ORGANISATION: Country Health SA
LOCATION:
JOB & PERSON SPECIFICATION
Title of Position:
Mental Health – Clinical Practice Consultant
Department:
Country Mental Health Services
Classification:
RN3
Appointment:
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Position Created:
Ongoing Position Number……………………………………
Temporary Position Created
Contract to
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Job & Person Specification Approval
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Approved by CE or delegate
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Dated
PREAMBLE
Underpinning the Department of Health Strategic Directions are the agreed values that reflect
honesty, respect and integrity for every individual. These values drive how we conduct our
business and how we behave. We aim to make the values ‘live’. It is important that we
incorporate the values into our behaviour systems and processes.
The Department has a ‘Commitment to Workplace Values’ attached to Job and Person
Specifications that all staff is required to uphold.
Australia has one of the most culturally and ethnically diverse populations in the world.
Having a diverse workforce (inclusive of bi-lingual, bi-cultural and employees who have a
disability) can enhance the department’s ability to negotiate with, and meet the needs of, the
full range of its clients and customers. Such employees also add to the diversity of the
workforce, and give added opportunities to fully capitalise on difference as a valuable asset
in an increasingly competitive environment.
JOB SPECIFICATION
POSITION SUMMARY
The Clinical Practice Consultant will be accountable for the provision of clinical leadership, clinical risk
management and the monitoring of mental health quality improvement processes within CHSA – MH
and local mental health services. The position will work closely with the Principal Mental Health
Clinician and Team Leader - Service Coordinator to identify and respond to the needs of consumers,
carers, health care staff and stakeholders in ensuring best practice in achieving positive clinical
outcomes for those patients accessing specialist mental health services.
The Clinical Practice Consultant will ensure positive clinical outcomes through the provision of MH
education, support and consultancy to mental health staff and other stakeholders. The position will be
responsible for the provision and implementation of clinical risk management strategies, quality
improvement initiatives, and will identify monitor and respond to the inconsistencies between Mental
Health policies and clinical practices within mental health services.
The role requires the incumbent in a clinical leadership capacity to lead a high quality mental service
and influence the professional development of the workforce in order to optimise clinical outcomes for
consumers who access mental health services. In addition the role will participate in primary health
care projects, staff training/education, and partnership projects with lead agencies within the region.
1. REPORTING/WORKING RELATIONSHIPS (to whom the person reports, staff for which
the person is responsible and other significant connections and working relationships
within the organisation).
The Mental Health Clinical Practice Consultant will work closely with and compliment the role
of the Mental Health Clinical Services Coordinator – Team Leader by providing a clinical
leadership role within local mental health services. The position is an integral part of local
specialist mental health services and works within the Country Mental Health Clinical
Leadership Framework.
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Functionally reports to Mental Health Program Manager via the Team Leader
Professionally reports to RN5 Level Country Health position through the Level 4
Nurse Principal Clinician
Maintains close collaborative working relationships with all level 3 and level 4 Nurses
Maintains cooperative and productive working relationships within all members of the
specialist mental health team and the mental health network
Supports and works collaboratively with all members of staff working within clinical
mental health services including students
2. SPECIAL CONDITIONS (such as non-metropolitan location, travel requirements, etc)
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The appointee is required to present a satisfactory Criminal History Check prior to
employment and every 3 years thereafter.
The incumbent will be required to enter into an annual performance agreement for the
achievement of (specific or service or program) outcomes
This is a permanent position 38 hours per week or by negotiation
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4 week annual leave
Current drivers licence and a willingness to drive is essential.
Some on-call and out of hours work will be required and extended week day working
arrangements are negotiable.
Some intrastate travel may be required.
The incumbent will be required to participate in professional supervision and is
responsible for their own professional development portfolio.
3. STATEMENT OF KEY OUTCOMES AND ACTIVITIES (group into major areas of
responsibility / activity and list in descending order of importance - continue on next page)
The position aims to achieve the following key outcomes within the identified service region:
3.1 Ensures high quality patient care in the area of clinical speciality aimed at improving
patient health outcomes through:
Workforce Development
 Integrating contemporary information and evidence with personal experience to
support the decision making, innovative thinking and objective analysis at this level;
 Contributing specific expertise to nursing practice through clinical protocol and
standards development;
 Applying and sharing expert clinical knowledge to improve patient/client care;
o
case
management to a defined population of patients/clients;
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different
therapeutic interventions and/or supporting programs and evaluating client
progress in a multidisciplinary primary health care setting.
