurse Coordinators and Unit nurses and inpatient nursing staff, allied health staff, other clinical and administrative staff 

Health professionals working in related fields, General Practitioners, Community Mental Health, University linkages, non-government organisations, universities 

• Registration with the Psychology Board of Australia 
• A minimum of ten years’ experience as a practicing psychologist 
• PBA approved supervisor 
• Experience in providing psychological services to people and their families in oncology/health care/mental health setting 
• Ability to provide clinical supervision and staff support 
• Demonstrable relevant experience in research and teaching in undergraduate and postgraduate levels 
• Expert communication, interpersonal and leadership skills 
• Ability to work in a multidisciplinary environment 
• Endorsement in ‘clinical psychology’ area of practice 
• Expertise in quality and program evaluation 

• Academic standing: PhD and/or profile including 1st author in peer reviewed publications and presentations 
• Prior experience or Post graduate qualification in leadership 
• Expertise in quality and program evaluation 

Professional/leadership

1. Provides support to the Director of Psych oncology in the provision of a professional service to the organisation 
2. Works effectively as a member of the psychology team 
3. Demonstrates commitment to continuing professional development 
4. Acts within own professional and skill limitations 
5. Acts according to professional and ethical standards outlined complying with the code of ethics and legal requirements of the  psychology profession  

• Communicates in a timely and effective manner to Director of Psychosocial Oncology 
• Provides clinical leadership to the psychology team 
• Provides expertise and leadership in cross-departmental projects/committees 
• Attends regular supervision 
• Attends continuing professional development to the registration standard of the PBA 
• Provides and assists with supervision of staff, students, researchers 
• Knowledge of the principles and application of the Mental Health Act and other relevant legislation and policies 
• Knowledge of the changes to the Royal Commission in Mental Health 
• Continuously reviews and improves quality processes and protocols 

Patient Care 

1. Demonstrates the ability to function independently as a clinical psychologist 
2. Maintains appropriate records 
3. As a member of a multi- disciplinary team, provides specialist psychological consultation and advice to other staff on treatment interventions. 
4. Assists in the planning, evaluation and development of clinical service delivery 
5. Exercises a high level of interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to consult, liaise and negotiate with consumers, carers, family members, members of the general community and other professionals 

• Lead the delivery of high quality treatment for referred patients and their families. 
• Assists other specialists on planning and delivery of multi-modal treatment 
• Demonstrates experience and skill in clinical interventions 
• Maintain a clinical load appropriate to the level of position and other responsibilities inherent in the role (minimum of 30%) 
• Provides psychological assessment and evidence based treatment to individuals, couples, families, and groups, for psychiatric disorders including mood, anxiety and adjustment disorders 
• Ensure clinical staff work within their approved scope of practice and at all times with appropriate supervision 
• Ensure all clinical staff maintain their clinical registration and any required indemnity cover 
• Attends regular meetings with designated clinical service teams 
• Demonstrates high level communication skills and ability to work effectively with members of the multidisciplinary team 
• Acts as a clinical resource within psychology and MDT team 

Education & Research

1. Contribute to the training and supervision of clinical psychology postgraduate students and clinical staff as appropriate. 
2. Participate in the provision of education to the health care team, the organization and community organizations re the following: The role of clinical psychology in: 

• Psychological management of people with cancer and their families 
• Mental health issues 
• Psychosocial aspects of health and disease 
  
  3. Participate in research projects under the direction of the Head of Department and Director of Psychosocial Oncology 

• Active participation in postgraduate student program, e.g. supervision, education and liaison with the University supervisor 
• Supervises Grade 2 and Grade 3 psychologists 
• Gives educational presentations as appropriate 
• Proposes and develops quality improvement projects for the clinical psychology service and for organization-wide accreditation as appropriate 
• In collaboration with the Director of Psychosocial Oncology develops and communicate a research strategy for the psychology program aligned with the Peter Mac research strategy 
• Proposes, develops research projects for the clinical psychology service as appropriate 
• Enhance the profile, quantum and level of research in Psychology 
• Obtain external funding for research 
• Publish research papers, particularly in high impact journals and in specialist journals 
• Present papers at national/international meetings 
• Actively comply with all guidelines and policies that relate to ethical practice in relation to Research