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Principal Clinical Psychologist (Specialist)Child and Family AgencySexually Harmful Behaviour Service (SHBS)Job Specification, Terms and ConditionsJob Title and GradePrincipal Clinical Psychologist (Specialist)Sexually Harmful Behaviour Service (SHBS)(Grade Code 3727)Campaign ReferenceNRS03187Closing DateProposed InterviewDate (s)Thursday 3rd March 2016 @ 12 noonTaking up AppointmentA start date will be indicated at job offer stage.Location of PostThere is currently one permanent, whole-time vacancy available based in Dublin; witha national remit.Early April 2016Informal EnquiriesDr Sinead ReynoldsEmail: sinead.reynolds@tusla.ieMobile: 087 9509712Details of ServiceThis post is to support the development and management of national services for youngpeople who have engaged in sexually harmful behaviour. The Principal Psychologistwill work closely with the Principal Social Worker to develop and manage this service.Services will be provided by a multidisciplinary team according to a core and clustermodel with some clinicians employed directly and others being seconded from otherservices. The person appointed to this post will engage in clinical work as part of amultidisciplinary team delivering a clinical service to young people and families.Under the Child and Family Act, 2013, the Child and Family Agency is now thededicated state agency responsible for improving wellbeing and outcomes for children.The Agency operates under the remit of the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs andthe Department of Children and Youth Affairs. The Agency works with the Departmentto provide leadership to statutory and non-statutory agencies, to ensure that theconditions needed to achieve children’s wellbeing and development are fulfilled.The Agency operates under the Child and Family Agency Act 2013, legislation whichbrings together a number of child-related services ranging from family and educationalsupports to psychological supports and care and protection services. Children are at theheart of the legislation and families are seen as the foundation of a strong healthycommunity where children can flourish. Partnership and co-operation in the delivery ofseamless services to children and families are also central to the Act.Reporting RelationshipThe Principal Clinical Psychologist (Specialist) will initially report to TUSLA NationalACTS Manager or their designee.Purpose of the PostThe Principal Clinical Psychologist (Specialist) will work with senior management andthe heads of discipline/services to ensure co-ordinated and comprehensive servicedelivery to, and effective communication with, all stakeholders. S/he will be responsible1
for the delivery, development and governance of quality psychological services and willcontribute significantly to service planning, development, evaluation and qualityinitiatives.Such psychological leadership and services will be provided in line with service plansand objectives, and within established professional standards, guidelines and policy.The post holder will support the development and management of national services foryoung people who have engaged in sexually harmful behaviour.Principal Duties andResponsibilitiesProfessional / ClinicalThe Principal Clinical Psychologist (Specialist) will: Provide and oversee expert clinical psychology services, including assessment,consultation and the provision of psychological therapies and interventions, in linewith best practice, to young people within the service and to their families as maybe required. Provide and/or oversee treatment and intervention programmes to meet theidentified psychological needs of adolescents within the service, working asappropriate, directly with young people and/or indirectly with care staff, unitmanagement and other clinical staff within the service and with social workservices and others, including families, interfacing with the service, as appropriate. Provide, as required, clinical psychology reports, to the service, the Child andFamily Agency, the heads of other services and the courts in accordance withprofessional standards. Oversee and participate in clinical psychology work with other disciplinesproviding a clinical service for young people who have engaged in sexually harmfulbehaviour both directly and through liaison and consultation, promoting multidisciplinary working and the provision of integrated services. Provide, as required, reports regarding the service and professional advice to theNational Manager for ACTS, to the TUSLA Management team and heads of otherservices as required and to contribute to the planning and development of services. Contribute to service development as a member of the national management teamfor TUSLA services for young people who have engaged in sexually harmfulbehaviour. Attend meetings, case conferences, professionals meetings and reviews within thedesignated service and provide information to these meetings as appropriate. Be responsible for planning and policy development for clinical psychology withinTUSLA services for young people who have engaged in sexually harmful behaviour. Provide clinical supervision to other psychology staff within TUSLA services foryoung people who have engaged in sexually harmful behaviour. Lead the department implementation of clinical audit and quality initiatives andevaluate the outcomes of service provision. Be responsible for contributing to clinical psychological input to service planning,policy development, staff development and co-ordination of services, and toprovide consultation around these to the wider Children and Family Services asrequired. Ensure the implementation of current and future legislation, policies andprocedures, guidelines and protocols. Ensure anti-discriminatory practice and cultural competence at individual andservice levels.2