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to
achieve integrated nursing care within a risk management framework;
Systems development
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Influence and participate in the development of a system which ensures appropriate
triage, risk assessments and service linkage utilising a recovery-oriented framework that
encourages people living with mental illnesses to take control of their lives and participate
actively in their treatment.
Provide advanced level clinical input and leadership in a consultation-liaison capacity to
both the inpatient and community environment that promotes best practice in the delivery
of mental health care.
Work in partnership with a range of primary health care services and
Initiate education programmes, service improvement, and partnership projects across
mental health services, and relevant stakeholders
Instrumental in the development of procedures and systems of care to support the care of
mental health clients
Ensuring Mental Health Policies and procedures are being implemented across specialist
mental health services. Participate in the reviewing and revision of procedures in line with
policy and changing needs.
The development of clinical pathways to allow clients, clinical and cultural information to
move between care settings and community based agencies
Direct care
 Provide clinical supervision and support safe clinical intervention provided by staff
working with clients who, access specialist mental health services , and for those staff
working with mental health clients that present to local hospitals. The CPC position is
instrumental in building capacity within local hospitals to assess and manage mental
health presentations and admissions.
 The CPC position ensures that all documentation used by mental health staff meet
the National Mental Health Standards this includes, Risk Management Plans, Care
Plans Crisis Management Plans and Relapse Indicators are in place for all clients
accessing specialist mental health services
 The position ensures that there are crisis management plans and linkage with other
stakeholders for all clients who frequently present to Specialist Mental Health services
and local hospitals. .
 Support for staff caring for clients who access specialist mental health services or
have an local inpatient mental admission by the provision of expert assistance in
formulating care plans, crisis management plans and Risk Assessments and ensuring
linkage to specialist mental health services and/or Distance Consultation Services.
 Ensure collaboration between mental health staff/inpatient staff and key stakeholders
in order to manage and assess mental health clients who present to local
hospitals/community centres.
3.2 Contributes to clinical leadership and support for the specific area of clinical specialty by:
 Providing clinical supervision and participation in annual performance review of staff
appraisal system.
 Leading nursing clinical practice in the field of mental health within the professional
practice framework established by the Program Manager Mental Health Services,
Principal Clinician Team Leader - Clinical Service Coordinator and/or Director of
Nursing
 Maintaining productive working relationships participating in conflict resolution.
 Contributing specific expertise to monitoring and evaluative research activities in order
to improve clinical practice and specialist mental health service delivery
 Undertaking the nursing care role with a significant degree of independent clinical
decision making in the area of personal expertise
 Contributing to the development and sustainability of nursing skills for the needs of the
specific population group using systems of resource and standards promulgation
3.3 Contributes to the achievement of professional expertise through personal professional
development/continuing education and teaching by:
 Contributing clinical expertise to learning environments, which may include individual /
team capability development and / or post registration clinical teaching
 Holding a contemporary professional practice portfolio containing evidence of
postgraduate qualifications, learning and practice experience that underpin a
demonstrable application of knowledge and skills commensurate with the level and
type of practice expected of the role.
 Preceptor for student nurses placed within the area and forge close working
relationships with universities and education providers
3.4 Health Unit to insert any local generic statements related to but not confined to:
 Participate actively in Quality Improvement and Risk management programs and
processes
 Undertake and observe best practice requirements in the management of official
records in accordance with the State Records Act 1997 s5 © (SA)
 Appreciate cultural diversity and accordingly care for all members of the community by
valuing and supporting identified cultural needs
 Contribute to the well being of the community through participation in Counter Disaster
activities
 Contribute to the promotion and implementation of both the Equal Opportunity and
Occupational Health and Safety and Work Legislation
 Actively participate in the development and implementation of the strategic directions
 Regularly monitoring the performance of staff and ensure participation in Performance
Development Reviews
I have read the above fully and agree to all terms and conditions of employment nominated within the job
description.
Acknowledged by Occupant:
_____________________________
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PERSON SPECIFICATION
ESSENTIAL MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS (Those characteristics considered absolutely
necessary)
Please note: It is recommended that a Maximum of 15 criteria only (in total) be included in this
section
(i.e. the number of Essential and Desirable criteria combined should not exceed 15).
EDUCATIONAL/VOCATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS (include only those listed in
Commissioner’s Standard 2, Attachment C as an essential qualification for the specified
classification group)
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Registered as a Mental Health Nurse with the Nurses’ Board of South Australia and holds
a current practicing certificate.
