Health and Community Employees Psychologists (State) Award
INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS
COMMISSION OF NEW SOUTH WALES
Application by NSW
Ministry of Health
(No. IRC 423 of 2015)
|
Before The Honourable Justice Walton, President
|
13 July 2015
|
AWARD
Arrangement
Clause No. Subject
Matter
7 Area,
Incidence and Duration
2 Classifications
4 Conditions
of Service
1 Definitions
3 Grading
Committee
6 No Extra
Claims
5 Savings
Provision
PART B
Table 1 - Salary Rates
PART A
1. Definitions
"Employee" means a person employed in the New
South Wales Health Service under s115(1) of the Health
Services Act 1997.
"Employer" means the Secretary of the Ministry of Health
exercising employer functions on behalf of the Government of New South Wales
(and includes a delegate of the Secretary).
"Health Service" means a Local Health District
constituted under section 8 of the Health Services Act 1997, a Statutory Health
Corporation constituted under section 11 of that Act and an Affiliated Health
Organisation constituted under section 13 of that Act.
"Psychologist in Training" means an employee with
a four year degree in psychology, being a three year degree with a fourth year
honours in psychology; or who has qualifications deemed equivalent by the
employer, and who is eligible for provisional registration with the Psychology
Board of Australia. Such employees will
be provided with appropriate supervision to enable the employee to attain
registration with the Psychology Board of Australia as a Psychologist.
"Union" means the Health Services Union NSW.
2. Classifications
A. Psychologist
(i) Academic
and Registration Requirements
A Psychologists is an employee
with a four year degree in psychology, being a three year degree with a fourth
year honours in psychology; or a qualification deemed equivalent by the
employer.
The Psychologist classification includes both
Psychologists in Training and Psychologists who have full registration with the
Psychology Board of Australia.
A Psychologist in Training shall commence at year 1 of
the scale for Psychologist.
Provided that where a Psychologist has already met the
criteria for full registration and has full registration with the Psychology
Board of Australia, they shall commence at year 3 of the scale for
Psychologist.
Provided further that until such time as a Psychologist
has met the criteria for full registration and is registered with the
Psychology Board of Australia , the employee shall not
progress past the salary rate applying for Psychologist 2nd year of service.
(ii) Characteristics
(a) Tasks
Psychologists are trained in the independent application
of existing treatment techniques and assessment procedures to a range of
behavioural and emotional disorders.
Psychologists facilitate change in attitudes and
behaviour related to health and illness, for the purpose of preventing and
relieving distress or dysfunction and to promote subjective well-being and
personal development.
(b) Judgement and
Problem Solving
Psychologists evaluate psychological factors affecting
maladaptive behaviour and provide individual counselling services, therapeutic
interventions, group programs and case management in the areas of (but not
limited to) anger management, parenting skills, stress management, social
skills training, assertiveness training, mental health and problem addictions.
Psychologists undertake psychometric testing eg intelligence, personality and vocational, consistent
with Psychology Board of Australia competencies.
(c) Supervision
and Independence
Psychologists may work independently with clinical
supervision from a more senior Psychologist.
Psychologists may provide clinical supervision to less
experienced Psychologists.
Psychologists with three or more years of
post-registration experience are eligible to supervise Psychologists in
Training for registration purposes after having successfully undertaken the
Psychology Board of Australia certified supervision workshop..
(d) Organisational
Relationships and Impact
Psychologists may contribute to service planning and
policy development.
Psychologists may participate in psychological research
and evaluation projects as required.
Psychologists may be involved in the provision of
in-services to staff and students.
Psychologists may formulate management and case plans.
Psychologists undertake liaison with relevant internal and
external stakeholders.
B. Senior
Psychologist
(i) Characteristics
and General Features of Duties
Employees at this classification possess a high degree
of experience as a Psychologist, with breadth and depth of experience in
psychological methods and the provision of psychological services. The Senior Psychologist is able to provide a
psychology service with the attribute of initiative, and to exercise
independent judgment.
The general duties are as detailed for Psychologist,
and in addition:
(a) clinical supervision of Psychologists;
(b) provision of psychological assessment and interventions
involving adaptive utilisation of psychological principles and methods,
including evaluation where appropriate;
(c) administrative duties, including but not limited to:
(1) co-ordination of clinical activities of a service; and
(2) significant involvement in service planning and policy.