Provide as required, in relation to his/her designated area of responsibility, theTUSLA senior management with such information and professional advice andguidance it may require in the preparation, monitoring and evaluation of services. Encourage and initiate psychological research and, where appropriate, initiateand/or participate in multi-disciplinary research programmes. Perform such other duties appropriate to his/her office as may be assigned by theTUSLA Chief Executive Officer or his/her nominee. Deputise for other TUSLA Principal Psychologists as required. Participate in the selection process for staff for TUSLA Psychology Services, andother services as required. Perform such other duties appropriate to his office as may be assigned by theTUSLA Chief Executive Officer or his/her nominee.Education & TrainingThe Principal Clinical Psychologist (Specialist) will: Attend mandatory training programmes and ensure that all reporting staff do so. Be informed of advances in professional knowledge and practice and ensure theirdissemination. Maintain standards of practice and levels of professional knowledge byparticipating in continuous professional development initiatives and attendance atcourses as appropriate, and ensure compliance with statutory registrationrequirements for themselves and for reporting staff. Engage in career and professional development planning. Act as a resource by participating in the education and training of psychologycolleagues and other health professionals as required. Manage and provide supervised training placements appropriate to the client groupto those in professional post graduate psychology training as required. Build and communicate an understanding of the role and contribution ofpsychology within Children and Families / Alternative Care Services.Health & SafetyThe Principal Clinical Psychologist (Specialist) will: Contribute to the development of policies, procedures, guidelines and safeprofessional practice and adhere to relevant legislation, regulations and standardsand ensure that staff under his/her remit comply with these. Have a working knowledge of HIQA Standards as they apply to the role for exampleStandards for Healthcare, National Standards for the prevention and Control ofHealthcare Associated Infections, Hygiene Standards etc. Support, promote and actively participate in sustainable energy, water and wasteinitiatives to create a more sustainable, low carbon and efficient health service.ManagementThe Principal Clinical Psychologist (Specialist) will: Provide line management supervision to clinical psychologists and co-ordinate and3
manage psychology service delivery. Report and advise on Psychology staffing needs. Contribute to policy development, performance monitoring, business / serviceplanning and budgetary control in conjunction with other relevant managers. Keep updated on current and impending legislation and the perceived impact onpractice. Keep up to date with national and organisational developments within the IrishHealth Service/ Youth Justice Services and Children and Family Services asnecessary. Keep abreast of and ensure service delivery corresponds to developments innational policies and strategies and best national and international practice. Contribute to the development of policies, procedures and guidelines in relation tothe clinical psychology service, engaging staff as appropriate. Participate in and contribute to service planning and development. Provide service delivery reports as required e.g. service plan, annual report. Undertake responsibility for service evaluation to facilitate improved services andintegrated care. Contribute to the development and implementation of information sharingprotocols, audit systems, referral pathways and integrated care arrangements. Actively participate in the development and continuing improvement initiatives ofpsychology services. Ensure the maintenance of a high standard of service user records and statistics inaccordance with TUSLA/ HSE requirements and local guidelines, Freedom ofInformation Act, Data Protection Acts and other relevant legislation. Maintain professionalconfidentiality.standardswith regardtoservice user anddata Ensure that the Psychology services makes the most efficient and effective use ofdevelopments in IT.The above Job Description is not intended to be a comprehensive list of allduties involved and consequently, the post holder may be required toperform other duties as appropriate to the post which may be assigned tohim/her from time to time and to contribute to the development of the postwhile in office.Eligibility CriteriaCandidates must, at the latest date for receipt of applicationsQualifications and/ orExperiencea) Hold:(i) A recognised University degree or diploma (NQAI Level 8 equivalent) obtainedwith first or second class honours in which psychology was taken as a majorsubject and honours obtained in that subjectand(ii) A recognised postgraduate professional psychological qualification appropriateto the area of professional psychology in which the position is designatedandb) Have at least eight years satisfactory post graduate experience in the area ofprofessional psychology in which the position is designated inclusive of any timespent in pursuing a course leading to the postgraduate qualification and including at4
