Psychologist

ORGANIZATIONAL RELATIONSHIP

The Psychologist will report to the Manager-Mental Health Services.

SPECIFIC ACCOUNTABILITIES

The Psychologist

• Provides psychological assessment and evaluation.
• Provides crisis intervention in situations requiring immediate psychological treatment.
• Provides psychological consultations to other mental health professionals within hospitals, clinics, and other community-based agencies regarding patient care.
• Attends and participates in ward conferences.
• Devises and conducts appropriate psychotherapy.
• Responsible for the teaching of both undergraduate and postgraduate psychology students.
• Collaborates and participates in planning and developing Psychology Services in the department and institutions.
• Ensures the integrity of patients' medical records.
• Develops and maintains standards of care for patients.
• Assists with research projects.
• Prepares and conducts seminars, lectures, and workshops on mental health education.
• Maintains relevant testing materials and other supplies necessary for the efficient functioning of Psychology Services.
• Participates in departmental committee and staff meetings.
• Performs any other related duties as required by the Authority.

KEY KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge of principles and practices of psychiatry, including differential diagnosis and treatment approaches, as well as current developments, trends, and research in the medical psychiatric field.
• Knowledge of laws regarding informed consent and documentation requirements.
• Knowledge of community mental health practices.
• Ability to diagnose psychiatric disorders in children and adolescents.
• Ability to establish and maintain therapeutic relationships with children, adolescents, and families.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, patients, and relatives.
• Excellent communication skills.

MINIMUM TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE

• Training as evidenced by the possession of a Master's Degree in Clinical Psychology.
• Registration with the Trinidad and Tobago Association of Psychologists.
• A minimum of five (5) years' experience in the field of Psychiatry.
• Any other combination of training and experience.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Not applicable.

COMMUNICATION AND WORKING RELATIONSHIPS

Internal:

• Medical Director
• County Medical Officer of Health
• Manager-Hospital Administration
• Manager-Para Clinical Services
• Nursing Personnel
• Members of the Mental Health Team
• Other Heads of Department

External:

• Ministry of Health
• Other Regional Health Authorities