headspace Mt Druitt, Parramatta and Penrith of Uniting delivers the Youth Early Psychosis Program (headspace Early Psychosis), this program focuses on supporting young people who are at risk of developing a first episode of psychosis, or those that are currently experiencing psychosis.

• Support young people aged 12 - 25 who are at risk of psychosis
• Leadership role in a multi-disciplinary team
• Face to face and Telehealth Services / Permanent Part time

Role Overview

The Consultant Psychiatrist in the headspace Early Psychosis Continuing Care Team (CCT) holds a key leadership position within the team. 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 position 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.

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 position will ensure that any statutory responsibilities required under the NSW Mental Health Act are negotiated with the Local Health District Mental Health Service. 

The role involves the provision of comprehensive, mental health assessment and individualised care planning that delivers a range of clinical interventions.

The overall aims of clinical care within the YEPP service 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 minimise 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 the Apply button & attach your Resume and Cover Letter addressing the Essential criteria.

What we offer:

An attractive salary with generous NFP salary packaging benefits, along with professional development and training opportunities in a friendly work environment.

This is your opportunity to promote hope and recovery in peoples lives!

Only applicants selected for interview will be contacted and must be prepared to undergo a Criminal Check and provide Working with Children Clearance.

Enquiries to Talent Acquisition Specialist Rose Rivera on 0438 206 164 or [email protected] or [email protected], using the subject line: Consultant Psychiatrist - headspace enquiry via EthicalJobs, Reference 495165.