Applications are invited for the above full-time permanent position.
Purpose of the Post
The Senior Psychologist Children’s Disability Network (CDNT5) will be responsible for the provision of a quality evidence-based Psychology service including assessment of children’s and family needs, as part of an inter-disciplinary team and within established professional standards, guidelines and policies for children with complex needs attending services in the Children Disability Network Team.
The service is provided within the Progressing Disabilities Services for Children and young people (PDS) framework, with interdisciplinary team working and family centred practice at its core.
The duties of this post will include direct intervention with children and families. In addition, it will involve provision of support and supervision and induction to staff grade psychologists and trainee psychologists and taking the psychology lead on particular team projects or developments as directed by the CDNT Manager.
Reporting Relationship
The Senior Psychologist will report to the Children’s Disability Network Manager and supervision will be provided.
Principal Duties and Responsibilities
Clinical Duties
The Senior Psychologist will be responsible for the delivery of psychology services to children and families within the CDNT.
The Senior Psychologist will be responsible for consultation and clinical supervision regarding the work of psychologists (staff grade) and the supervision of trainee psychologists who may be assigned to the area of responsibility of the post holder.
To undertake assessment, therapy, appropriate interventions and preventative programmes in accordance with the professional competence of psychologists.
To carry out Assessment of Need Assessments as required within the designated timeframe.
To carry out relevant assessments for children and young people transitioning into school, secondary school and adult services as required.
Work within limits of professional competence in line with principles of best practice, professional conduct and clinical governance.
Undertake Key contact role as required for children on the caseload.
Represent the service at meetings and conferences as designated.
Keep up to date records, reports and statistics as required.
Education & Training
Contribute to and participate in Psychology and interdisciplinary education sessions.
Engage in the education of colleagues, student Psychologists, Service Users and other health care professionals.
Partake in career and personal development planning. Maintain own professional development and competence.
Actively participate in induction, clinical supervision, mentoring, appraisal, clinical reflection and be open to reflective practice.
Attend mandatory training programmes as directed by Stewarts Care.
Abide by the code of ethics of the Psychological Society of Ireland
Health & Safety
Comply with the policies, procedures and safe professional practice of the Irish Healthcare System by adhering to relevant legislation, regulations and standards.
Assist in the development, implementation and review of the department’s Health and Safety statement, as appropriate.
Document appropriately and report any near misses, hazards and accidents and bring them to the attention of the relevant person(s).
Work in a safe manner with due care and attention to the safety of self and others
Be aware of risk management issues, identify risks and take appropriate action.
Support a culture that values diversity and respect.
Eligibility Criteria Qualifications and/or experience
Candidates must meet the following criteria relevant to the role:
And
Or
And
Applicants must have at least five years satisfactory post-graduate experience in the area of professional psychology, no more than three years of which was spent in gaining the postgraduate professional qualification and no less than two years full-time spent in post-qualification experience as a professional psychologist. Years in excess of the permitted three years for completion of the post-graduate training or time not worked will not be taken into consideration when assessing the five years’ experience requirement.
Demonstrate competence in the area of working with children with disabilities.
Demonstrate an understanding of interdisciplinary working, family centred practice and a high standard of suitability for the proper discharge of the office.
Other requirements desirable for the post
Experience of working with Children & families.
Experience of working disability services.
Experience of delivering training to families.
Experience of supervision of staff grade psychologists or trainee psychologists.
Full Driving Licence
Skills, competencies and/or knowledge
Demonstrate sufficient clinical and professional knowledge to carry out the duties and responsibilities of the role.
Demonstrate an ability to apply knowledge to best practice.
Demonstrate the capacity to plan and deliver supports in an effective and resourceful manner within a model of person & family centred care.
Demonstrate the ability to manage and develop self and others in a busy working environment including the ability to prioritise caseloads for self and others.
Display effective interpersonal and communication (verbal and written) skills including skills in mediation, conciliation and advocacy and the ability to collaborate with colleagues, families, etc.
Demonstrate the ability to evaluate information and make effective decisions.
Demonstrate a commitment to assuring high standards and strive for a child and family centred service.
Demonstrate initiative and innovation in identifying areas for service improvement.
Demonstrates the ability to empathise with and treat others with dignity and respect.
Demonstrate effective leadership and team skills.
Demonstrate flexibility and openness to change and learning.
Demonstrate ability to utilise and provide supervision effectively.
Demonstrate a willingness to develop IT skills relevant to the role.
Demonstrate commitment to continuing professional development.
Short-listing
Applicants may be short-listed for interview based on information supplied in the application form at the closing date or in other specified assessment documentation.
Criteria for short listing are based on the requirements of the post as outlined in the post specific requirements, duties, skills, competencies and/ or knowledge section of this job specification and the information supplied.
Terms and Conditions of Employment Senior Psychologist CDNT5 – Stewarts Care
Remuneration is in accordance with the Department of Health consolidated pay scales
Current Salary Scale: Psychologist, Senior Clinical
€100,483 - €118,111 incl LSI
Salaries and increments are paid in accordance with DOH salary scales
203 hours // 29 days per annum
The hours allocated to this post are 35 hours per week with a 7-hour standard working day, exclusive of lunch breaks.
The allocation of these hours will be at the discretion of the CDNM and in accordance with the needs of the service.
All employees will be subject to a probationary period of 6 months, with an extension if required to 9 months. This probationary period applies to all employees irrespective of their role or type of role.
Stewarts Care will carry out Garda vetting on all new employees. An employee will not take up employment with the organisation until the Garda Vetting process has been completed and the organisation is satisfied that such an appointment does not pose a risk to the Service Users and employees.
Stewarts Care will seek up to three written references from current and previous employers, educational institutions or any other organisation with which the candidate has been associated. Stewarts Care reserves the right to determine the merit, appropriateness and relevance of such references and referees.
This job description is a guide to the general range of duties assigned to the post holder. It is intended to be neither definitive nor restrictive and is subject to periodic review with the employee concerned. Stewarts Care is a lead agency for CDNT 5 & 6 and as such the post holder may be required to work within another area of CDNT in exceptional circumstances to meet service needs as directed by The Director of Clinical Services.
