Position overview

The CHS Medical Services Group (MSG) includes Medical Imaging, ACT Pathology, Pharmacy, Healthcare Technology Management, the Physician Training Office, the Medical Officer Support, Credentialing, Employment and Training Unit (MOSCETU), the GP Liaison Unit (GPLU) and the CHS Library.

This part-time position reports to the P5 staff psychologist and has direct line management through the Director of Prevocational Education and Training. The position is responsible for supporting programs directed at Junior Medical Officers (JMOs) in their first two years following graduation (Post Graduate Year (PGY) 1 and 2).

The aim of this position is to improve the wellbeing of the Junior Medical Officer cohort employed by Canberra Health Services and working within Canberra Health Services. More specifically, the aim is to provide group and individual based support, education and training to the JMOs employed by CHS in the areas of wellbeing, self care, psychosocial safety, psychological immunisation, and management of personal distress and the effects of vicarious trauma. The Psychologist will also provide team and individual based debriefing/support to JMOs following critical/traumatic incidents under guidance and supervision with referral of individuals for ongoing care (from another health care provider) as required.

Key Responsibilities

Specific responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

1. Provide initial psychological first aid and psychoeducation to JMOs experiencing distress, with referral to appropriate community-based or external supports for ongoing care.
2. Support the delivery and evaluation of the prevocational education program, including materials on topics including and not limited to:
   • Psychological First Aid principles
   • Moral distress and moral injury
   • Compassion fatigue and burnout
   • Managing challenging interpersonal interactions
   • General wellbeing and self-care
3. Support the implementation of team and organisational wellbeing initiatives for JMOs, including the ward round project and the Blue Buddies near to peer program.
4. Collaborate with Employee Assistance Program providers and other services to facilitate effective referral pathways and relevant support mechanisms for JMOs.
5. Participate in quality improvement, health promotion, and governance activities relevant to JMO wellbeing including research projects pertaining to JMO wellbeing.
6. Undertake other duties appropriate to this level of classification that contribute to the Directorate.
7. As required, and consistent with relevant Psychology Board of Australia requirements, assist in the supervision and education of other staff and students.
8. Undertake other duties appropriate to this level of classification which contribute to the operation of the organisation.

Competencies

Specific responsibilities include but are not limited to the following.

Displays skills across the eight core psychology competencies (AHPRA Psychology board, 2025)

Competency 1: Applies and builds scientific knowledge of psychology to inform safe and effective practice

Competency 2: Practises ethically and professionally

Competency 3: Exercises professional reflexivity, deliberate practice and self-care

Competency 4: Conducts psychological assessments

Competency 5: Conducts psychological interventions

Competency 6: Communicates and relates to others effectively and appropriately

Competency 7:  Demonstrates a health equity and human rights approach when working with people from diverse groups

Competency 8:  Demonstrates a health equity and human rights approach when working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, families and communities

Displays organisational competencies in line with the ACT health professional work-level standards, including:

• Provides clinical care to a well-defined caseload under close supervision.
• Participates in quality improvement activities and/or research activities as directed.
• Provides procedural supervision to HP1s, AHAs, and psychology and AHA students as required.

Qualifications

Essential

• Relevant Tertiary Qualifications.
• Registration with the Psychology Board of Australia under AHPRA.

Desirable

• N/A

Experience

Essential

• Minimum 12 months experience working as a psychologist

Desirable

• Experience or knowledge of the CHS Exceptional Care Framework, and all other related frameworks.

Prior to commencement

Appointment to this position is conditional on being granted and retaining appropriate clearances:

• Pre-employment National Police Check.
• Current registration issued under the Working with Vulnerable People (Background Checking) Act 2011 is required.
• Comply with Canberra Health Services Occupational Assessment, Screening and Vaccination policy.
• Comply with CHS credentialing and scope of clinical practice requirements for allied health professionals.

Important information

All employees are required to:

• Adhere to the Canberra Health Services Values and the ACT Public Service Code of Conduct.
• Act in accordance and comply with all relevant Safety and Quality policies and procedures.
• Comply with all relevant clinical and/or competency standards.

CHS is leading the drive to digitally transform health service delivery in Australia through the implementation of a territory wide Digital Health Record. Computer literacy skills are required which are relevant to this role as you will be responsible for completing required documentation and becoming a proficient user of the Digital Health Record and/or other Information Technology systems; once proficient, you will need to remain current with changes, updates, and contingencies.

What you Require (Key Selection Criteria)

These are the key selection criteria for how you will be assessed in conjunction with your resumé and experience and must be addressed in your application:

1. Demonstrated ability to design and deliver education and training to individuals and teams on wellbeing utilising relevant psychological frameworks that help promote psychological and psychosocial safety.
2. Demonstrated ability to respond appropriately and sensitively to JMOs in distress, providing psychological first aid and psychoeducation, and facilitating timely and appropriate referral to community-based supports.
3. Demonstrated ability to contribute to the development, implementation, and evaluation of wellbeing initiatives/programs and research projects led by the DPET office.
4. Excellent interpersonal, communication, negotiation and conflict resolution skills to build functional working relationships and liaise with a range of stakeholders, both clinical and administrative.
5. Demonstrates understanding of, and adherence to, safety and quality standards, work, health and safety (WH&S) and the positive patient experience. Displays behaviour consistent with CHS’s values of reliable, progressive, respectful and kind.

Work environment description

The following work environment description outlines the inherent requirements of the role and indicates how frequently each of these requirements would need to be performed. Please note that the ACT Public Service is committed to providing reasonable adjustments and ensuring all individuals have equal opportunities in the workplace.