Consultant Psychiatrist in Blacktown

The Consultant Psychiatrist for headspace Early Psychosis holds a key leadership position within the team in partnership with the Team Leader. The incumbent is responsible for the provision of clinical leadership, training and supervision of medical staff, specializing in early intervention mental health treatment to young people aged 12-25 years. The Consultant Psychiatrist will contribute to the development of an innovative service that will provide high quality care to achieve best outcomes for young people with a first episode of psychosis and their families.

Role Overview

The Consultant Psychiatrist in the Continuing Care Team (CCT) holds a key leadership position within the team in partnership with the Team Leader. The Consultant Psychiatrist will work collaboratively with a range of Mental Health Clinicians across the service to promote comprehensive evidence-based psychiatric care that is youth friendly, safe, effective, and of a high standard. The Consultant Psychiatrist may be required to oversee clinical review and quality assurance processes, supervision of staff, professional development meetings and contribute to the development and maintenance of community partnerships with key external stakeholders, developing effective interfaces across programs within the service, as well as facilitating relevant research activities.

The overall aims of clinical care within headspace Early Psychosis are:

• To detect early those young people who are experiencing, or are at risk of a first episode of psychosis
• To reduce the duration of untreated psychosis in order to minimize the impact of a first episode of psychosis on the normal developmental trajectory of the young person
• Intervene early and effectively with young people at risk of a first episode of psychosis to prevent the onset of psychotic illness
• Enable both symptomatic and functional recovery from a first episode of psychosis

Essential Criteria

• Registration as a medical practitioner with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA); Fellowship of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists or equivalent postgraduate specialist qualification.
• Experience and demonstrated skill in crisis intervention and management of young people in the acute phase of a mental illness.
• Substantial knowledge of the evidence base for the biopsychosocial treatments of first episode psychosis.
• Demonstrated ability to engage with young people, their families and/or significant others.
• Demonstrated capacity to be innovative in clinical approaches with young people.
• Ability to maintain the philosophy, guidelines, standards and policies of the EPPIC model within a headspace platform and to promote the early intervention and recovery of young people with a first episode of psychosis.
• Demonstrated commitment to clinical supervision, education, training and ongoing professional development and to contribute to clinical staff learning.

Uniting Staff Benefits & Culture

As an organisation we celebrate our diversity and welcome all people regardless of ethnicity, faith, sexual orientation and gender identity. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and people from a diverse cultural background are encouraged to apply.

• Salary packaging entitlements to increase your take-home pay
• Accumulate 5 weeks of annual leave FTE (pro-rata for PT)
• Accumulate 4 weeks of TESL (PDL) (pro-rata for PT)
• PD allowance upfront $15 as an hourly rate every fortnight
• Fitness Passport, U Rewards, and other great employee benefits
• Collaborative work environment with a strong team culture
• Opportunities to participate in research and contribute to cutting-edge mental health care
• Make a significant impact on the lives of young people in your community

Enquiries: Siobhan Cregan, Operations Manager scregan@uniting.org

Employment with Uniting is subject to satisfactory background checks, which include National Police Checks, Working with Children Checks and Reference Checks.

About Uniting

Uniting NSW.ACT contributes to the work and mission of the Uniting Church in NSW and the ACT through social justice advocacy, community services and spiritual care. We provide care and support for people through all ages and stages of life, with a focus on people experiencing disadvantage and vulnerability. Our purpose is to inspire people, enliven communities and confront injustice. Uniting is a Child Safe Organisation committed to promoting the safety, wellbeing and inclusion of children and young people.

Empowered by diversity

At Uniting, inclusion isn’t just something we value – it’s how we work. Our culture and practice reflect the vibrant diversity of our colleagues, and the clients and communities we serve.