Position Description Mental Health Clinician ATAPS Suicide Prevention Service August 2013 1 FTE 37.5 hours per week Melbourne East General Practice Network (ABN 86129637412) trading as the Inner East Melbourne Medicare Local
Introduction Organisational Context The Inner East Melbourne Medicare Local (IEMML) mission is to optimise the health of the local community and achieve measurable health outcomes. Through a network of primary health care providers, it promotes and delivers optimal continuing health care to a population of over 600,000 residents in the eastern suburbs of Melbourne. Servicing the municipalities of Boroondara, Manningham, Monash and Whitehorse, IEMML is responsible for driving improvements in general practice and primary health care to ensure that services are better tailored to meet the needs of local communities. As part of its vision, IEMML has developed a strategic plan to deliver enhanced primary health care across a number of areas including after hours care, aged care services, mental health and ehealth. To assist in the delivery of this plan, IEMML seeks an energetic and innovative person committed to improving community health outcomes and with an interest in supporting local GPs and other primary healthcare service providers. Access to Allied Psychological Services (ATAPS) - Suicide Prevention Program This federally funded program supports clients who are at moderate risk of suicide or self harm. Clients can be referred to the service by GPs or Emergency Departments, following a presentation for self harm or an expression of suicidal ideation, where they are not judged to be at high risk, for time-limited support. The service involves: making initial contact with referred clients triage and assessment delivery of focussed psychological strategies and/or referral on to other clinicians working in the program liaison with the referrer and other agencies as appropriate discharge planning IEMML s Clinical Services Intake provides administrative support. IEMML seeks experienced mental health professional (psychologist, social worker, occupational therapist or mental health nurse) to help lead the delivery this important program. The post holder will be provided professional development opportunities and clinical supervision.
Position Summary The position has as its key responsibilities to: Proactively engage referred clients Assess referred clients suitability for the program Liaise with the referrer and keep them informed of progress Provide short term focused psychological interventions Appropriately handover care to other mental health clinicians engaged in delivery of the program Liaise with local health services to ensure common understanding of referral pathways Assist in the promotion of the Service to General Practice, Emergency Departments and other services Assist in development of policies, procedures and documentation for the program Act as an ambassador for Inner East Melbourne Medicare Local Key Selection Criteria Qualifications/Technical Expertise: Relevant tertiary qualifications in mental health nursing, social work, occupational therapy or psychology Demonstrated clinical experience in both acute and community mental health settings Demonstrated experience in counseling and management of acutely distressed clients with a mental illness Demonstrated experience and knowledge of diagnostic criteria in relation to mental health Demonstrated experience in duty of care, including understanding of Mental Health Act Demonstrated business computer skills Demonstrated experience in working across programs / sectors / significant others Excellent engagement skills Strong knowledge of focused psychological strategies/psycho educational techniques / skills training Excellent communication skills Strong skill base in interviewing and assessment Annual clinical registration/credentialing check where relevant Professional indemnity insurance A Police Check is required for this role Working with Children Check is required for this role
Personal Qualities: Highly developed communication and interpersonal skills to work proactively with GPs, Psychiatrists, other health professionals, significant others, and other stakeholders Self motivated with the ability to work independently and as part of a team to achieve organisational goals Strong analytical problem solving skills with the ability to analyse issues and provide advice upon which decisions can be based Excellent organisational and time management skills Individualised approach to client care Flexible approach to working environment Capacity to multi task Strong sense of self / boundaries Capacity to reflect on personal behaviours / practice The post holder must have a reliable car and driver s license Desirable Knowledge and Skills: Experience in suicide prevention work Knowledge and interest in a broad range of therapeutic modalities Demonstrated Experience in working with other agencies Understanding of primary health care services Sound knowledge of psychotropic medications Duties, Responsibilities & Tasks Key Responsibilities Proactively engage with referred clients Liaise with the referrer and significant others as required / appropriate Maintain accurate documentation and feedback in relation to client care Deliver focused psychological strategies appropriate to the client from IEMML s offices, GP clinics and elsewhere as required Plan the discharge of the client from the Service or referral on to other clinicians providing services in the program Develop and improve processes and procedures for the service Promote the service to key stakeholders Develop and maintain strong linkages with acute mental health services Coordinate and manage appointments Collect the necessary client data and maintain appropriate records of interactions Build positive relationships with internal and external stakeholders through regular and positive communications Participate in regular clinical supervision
Maintain strong connections with IEMML staff Maintain professional education/development Maintain professional registration and CPD Management & Administration Participate in staff support meetings Ensure maintenance of professional standards of activities Develop and undertake appropriate evaluation activities Participate in ongoing professional development Participate in staff performance appraisal Other duties as required Key Relationships Internal: Mental Health Program Coordinator, Clinical Manager - Mental Health Nurse Program, Clinical Services Intake team. External: Clients, referrers, stakeholders Remuneration and Benefits This position is 37.5 hours per week Generous salary packaging is available Superannuation contribution is currently 9.25% of gross salary. Reimbursement for travel costs is paid for mileage incurred whilst on business (based on rates as prescribed by the Australian Taxation Office) Accountability: Position reports to: Mental Health Program Coordinator