(ii) Academic and
Registration Requirements
An employee with a four year degree in psychology,
being a three year degree with a fourth year honours in psychology; or who has
qualifications deemed equivalent by the employer and who is registered as a
psychologist with the Psychology Board of Australia.
Employees appointed at the Senior Psychologist level
shall satisfy the criteria for the Psychologist classification and have
completed a minimum of one year at the 9th year of service and thereafter point
on the salary scale for Psychologist.
Employees appointed to this classification shall demonstrate to the
satisfaction of the employer by their work performed and the results achieved,
together with their aptitude, abilities and other attributes, that appointment
at this level is warranted on merit.
C. Clinical
Psychologist
(i) Academic
and Registration Requirements
The Clinical Psychologist is a fully registered
psychologist with a Masters degree or higher in
Clinical Psychology, Clinical Neuropsychology or some other recognised clinical
area in psychology that the employer deems relevant to the functions of the
position. The postgraduate
qualifications must be of no less than two years full time duration (or
part-time equivalent) and include professional clinical coursework, clinical
training and supervised placement experience as core components.
Employees with a three year Clinical Doctorate (or
equivalent) or a Doctorate of Philosophy (PhD) shall enter the classification
at year 2 of the scale.
Employees entering this classification from the
classifications of Psychologist or Senior Psychologist shall enter at the
salary point for this classification that is above the salary point previously
applying as Psychologist or Senior Psychologist.
(ii) Characteristics
(a) Task
Clinical Psychologists are capable of undertaking all
activities performed by the classifications of Psychologist and Senior
Psychologist as described in the Award.
Clinical Psychologists are trained in the scientific
study and application of psychological knowledge and principles for the purpose
of diagnosing, understanding, preventing, treating and advising on
psychopathological distress or dysfunction and to promote subjective well being.
The essential tasks of Clinical Psychologists are
assessment, diagnosis, case formulation and treatment of psychopathology as it
is manifested (variously) in cognitive, emotional, motivational, personality
and behavioural disturbances in adults, adolescents or children across a range
of health care settings including outpatient, community, primary care and
in-patient facilities.
Referrals appropriate to Clinical Psychologists
encompass a diversity of presentations - from acute to enduring and mild to
severe. Problems range from those with
mainly biological causation to those emanating mainly from psychosocial
factors, as well as problems of coping or adaptation to adverse circumstances
that are not themselves reversible by psychological intervention eg physical disability, physical illness, bereavement.
(b) Judgement and
Problem Solving
Clinical Psychologists exercise independent judgment
concerning the selection and application of principles, methods and techniques
of psychological assessment and/or treatment.
Chosen interventions involve the adaptive utilisation of
empirically-derived psychological principles.
(c) Supervision
and Independence
The appropriate discharge of duties and demonstration
of competence at this level is in consequence of an understanding of theories
and techniques, which enable Clinical Psychologists to assess and diagnose
psychological problems and disorders and design and implement appropriate
psychological procedures.
Clinical Psychologists work independently and receive
clinical supervision from another Clinical Psychologist. Initially such supervision
is provided by a more senior and experienced professional colleague but after
several years experience, Clinical Psychologists may
participate in peer supervision only.
Clinical Psychologists may work in or lead a
multidisciplinary team.
Clinical Psychologists are expected to provide clinical
supervision to less experienced Psychologists, be involved in peer supervision
and supervise postgraduate students on clinical placements.
(d) Organisational
Relationships
Clinical Psychologists may conduct psychological
research and evaluation projects as required.
Clinical Psychologists are involved in service planning
and the formulation of policy.
Clinical Psychologists participate in the provision of
in-service programs to staff and students.
Clinical Psychologists are a consultant to
Psychologists and may provide peer consultancy to colleagues and other
professionals within their area of expertise.
D. Senior
Clinical Psychologist
(i) Characteristics
and General Features of Duties
A Clinical Psychologist may, after not less than the
completion of 12 months service at the 5th year of service and thereafter rate,
make written application to the employer for progression to the classification
of Senior Clinical Psychologist. The application shall comprehend, but not be
limited to detailing current direct treatment responsibilities and duties
discharged; together with provision of treatment consultation, supervision and
training and relevant documentary support material.
