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

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: .....................................................

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

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 Treating people with respect and dignity, valuing individual and

cultural differences and diversity Professionalism We will act with integrity and embrace the highest ethical standards Teamwork Achieving success by working together and valuing each other’s skills

and contributions Innovation Constantly seeking and striving for new ideas and solutions Responsibility Using and developing our capabilities to achieve outstanding results and

taking accountability for our individual and collective actions

PLACE IN THE ORGANISATION

Clinical Director General Manager Surgical Services

Professional Leader

Psychology Clinical Head & Nurse Manager

CCC

Clinical Psychologist

Service Manager CCC

NATURE AND SCOPE OF RESPONSIBILITIES

Key Accountability Standards / Achievements

Essential Requirements 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)

Professional Delivery of Services

Apply and adhere to the legal requirements of the New Zealand Psychologists Board and the Health Practitioners Competence Assurance Act 2003. 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,

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. Follow “best practice” principles based on the least restrictive interventions and informed by evaluation, research and literature.

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

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. 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. 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.

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.

Key Accountability Standards / Achievements

To provide Input into the Organisational Health of Critical Care Directorate – monitoring via questionnaires, consultation, and service developments

Teaching 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

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. 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

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

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

Utilise Information Technology 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.

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.

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 Nil Indirectly Nil

PERSON SPECIFICATIONS

Minimum Preferred

Qualification

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 2003.

Member of NZ Psychological Society or NZ College of Clinical Psychologists.

Evidence of continuing professional education.

Experience

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

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/Knowledge/ Behaviour

High level of verbal and written communication skills

Excellent report writing skills

Skills to prepare and make professional presentations

Touch-typing skills

Skills to conduct mental status examinations

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

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.