Position Overview

Key responsibilities

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

Under limited direction of the Allied Health Manager and Allied Health Clinical Lead, you will perform independent professional judgement on moderately complex tasks.

You will:

1. Provide a high level of appropriate skilled social work clinical assessment and interventions to consumers across the lifespan with severe, complex and /or acute mental health issues within the social work scope of practice and using established best practice frameworks.
2. Include carers, children, Nominated Persons, GPs, and other service providers in the recovery planning process, as required.
3. Adhere to risk management processes and identify risks, suggest mitigating actions and escalating issues appropriately.
4. Complete clinical records and administrative data collection to standards.
5. Participate in clinical supervision, continuing professional development and personal performance review process. Provide professional supervision and training to Health Professionals Level 1 & 2, Health Professionals Level 3 as appropriate, students, Allied Health Assistants, and other support staff.
6. Initiate, coordinate and contribute to the implementation of clinical governance activities, quality improvement projects, research programs, and health promotion in areas relevant to service. Provide education to internal and external stakeholders.
7. Undertake other duties appropriate to this level of classification which contribute to the operation of the organisation.

Competencies

Specific responsibilities and behavioural capabilities include but are not limited to the following:

• A strong capacity to understand and respond to the emotional and psychological needs of consumers.
• High standards of ethical practice, especially in relation to confidentiality, consent, and mental health laws. Ability to advocate for patients' rights and access to care, particularly in complex mental health settings.
• Proven ability to foster a collaborative, multidisciplinary approach in mental health care, working closely with other healthcare professionals.
• Contribute to the development of team objectives for short term tasks and strategic planning for longer-term initiatives.
• Work with independence, subject to limited direction against established priorities, practices, and methodologies to deliver quality outcomes. Produce work requiring little or no revision before finalisation.
• Make decisions using good judgement, expertise and knowledge, under limited guidance. Ensure decisions are governed by the application of regulations, best practice principles or the agency’s operating instructions and procedures.
• Commitment to continuous learning and improvement through regular reflection on professional practice.
• Participate in and/or provide professional supervision including review of professional practice where required. Maintain professional knowledge and continue to develop knowledge and expertise in relation to professional skills and professional regulatory requirements

About you

CHS is committed to workforce diversity and to creating an inclusive workplace. As part of this commitment, we welcome applications from all diversity groups. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with disability and people who identify as LGBTQIA+ are particularly encouraged to apply.

Position Requirements / Qualifications

Mandatory

• Tertiary Qualification in Social Work.
• Professional membership or eligibility for membership of the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW).
• A minimum of three years post-qualification experience in a relevant clinical area.
• 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.

Desirable

• Prior experience in supervising staff will be highly desirable.
• Have an understanding of how the National Safety and Quality Health Service (NSQHS) indicators align with this role.
• Fulfil the responsibilities of this role in alignment to the CHS Exceptional Care Framework and all other related frameworks.

Please note prior to commencement successful candidates will be required to:.

• Undergo a pre-employment National Police Check.
• Comply with Canberra Health Services Occupational Assessment, Screening and Vaccination policy.
• Current registration issued under the Working with Vulnerable People (Background Checking) Act 2011 is required.
• 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.

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.

1. Proven ability as a senior social worker to provide a high level of skilled clinical assessment and interventions to people with complex mental health illnesses or disorders, including people from diverse backgrounds, with a sound knowledge of contemporary mental health issues.
2. Demonstrated ability to provide clinical supervision to staff and students in accordance with Australian Association of Social Workers requirements.
3. Proven effective communication skills including ability to work effectively as a member of a multi-disciplinary team and to liaise and consult with carers, GPs and relevant agencies.
4. Demonstrated ability to evaluate social work and /or psychosocial intervention programs through quality improvement initiatives, and to plan and develop the service to meet the needs of the people.
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.