Consultant Psychiatrist

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.

• headspace – Program for young people at risk of early psychosis
• Part Time Flexible – 3 days/week – Permanent position.  Face to Face in Parramatta
• Specialist rate up to Senior Specialist + TESL + Salary Packaging

Role Overview

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.

To Apply, click the Apply button & attach your Resume and Cover Letter addressing the Essential criteria.

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
• Collaborative work environment with a strong team culture
• Opportunities to participate in research and contribute to cutting-edge mental health care
• Fitness Passport, U Rewards, and other great employee benefits
• Make a significant impact on the lives of young people in your community

Enquiries: A/Professor Gurr, Clinical Director – 0434 075 617; rgurr@uniting.org or Pallavi Bhatia, Talent Acquisition Specialist – pbhatia@uniting.org