The employer may also establish such positions of
Senior Clinical Psychologist that it deems appropriate, from time to time.
Employees that are successful in their application for
progression to Senior Clinical Psychologist shall commence on the 1st year of
service rate for the classification.
Employees classified as Senior Clinical Psychologist
shall discharge the duties as described for Clinical Psychologist above and in
addition must demonstrate clinical expertise requiring:
(1) higher level knowledge
and experience in a specific area eg tertiary
referral service, manifest in the level of competence, initiative, innovation,
responsibility and professional recognition of the employee; and
(2) developing and extending applications of assessment and
treatment methods.
In addition, the employee must also discharge duties in
at least one of the following areas:
(a) Administrative
duties, which may include:
(1) responsibility for overall service planning and policy; and
(2) other supra-clinical duties involving responsibility for
service provision; and
(3) responsibility for professional functioning of Psychologists
and Clinical Psychologists.
(b) Consultation,
involving
(1) the provision of consultation with other Psychologists or
with other professional bodies and organisations (eg
other government agencies) regarding psychological services and/or development
of policies and procedures in areas requiring specialist psychological
knowledge; and
(2) developing protocols for individual and group treatment
programs and making available to other health professionals. Developing
assessment procedures for clinical decision making.
(c) Research
and Evaluation, involving
(1) research, where the Psychologist has taken responsibility as
principal researcher for the design, implementation and reporting of
psychological research; and
(2) evaluation, where the Psychologist makes a major
contribution to setting up evaluation systems for programs and services and
major quality improvement projects;
(d) Training,
involving
(1) the training of Psychologists or other health professionals
in a range of areas that may include specialist psychological skills;
(2) contributing to training for supervisors of psychological
services; and
(3) developing and implementing training programs.
E. Principal
Psychologist
(i) Characteristics
and General Features of Duties
Appointment to this classification shall be through
competitive selection and assessment on the basis of merit to fill an advertised
vacancy; personal progression of an employee is not available for appointment
to this level.
It is envisaged appointments to this level would be
made from Senior Clinical Psychologists that have substantial knowledge, skills
and experience at that level; be able to demonstrate significant expertise in
the delivery of psychological services; and is a recognised leader in their
clinical field and has contributed to the body of psychological knowledge, and/
or the development and education of psychologists within the field.
Clinical and other duties shall be as detailed above
for Senior Clinical Psychologist, and in addition one or more of the following:
(a) Administrative
and policy duties, which may include:
(1) providing advice to Health Services and/or liaising between
different Health Services on the development and provision of psychological
services;
(2) acting as a Senior Consultant for government or other
agencies; and
(3) providing policy advice on human and psychological services
at Ministerial level;
(b) Psychological
research of a significant nature and demonstrating ongoing involvement, which
may include:
(1) a significant number of research publications with the
Principal Psychologist as primary author, and which have been published in
respected peer reviewed journals. It
would be expected that a significant proportion of these publications had been
achieved since attaining specialist qualifications; and
(2) presentation of papers, which may include psychological
research or issues of clinical development, at major professional conferences
and seminars;
(c) Teaching
duties of a significant nature, which may include:
(1) having a university appointment that includes active
involvement in the teaching of psychology at the postgraduate level, and may
also include teaching of undergraduates; and
(2) teaching specialised clinical skills to other psychologists
and/ or students;
(d) Advisory, with
the Principal Psychologist:
(1) operating in a
senior advisory role to the Health Service and developing systems to ensure a
high level of professional functioning of psychologists in that Health Service,
such as organising regular continued professional development for Psychologists,
maintaining and enhancing professional ethics and conduct, supporting NSW
Ministry of Health objectives via evidence based methods and evaluation; and
(2) teaching specialised clinical skills to other psychologists
and/ or students.
3. Grading
Committee
A grading committee will be established on a needs basis for
the specific purpose of considering applications made by employees for
progression and/or regrading within the classifications of the Award. Where an employee believes that their
position is inappropriately graded the application must demonstrate that the
applicant meets the requirements of and is required to work at the level as
described for the grading being sought.
The committee shall consist of at least three members, a
majority of which must be Psychologists of an equivalent or higher grading than
that sought by the applicant. In
applications for regrading to Senior Clinical Psychologist there must be a
Psychologist representative from another Health Service. The committee will be established via
consultation between the Union and the Health Service.