least three years satisfactory experience in a senior capacity.andc) Possess the requisite knowledge and ability (including a high standard of suitabilityand management ability) for the proper discharge of the duties of the office.Note: These qualifications take affect from 25 October 2002 but without prejudice toanyone employed in a post of Staff Grade Psychologist or above on that date in theIrish Public Health Service to whom the qualification requirements for PrincipalPsychologist in place at 22nd January, 2002 shall apply.HealthA candidate for and any person holding the office must be fully competent and capableof undertaking the duties attached to the office and be in a state of health such as wouldindicate a reasonable prospect of ability to render regular and efficient service.CharacterEach candidate for and any person holding the office must be of good characterAgeAge restrictions shall only apply to a candidate where he/she is not classified as a newentrant (within the meaning of the Public Service Superannuation Act, 2004). Acandidate who is not classified as a new entrant must be under 65 years of age on thefirst day of the month in which the latest date for receiving completed applicationforms for the office occurs.Post SpecificRequirements Demonstrate significant depth and breadth of experience in engaging in therapeuticwork with young people with complex needs, their families and carers. Demonstrate interest in and/ or experience of:oLeading others in the provision of therapeutic supportsoWorking in a therapeutic role on a multidisciplinary teamOther RequirementsSpecific to the PostSkills, Competenciesand/or KnowledgeAccess to transport is necessary as the post will involve travelCandidates must: Demonstrate sufficient clinical and professional knowledge and evidence basedpractice to carry out the duties and responsibilities of the role to a high standard. Demonstrate non-oppressive, holistic and young person-centred clinical skills withconsideration to safety planning, risk management, and child protection issues. Demonstrate knowledge and experience of working with those affected by childsexual abuse and matters of child maltreatment; including experience with youngpeople who have sexually harmed others and their families. Demonstrate knowledge and experience of assessment and psychometric testingmeasures used with young people who have sexually harmed others and theirfamilies. Demonstrate effective leadership and team skills. Demonstrate an ability to apply knowledge to best practice. Demonstrate the ability to manage and develop self and others in a busy workingenvironment. Demonstrate effective supervision skills and a clear commitment to the supervisionprocess. Display effective interpersonal and communication skills including the provision ofreports and expert evidence to the courts, skills in multi-disciplinary working and5
the ability to collaborate with colleagues, families, etc.Campaign SpecificSelection ProcessRanking/Shortlisting /Interview Demonstrate the ability to evaluate information and make effective decisionsespecially with regard to service delivery. Demonstrate ability to facilitate change and improve service delivery. Demonstrate ability to plan and manage resources with regards to service delivery. Demonstrate initiativeimprovement. Demonstrate a commitment to delivering a quality user-centred service. Demonstrate the ability to empathise with and treat others with dignity andrespect. Demonstrate a willingness to develop IT skills relevant to the role. Demonstrate commitment to continuing professional development. Demonstrate an awareness of current professional issues. Demonstrate a clear understanding of professional ethics. Demonstrate knowledge of research methods.andinnovationinidentifyingareasforserviceA ranking and or shortlisting exercise may be carried out on the basis of informationsupplied in your application form. The criteria for ranking and or shortlisting arebased on the requirements of the post as outlined in the eligibility criteria and skills,competencies and/or knowledge section of this job specification. Therefore it is veryimportant that you think about your experience in light of those requirements.Failure to include information regarding these requirements may result in you notbeing called forward to the next stage of the selection process.Those successful at the ranking stage of this process (where applied) will be placed onan order of merit and will be called to interview in ‘bands’ depending on the serviceneeds of the organisation.Code of PracticeThe Health Service Executive on behalf of The Child and Family Agency, Tusla will runthis campaign in compliance with the Code of Practice prepared by the Commission forPublic Service Appointments (CPSA). The Code of Practice sets out how the coreprinciples of probity, merit, equity and fairness might be applied on a principle basis.The Code also specifies the responsibilities placed on candidates, feedback facilitatesfor applicants on matters relating to their application when requested, and outlinesprocedures in relation to requests for a review of the recruitment and selection processand review in relation to allegations of a breach of the Code of Practice. Additionalinformation on the HSE’s review process is available in the document posted with eachvacancy entitled “Code of Practice, Information for Candidates.Codes of practice are published by the CPSA and are available onwww.hse.ie/eng/staff/jobs in the document posted with each vacancy entitled “Code ofPractice, Information for Candidates or on www.cpsa-online.ie.This job description is a guide to the general range of duties assigned to the post holder. It is intended to be neitherdefinitive nor restrictive and is subject to periodic review with the employee concerned.6
