Senior Psychologist Assessment, Consultation and Therapy Services (ACTS)
The Child and Family Agency was established on 1st January 2014 to provide a range of statutory functions including child protection, alternative care, specified regulatory services and family support. The agency has commenced a major improvement programme with focus on Practice, Culture and Structure.
Tusla is responsible for delivering its services through over 5,500 people in 259 locations across the Country, with a budget of circa €1.2 billion.
Job Summary
The Assessment, Consultation and Therapy Service (ACTS) is a multidisciplinary clinical service within Tusla – Child and Family Agency, supporting young people at severe risk of harm and those at risk of placement in special care or detention. ACTS work collaboratively with other agencies using Adaptive Mentalization-Based Integrative Treatment (AMBIT), integrating systems of support and working therapeutically with young people.
Purpose of Role
The Senior Psychologist provides psychology services to young people placed in secure care under Special Care Orders due to safety and wellbeing concerns. This includes support to at-risk young people within Tusla, who are at high risk of harm within the community.
Job Objectives
Main Duties and Responsibilities
Professional / Clinical
* Develop the psychology service according to best practice and evidence-based guidelines.
* Deliver professional psychology assessment, intervention and consultation appropriate to the post.
* Carry a clinical caseload suitable for the role.
* Provide psychological assessments based on the appropriate use of data from various sources, including psychological tests and direct observation.
* Formulate and implement plans for psychological therapeutic intervention or management in consultation with the MDT team.
* Communicate results and recommendations to the service user and relevant others.
* Document all assessments, diagnoses, treatment plans, clinical notes and summaries according to department and professional standards.
Research & Evaluation
* Utilise evidence-based literature and research to support effective practice.
* Undertake project management, including audit and service evaluation with colleagues to develop service provision.
* Participate in evaluation of clinical activity and provide information required by the Clinical Team Manager and/or Principal Psychology Manager for service monitoring and evaluation.
Education & Training
* Engage in specialised training appropriate to the post.
* Receive regular clinical professional supervision.
* Provide post-graduate teaching and training to professional postgraduates.
* Provide psychological training, advice and consultation to staff from Tusla and other agencies in areas relevant to direct clinical work and psychology service provision.
Management
* Provide line management supervision to assigned staff.
* Manage and co-ordinate service delivery in their area of responsibility.
* Assign duties and responsibilities as appropriate to ensure effective service delivery.
Health & Safety
Comply with policies, procedures and adhere to relevant legislation, regulations and standards. Maintain awareness of Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) Standards and associated Tusla protocols.
Skills Requirement
Applicants must have:
* A recognised University QQI Level 8 degree in psychology with honours.
* A recognised postgraduate professional psychological qualification in Clinical, Counselling or Educational Psychology.
* At least five years satisfactory post graduate clinical experience, inclusive of any time spent pursuing a course leading to the postgraduate qualification.
* The requisite knowledge and ability for the proper discharge of the duties of the office.