POSITION DESCRIPTION
MERCY HEALTH
Clinical Psychologist
Core Mercy Values:
Compassion, Hospitality, Respect, Innovation, Stewardship, Teamwork
Position title:
Clinical Psychologist
Employee name:
Entity/Mercy Health:
Business Unit/Department:
Mercy Hospital for Women (MHW)
Obstetric & Maternity Services
Date:
Position reports to:
Head of Unit Department - Perinatal
Mental Health
Positions reporting
to this one:
Communicates with:
Position Purpose:
To provide psychological/mental health assessment and treatment for patients of Mercy Hospital for
Women
To assess psychological needs of referred patients and provide liaison to referring unit
To initiate and participate in any relevant research projects being undertaken in the hospital
To assist in the development of early intervention and perinatal psychiatry services at Mercy Hospital for
Women
To provide psychological assessment to specific antenatal clinics including those managing women with
substance abuse, adolescents and teenagers and also to paediatrics
Qualifications:
Psychology Board Registration, Membership of College of Clinical Psychology, Relevant Postgraduate
Qualifications (or equivalent Professional qualifications and Registration)
Broad experience in mental health
Training and experience in specific psychological therapies relevant to management in the perinatal
period
Experience in perinatal and infant mental health
Experience in research in mental health
Ideally experience in managing mental illness with co-morbid substance abuse
Total staff management (FTE):
Annual Operating Expenditure:
Annual Capital Expenditure:
Resource management:
MHW
October 2011
Clinical Psychologist
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Personal Competencies required
Communication/interpersonal skills
Teamwork/Collaboration
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Customer focused
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Adaptability/flexibility
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A practical common approach to problem solving & trouble
shooting
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Key Result Areas
 Ensure the provision and
implementation of quality
clinical care.
MHW
Standard Measures
 Organisation successfully
accredited by AHCS
Job Competencies Required
Relevant professional registration
Good knowledge, understanding and commitment to the mission,
vision and values of the Sisters of Mercy
Capacity to work and communicate within multi-disciplinary teams
including Perinatal Mental Health and within specific antenatal and
paediatric services within Mercy Hospital for Women
Knowledge of contemporary clinical issues
Knowledge of MHW Ethical Guidelines and Clinical Practices
Knowledge and training in specific psychological therapies
relevant to the perinatal period
Knowledge of funding in public health care facilities
Undertake data collection as requested by DHS mental health
branch when required
Flexibility to provide psychological assessments on the wards or in
the emergency department at Mercy Hospital for Women during
mental health staff shortages
Judgement/problem solving
Understanding of the relevant Acts and Legal obligations and their
application in the MHW setting
Appropriate delegation of authority and responsibility
Ensure good communication between the Perinatal Mental Health
and other areas of the hospital.
Assess and assist with the training needs of psychiatry registrar in
the area of psychological intervention
Computer literate
Capacity to develop protocols for the management of referred
patients with regards psychological assessment and treatment
needs and liaison with other staff in psychiatry and referring units
Participation in clinic review and supervision sessions
Development of a responsive, multi-disciplinary clinic for parents
and infants referred for assessment and treatment
Key Activities
 To be aware of and adhere to the philosophy of the Hospital as set
out in the Mission Statement and to follow the approved Clinical
Guidelines
 Have due regard for the reputation and interests of the Hospital at all
Clinical Psychologist
Key Result Areas
Standard Measures
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 Ensure effective lines of
communication are
maintained.
 Well informed patients & staff
working in a harmonious
environment
 Evidence of a culture with open
and transparent communication
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 Ensures responsibility of
own professional
development
 Clinical and theoretical
knowledge is up to date
 Professional representation of
the medical profession & MHW
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 Takes reasonable care to
protect the health and
safety of themselves,
MHW
 Reports hazards, near misses
and injuries immediately
 Uses personal protective
Key Activities
times.
Exercise due professional care in the management of patients
Consult with the Nurse Unit Manager of the Ward regarding treatment
of patients admitted to the ward.
Assist with & attend Outpatients sessions as rostered and carry out
duties.
Demand all staff to behave in accordance with Mercy Health’s values
at all times.
Demonstrates supportive behaviours for colleagues
Promotes a pro-active approach to communication
Attends hospital forums and unit/department meetings as required
Establishes effective and appropriate patterns of communication with
clients, families, colleagues and management
Initiates and maintains accurate documentation
Completion of the appropriate Admission, Operation and Outpatient
records to the standard required by the Australian Council on Hospital
Standards
To advise the Head of Unit as early as possible when unable to
attend to rostered duties because of sickness, accident or other event
Inform the relevant Head of Unit as soon as possible regarding:
any incidents that occur of a medico-legal nature, any complaints
received from patients or relatives, any problems in regard to the
provision of services and equipment for the care of patients
Make such reports and issue such certificates as are necessary by
the nature of the appointment.
Maintain a proper record of symptoms, examinations and treatment of
all patients allotted. Complete departmental request forms for
diagnostic purposes in accordance with departmental and hospital
regulation.
Participate in any research programme as arranged by the Research
Committee or the Clinical Review Committee.
Participate in and encourage a process of continuing education and
clinical review within the Unit.
Maintain ongoing professional development activities and skill
updates in relevant areas
 Complete incident reports
 Elect and support health and safety representatives
 Contribute to risk assessments
Clinical Psychologist
Key Result Areas
fellow staff and others in
the workplace.
Employee’s Signature:
Standard Measures
equipment
 Comply with risk management
policies and procedures and
instruction
 Attend all safety meetings and
training sessions
Key Activities
 Participate in training and meetings regarding safety
 Employees ensure own protection against vaccine preventable
diseases
Date:
Print Name:
Line Manager Signature:
Date:
Print Name:
Review Date: March 2009
Updated Date: October 2011
MHW
Clinical Psychologist