ROLE DESCRIPTION
1.
ROLE DETAILS
Role Title
Principal Clinical Psychologist
Role No
Classification Level
Discipline
Division
Families SA
Date Created
Branch/Unit
Psychological Services
Date Approved
Reports To
Manager, Psychological Services
Reviewed Date
2.
ROLE CONTEXT
Role Summary
Reporting/Working
Relationships
Special Conditions
3.
AHP4
Allied Health
Professional
The Principal Clinical Psychologist is a role within Families SA and is accountable to the Manager
Psychological Services for:

planning, management and delivery of agreed clinical psychology services to designated clients and
client groups of Families SA.

managing cases of exceptional complexity and advice on psychological matters to Families SA and
non-government organisations.

leading, supporting and supervising a team of psychologists to meet organisational needs and
objectives.

Manager Psychological Services.

Psychological Services Leadership group.

Staff of Psychological Services and other business units in Families SA.

A Regional and/or Directorate Leadership team.

Government and non-government organisations including Universities and students.

Successful applicant will be required to satisfactorily complete a National Criminal History Record
Check (NCHRC) prior to being employed and every three years.

Some out of hours work, intra and interstate travel involving overnight absences may be required.

The role will be located within a Psychological Services team and may be assigned to a role at this
remuneration level or equivalent to meet service demands.

A current driver’s licence is essential.
QUALIFICATIONS
Essential
Masters Degree in Clinical/Forensic/Applied Psychology and Registered under the provisions of the
Psychological Practices Act 1973
4.
PRIMARY OUTCOMES AND ACCOUNTABILITIES
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Leadership &
Management
Psychological Services
Policy, Procedures &
Research
Relationship
Management
Organisational
Contribution
RELATED TASKS

Provide effective leadership, direction, staff development and practice review to the Clinical
Psychologists.

Inform psychologists of the implications of new policies and programs.

Develop service procedures that are relevant and culturally appropriate.

Assist the Manager, Psychological Services in the process of change management.

Monitor Clinical Psychologists workloads to help team meet deadlines.

Provide a highly detailed and scientific understanding of the technical aspects of psychological
assessment, intervention and evaluation to other psychologists.

Provide specialised advice and consultancy service on and directing the treatment of difficult,
contentious and complex cases.

Promote and provide a consultative and advisory function to Clinical Psychologists concerning
professional standards and best practice.

Design, construct and validate psychological assessment procedures.

Provide close integration of psychological services and relevant Families SA policies in order to
best meet needs.

Facilitate the development of networks between Families SA staff, psychologists and specialist
units within government and non-government agencies.

Develop and monitor the outsourcing of clinical services by negotiating service agreements with
individual contractors and providing regular cost-benefit analysis to senior management.

Participate in policy formulation and implementation by planning, directing and coordinating the
professional elements of work of clinical psychologists.

Represent Families SA Psychological Services by liaising with Families SA Executives and
Managers and industry organisations.

Recommend changes in relation to psychological service priorities and procedures.

Evaluate the reliability and validity of psychological test materials and procedures.

Provide advice on the design of special research investigations within Families SA.

Collate information and report to the Manager on Psychological Services in Families SA.

Undertake research, quality assurance and evaluation on Psychological Services across DFC.

Develop networks with tertiary institutions and other human service agencies.

Liaise with heads of University psychology departments concerning formal teaching and clinical
training programs.

Participate in inter-agency/institution committees.

Provide a safe and healthy workplace for team/unit and identify and act on potential workplace
hazards as well as identifying and implementing procedures to manage and minimise risks within
the DFC.

Promote the principles of a sustainable working environment through the education of staff at a
personal and organisational level.

Model ethical behaviour and practices consistent with SA Government Code of Ethics for Public
Sector Employees and DFC stated values.

Support the department’s greening initiatives.
Principal Clinical Psychologist (Families SA)
5.
DFC CAPABILITIES (D)
Relating &
Communicating
Client Focus
Achieving
Objectives
Personal Drive &
Professionalism
Continuous
Improvement
Respect Cultural
Diversity
6.

Develop strategic networks to increase team/unit effectiveness and achieve departmental goals.

Manage individual differences within the team and recognise how diverse skill sets achieve goals and
outcomes.

Identify current and/or potential team conflicts and implement strategies to guide and support team
members.

Communicate how the department’s client service vision impacts on the team.

Implement improved strategies and service standards to increase effectiveness.

Promote and model high standards in client service.

Manage current resources and develop plans to maximise use of available resources.

Set strategic goals and performance measures for business unit and communicate these to team.

Take ownership of team performance and action corrective measures when necessary.

Establish links between operational and strategic goals, and the organisational values.

Provide leadership and advice to team members to achieve action plans.

Actively seek to build departmental capability and identify potential future leaders.

Lead change and develop new concepts and procedures to improve services and maximise
performance.

Promote information sharing, and contribute to developmental processes.

Encourage and lead others to provide innovative solutions and challenge current policies or
procedures.

Take action and provide services that are inclusive of Aboriginal people and people from culturally and
linguistically diverse backgrounds as well as engaging in learning about other cultures to better
establish relationships and improve services.
ROLE SPECIFIC CAPABILITIES
1
Psychology Experience – demonstrate extensive professional experience in psychology within the child care protection
system, youth justice areas, and relevant evidence based psychological policies, practices and programs.
2
Psychology Knowledge Base – demonstrate knowledge of attachment theory, the effect of abuse and neglect on children and
young people, issues facing children and young people in all types of care, clinical and forensic assessment techniques, issues
related to loss and grief, child development and psychological disorders and interventions.
3
Multi-disciplinary teamwork – effectively communicate and work with people from diverse professional backgrounds and work
as a team member to provide a holistic standard of professional service.
4
Court Reporting – provide oral and written opinions and/or reports incorporating knowledge and theory to the Courts and staff
at all levels.
7.
DELEGATES APPROVAL
ASSESSED BY:
Date:
Signature:
APPROVED BY:
Date:
Signature:
Principal Clinical Psychologist (Families SA)