Headspace Early Psychosis is a program run by Uniting which focuses on supporting young people who are at risk of developing a first episode of psychosis, or those that are currently experiencing an early psychosis.

The Consultant Psychiatrist in the Mobile Assessment and Treatment Team (MATT) 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, specialising in early intervention mental health treatment to young people aged 12-25 years who are referred to the service.

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
• Full Time  - Permanent position ( part-time considered for the right candidate)
• Services delivered via face to face with some telehealth in Western Sydney ( headspace Parramatta, Mount Druitt and Penrith; including community and home visit)
• Medical Practitioners Award (up to Senior Staff Specialist rate) + 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 delivery 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
• To provide a responsive and seamless access to service for young people with early psychosis and first episode psychosis and their families/significant others
• 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.
• Demonstrable effective interpersonal communication, consultation and negotiation skills including the ability to work effectively with multidisciplinary teams, internal and external agencies and stakeholder.
• 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 Apply Now & attach your Resume and Cover Letter addressing the Essential criteria.

Uniting Staff Benefits & Culture

• Salary packaging entitlements to increase your take-home pay
• Fitness Passport, U Rewards, and other great employee benefits
• Collaborative work environment with a strong team culture
• Opportunities to participate in research and contribute to cutting-edge mental health care
• Make a significant impact on the lives of young people in your community
• Rare opportunity to work with a mobile and well-established team
• Accumulate 5 weeks of annual leave

Enquiries: Associate Professor Roger Gurr AM, Clinical Director - [email protected] using the subject line: Consultant Psychiatrist enquiry via EthicalJobs.

Employment with Uniting is subject to satisfactory background checks, which include National Police Checks, Working with Children Checks and Reference Checks.  

About Uniting:

When you’re part of Uniting NSW.ACT, you’re part of a diverse, purpose-led team of people who are really making a difference to the world around them. We contribute to the work and mission of the Uniting Church in NSW and the ACT through social justice advocacy, community services and spiritual care.

We provide care and support for people through all ages and stages of life, with a focus on people experiencing disadvantage and vulnerability. Our purpose is to inspire people, enliven communities and confront injustice.

Uniting leaders and employees work together to create a culture that is safe, inclusive and person-centred. We bring this to life every day through our values: compassionate, respectful, imaginative and bold.

Uniting acknowledges the continuing sovereignty and rich cultural diversity of Australia’s First Peoples. We pay our respects to all Elders – past, present, and emerging – and to all First Peoples on whose lands we live and work. Uniting is a Child Safe Organisation committed to promoting the safety, wellbeing and inclusion of children and young people.