Principal Clinical Psychologist (Specialist)Child and Family AgencySexually Harmful Behaviour Service (SHBS)Terms and Conditions of EmploymentTenureThe current vacancy is permanent and whole-time.A panel may be created from which permanent and specified purpose vacancies of fulltime or part time duration may be filled. The tenure of these posts will be indicated at“expression of interest” stage.Appointment as an employee of the Child and Family Agency - Tusla is governed by theHealth Act and the Public Service Management (Recruitment and Appointments) Act2004.RemunerationThe Salary scale for the post as at (01/07/2013) is: EURO 85,734 - 87,684 - 89,640 91,579 - 93,043 - 95,873 - 98,703 LSIsWorking WeekThe standard working week apply to the post is 37 hoursAnnual LeaveThe annual leave associated with the post is to be confirmed at job offer stage.SuperannuationAll pensionable staff become members of the pension scheme.ProbationEvery permanent appointment of a person who is not already a permanent officer of theChild and Family Agency or Health Service Executive or of a Local Authority shall besubject to a probationary period of 12 months as stipulated in the Department of HealthCircular No. 10/71.AgeAge restrictions shall only apply to a candidate where he/she is not classified as a newentrant (within the meaning of the Public Service Superannuation Act, 2004)HealthA candidate for and any person holding the office must be fully competent and capable ofundertaking the duties attached to the office and be in a state of health such as wouldindicate a reasonable prospect of ability to render regular and efficient service.CharacterEach candidate for and any person holding the office must be of good character.Protection ofPersons ReportingChild Abuse Act1998As this post is one of those designated under the Protection of Persons Reporting ChildAbuse Act 1998, appointment to this post appoints one as a designated officer inaccordance with Section 2 of the Act. You will remain a designated officer for theduration of your appointment to your current post or for the duration of yourappointment to such other post as is included in the categories specified in theMinisterial Direction. You will receive full information on your responsibilities under theAct on appointment.7
EthicsOffice2001in Public1995 andPositions remunerated at or above the minimum point of the Grade VIII salary scale ( 64,812 as at 01.01.2010) are designated positions under Section 18 of the Ethics in PublicOffice Act 1995. Any person appointed to a designated position must comply with therequirements of the Ethics in Public Office Acts 1995 and 2001 as outlined below;Positionsremunerated at orabovetheminimum point oftheGradeVIIIsalaryscale( 64,812asat01.01.10)A) In accordance with Section 18 of the Ethics in Public Office Act 1995, a person holdingsuch a post is required to prepare and furnish an annual statement of any interests whichcould materially influence the performance of the official functions of the post. Thisannual statement of interest should be submitted to the Chief Executive Officer not laterthan 31st January in the following year.B) In addition to the annual statement, a person holding such a post is required,whenever they are performing a function as an employee of the Child and Family Agencyand have actual knowledge, or a connected person, has a material interest in a matter towhich the function relates, provide at the time a statement of the facts of that interest. Aperson holding such a post should provide such statement to the Chief Executive Officer.The function in question cannot be performed unless there are compelling reasons to doso and, if this is the case, those compelling reasons must be stated in writing and must beprovided to the Chief Executive Officer.C) A person holding such a post is required under the Ethics in Public Office Acts 1995and 2001 to act in accordance with any guidelines or advice published or given by theStandards in Public Office Commission. Guidelines for public servants on compliancewith the provisions of the Ethics in Public Office Acts 1995 and 2001 are available on theStandards Commission’s website http://www.sipo.gov.ie/National Standardsfor Safer BetterHealthcareAll Employees must have a working knowledge of HIQA Standards as they apply to therole.8
The Principal Clinical Psychologist (Specialist) will: Provide and oversee expert clinical psychology services, including assessment, consultation and the provision of psychological therapies and interventions, in line with best practice, to young people within the service and to their families as may be required.
