About the Organisation

The Victorian Aboriginal Health Service (VAHS) was established in 1973 to address the specific medical needs of Victorian Aboriginal communities. 2023 marked a landmark year as VAHS proudly celebrated its 50-year of providing a comprehensive range of medical, dental, allied health and social services for our community.

As well as providing a variety of medical services, VAHS is committed to supporting the well-being of the Community through contributions to community events and activities. VAHS is also committed to assisting research into the ongoing needs of the Community.

VAHS is a child safe organisation, committed to child safety and wellbeing, and recruits’ staff in accordance with the Child Safe Standards Victoria.

About the Opportunity

In this role, you will evaluate, diagnose, and treat children that may have mild or severe mental, social, or emotional disorders.

You will apply practical strategies to improve relationships, behaviour, support children affected by family issues, as well as those struggling to manage their emotions, navigate friendships, and develop healthy self-esteem.

Key Responsibilities

The role involves providing holistic, evidence-based psychological support to children and adolescents facing psychological, developmental, and emotional challenges. Responsibilities include conducting culturally appropriate assessments, developing treatment plans, educating families on effective interventions, and ensuring compliance with funding and requirements. The position also involves addressing issues such as depression, bullying, mental health concerns, and learning difficulties. Collaboration with Aboriginal health workers and multi-disciplinary teams is essential, along with maintaining accurate and professional clinical documentation.

Key Selection Criteria

Essential skills and experience:

• The capability and engagement to understand the philosophy and principles of Aboriginal Community Control and transforming it into practice.
• Demonstrated capability to achieve the key responsibilities.
• Knowledge of different therapeutic methods and the ability to switch between different approaches to meet each child’s needs.
• Empathic quality in addressing the emotional needs of children.
• Confidence working in age-appropriate, fun, and engaging ways with children.
• Outstanding problem solving and critical thinking skills.
• Excellent communication skills, specifically the ability to communicate with children of different ages and their family.
• Ability to manage a caseload with a variety of presenting difficulties.

Qualifications:

• Tertiary qualifications in Psychology
• AHPRA registration as a Clinical Psychologist
• Eligibility to provide Medicare Benefits Schedule services.

A position description is attached.