PERSONAL ABILITIES / APTITUDES/SKILLS (related to the job description and expressed
in a way which allows objective assessment):
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Effective leadership skills including highly developed skills in communication, problem
solving, conflict resolution and negotiation skills
Ability to undertake presentations to community and professional groups
Ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary team
Ability to prioritise workload and meet set timelines
Demonstrated ability to foster a workplace environment that develops staff potential
Proven ability for flexibility, innovation and creativity with in the whole of service setting
Demonstrated ability in the facilitation of change management
Demonstrated ability to develop, implement and maintain both formal and informal
partnerships across the community with key stakeholders
EXPERIENCE
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Registered Mental Health Nurse with at least 3 years post registration experience in
community mental health and / or General Hospital settings
Demonstrated competence in the relevant area of nursing in accordance with the relevant
standards
Experience in the supervision of students, enrolled nurses and less experienced
registered nurses
KNOWLEDGE
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Understanding of the requirements of relevant legislation including the Nurses Act 1999
and the Mental Health Act 1993
Comprehensive understanding of the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Council (ANMC)
National Competencies for the Registered and Enrolled Nurse and Midwifes in
Recommended Domains and the ANMC Code of Professional Conduct for Nurses /
Midwifes in Australia (2003) and the Commissioner for Public Employment Code of
Conduct for Public Employees
Knowledge and understanding of legislative responsibilities for OHS&W, Workers
Compensation and Rehabilitation and Equal Opportunity
Knowledge of Quality Improvement Systems as applied to a healthcare setting
Knowledge of contemporary professional nursing health care issues including recovery
principles and application to mental health service provision
DESIRABLE CHARACTERISTICS (To distinguish between applicants who have met all
essential requirements)
EDUCATIONAL / VOCATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS (include only those listed in
Commissioner’s Standard 2, Attachment C, as an essential qualification for the specified
classification group)
 Tertiary qualifications relevant to the practice setting and mental health practice
PERSONAL ABILITIES / APTITUDES / SKILLS (related to the job description and expressed
in a way which allows objective assessment)
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Ability to work in a liaison role with staff and team frameworks that foster an
environment that develops staff potential
Skills in using computers and software relevant to the area of practice
Ability to analyse complex data
EXPERIENCE
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Experience with quality improvement activities
Experience in evaluating the results of nursing research and integrating, where
relevant, the results into nursing practice.
Experience in management and leadership roles
KNOWLEDGE
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Knowledge of the South Australian Public Health System.
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Understanding of the requirements of the Nurses Act 1999, the Australian Nursing and
Midwifery Council (ANMC) National Competencies for the Registered and Enrolled
Nurse and Midwifes in Recommended Domains and the ANMC Code of Professional
Conduct for Nurses/Midwifes in Australia (2003) and the Commissioner for Public
Employment Code of Conduct for Public Employees.
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Knowledge of or demonstrated ability to gain knowledge of local services relevant to
mental health consumers.
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Knowledge of Quality Improvement Systems as applied to a healthcare setting.
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Knowledge and understanding of legislative responsibilities for OHS&W, Workers
Compensation and Rehabilitation and Equal Opportunity.
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Knowledge of National Mental Health Standards.
OTHER DETAILS
COMMITMENT TO WORKPLACE VALUES
The Department of Health values have an influence on the people we employ. Every
organisation has values that govern the way people are treated and the way decisions are
made. The Department’s Strategic Plan identifies the values that guide our behaviours.
These behaviours apply to all employees and govern the way people in the organisation are
treated, the way decisions are made and how we provide our services.
These values are used in day to day communication and interaction between all employees
and are linked to the whole of government Code of Conduct, Performance Development, Job
and Person Specifications and Department of Health Employment Conditions.
Department of Health Organisational Values are:
Honesty
We show honesty by speaking truthfully, within the boundaries of confidentiality. This is
shown in our dealings within the Department and with our consumers and partners by: saying
what we mean and meaning what we say, keeping our promises, telling the truth tactfully,
providing honest feedback and answers and admitting to mistakes.
Respect
We show respect by speaking and acting with courtesy. We treat others with dignity and use
culturally appropriate ways of communicating. This is shown in our dealings within the
Department and with our consumers and partners by: treating everyone fairly,
communicating so people can understand, listening to others, and seeking and providing
feedback.
Integrity
We show integrity by honouring our values and the rules of our department, government and
nation. This is shown in our dealings within the department and with our consumers and
partners by: doing the right thing, abiding by the values, standing up for what we believe in,
and taking responsibility for our mistakes.
I ___________________________________________ have the ability and commitment to behave consistently with the stated values of the
Department of Health.
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Signature
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Dated
Please complete and return attached to your application to the nominated person
“The right people with the right skills in the right place at the right time”