The committee will receive the written application
addressing the relevant criteria of the classification by the applicant and
review its contents prior to proceeding to an interview of the applicant.
The committee shall record its decision and reasoning and
make its recommendation to the Chief Executive of the Health Service or his/her
nominated representative.
4. Conditions of
Service
The Public Hospital (Professional and Associated Staff)
Conditions of Employment (State) Award, as varied from time to time, shall
apply to all persons covered by this award.
In addition, the Health Industry Status of Employment
(State) Award, shall also apply to all relevant employees.
5. Savings Provision
Employees classified as Clinical Psychologists as at 5 March
2009 are to retain that classification while they remain in the position they
held as at that date.
Subject to satisfactory performance, employees who, as at 27
January 2009, were employed as Psychologists and were enrolled or accepted for
enrolment in a post graduate qualification as described at subclause (i) of Part C of Clause 2 Classifications of this Award,
shall be reclassified as Clinical Psychologist on successful completion of that
qualification.
6. No Extra
Claims
Other than as provided for in the Industrial Relations Act
1996 and the Industrial Relations (Public Sector Conditions of Employment)
Regulation 2014, there shall be no further claims/demands or proceedings instituted
before the Industrial Relations Commission of New South Wales for extra or
reduced wages, salaries, rates of pay, allowances or conditions of employment
with respect to the employees covered by the Award that take effect prior to 30
June 2016 by a party to this award.
7. Area,
Incidence and Duration
(i) This
Award takes effect from 1 July 2015 and shall remain in force for a period of
one year.
(ii) This Award
rescinds and replaces the Health and Community Employees Psychologists (State)
Award published 24 April 2009 (367 I.G. 1083) and all variations thereof.
(iii) This Award
shall apply to persons employed in classifications contained herein employed in
the New South Wales Health Service under section 115(1) of the Health Services
Act 1997, or their successors, assignees or transmittees,
excluding the County of Yancowinna.
PART B
Table 1 - Salary Rates
|
Classification
|
Rate From 1.7.2015
|
|
|
2.5 %
|
|
|
$
|
|
PSYCHOLOGISTS
|
|
|
Psychologist
|
|
|
1st year of service
|
61,504
|
|
2nd year of service
|
64,831
|
|
3rd year of service
|
68,154
|
|
4th year of service
|
72,309
|
|
5th year of service
|
76,466
|
|
6th year of service
|
80,620
|
|
7th year of service
|
84,778
|
|
8th year of service
|
88,104
|
|
9th year of service & thereafter
|
91,424
|
|
|
|
|
Senior Psychologist
|
|
|
1st year of service
|
96,412
|
|
2nd year of service
|
100,570
|
|
3rd year of service & thereafter
|
104,724
|
|
|
|
|
Clinical Psychologist
|
|
|
1st year of service
|
88,104
|
|
2nd year of service
|
93,087
|
|
3rd year of service
|
98,076
|
|
4th year of service
|
103,064
|
|
5th year of service and thereafter
|
108,048
|
|
|
|
|
Senior Clinical Psychologist
|
|
|
1st year of service
|
113,037
|
|
2nd year of service
|
116,360
|
|
3rd year of service & thereafter
|
119,686
|
|
Principal Clinical Psychologist
|
|
|
1st year of service and thereafter
|
136,308
|
|
|
|
|
PART-TIME PSYCHOLOGISTS
|
|
|
(Applicable only to staff employed prior to 30 June 1993
|
|
|
(see DOH Circular 93/58)
|
|
|
|
|
|
Part-Time Psychologist (p/hour)
|
46.06
|
|
(formula:-5th year rate ÷
52.17857 ÷ 35 + 10%)
|
|
|
Part-Time Clinical Psychologist (p/hour)
|
59.07
|
|
(formula:-3rd year rate ÷
52.17857 ÷ 35 + 10%)
|
|
|
Part-Time Senior Clinical Psychologist (p/hour)
|
70.09
|
|
(formula:-2nd year rate ÷
52.17857 ÷ 35 + 10%)
|
|
M. J. WALTON J , President
____________________
Printed by the authority of the Industrial Registrar.