Allied Health Professional - Prison Mental Health Service

As part of a multidisciplinary team delivering high quality Mental Health Services to persons in custody the Allied Health Professional:

• Provides clinical leadership and expert clinical knowledge in the coordination of care and management of persons in custody with moderate to severe acute and long-term mental illness.
• Establishes, fosters and maintains effective relationships with a range of government and non-government agencies, including Correctional Primary Health Service, Tasmanian Prison Service, Community Forensic Mental Health Services, Statewide Mental Health Services and Primary Healthcare providers to improve continuity of care and Mental Health outcomes.
• As a senior Mental Health clinician provides direct clinical care for persons in custody, including triage of Mental Health referrals, undertake comprehensive Mental Health assessments, case management and discharge planning.

The Role:

• Work within the custodial environment to coordinate the provision of Mental Health care needs for individuals whilst in custody and to liaise with relevant internal and external key stakeholders to ensure that appropriate Mental Health care follow up is coordinated prior to release from custody.
• Utilise expert clinical Mental Health knowledge and skill in the triage, assessment and case management of individuals in custody who are identified with Mental Health concerns or identified mental illness.
• With a high degree of autonomy to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team and key internal and external stakeholders to deliver improved outcomes for individuals with moderate to severe acute and long term mental illness.
• Ensure ongoing assessment and evaluation of the role and associated guidelines, clinical pathways, protocols and policies, incorporating evidence-based practice and other regulatory bodies or key stakeholders as required.

Note: - Please refer to the Statement of Duties for all the selection criteria of this position to address in your application.

Position Features

• The position works within a variety of Custodial/Forensic environments and the occupant will have regular daily contact with person within a custodial setting or forensic patients admitted to the Secure Forensic Mental Health Unit – the Wilfred Lopes centre.

• The occupant will be required to adhere to all security practices and procedures within correctional centres and the Wilfred Lopes Centre.

• Some intrastate and interstate travel may be required

Details of Appointment

Permanent full time day worker position working 76 hours per fortnight, commencing as soon as possible.

*notwithstanding hours may be negotiated with the successful applicant

• Applicants should note that, for a period of twelve months from the date of publication, this selection process may be used to fill subsequent or similar full time and part time vacancies.

Salary: $106,966 - $118,114 per annum. Our Employer 11% superannuation contribution is on top of this amount.

In addition, the following allowances calculated on the salaried incremental point may be available: 

• This position attracts a 6.5% correctional allowance
• Professional Development Allowance of up to $1000 per annum 

• Please note that access to salaries beyond $115,573 is subject to qualifications and/or application to the personal upgrade scheme 
• Salary range is in accordance with Allied Health Professionals Public Sector Unions Wages Agreement No. 2 of 2022

Eligibility:

Successful applicants will be required to meet the essential criteria:

1. Registered with the Occupational Therapy Board of Australia; or

2. Degree in Social Work giving eligibility for membership of the Australian Association of Social Workers; or

3. Registered with the Psychology Board of Australia

4. Current Driver’s Licence

Applicants should note the following criteria are desirable:

1. A minimum of 3 years post graduate clinical experience in acute or a community Mental Health team.

The Head of the State Service has determined that the person nominated for this job is to satisfy a pre‑employment check before taking up the appointment, on promotion or transfer. The following checks are to be conducted:

1. Conviction checks in the following areas:

1. crimes of violence
2. sex related offences
3. serious drug offences
4. crimes involving dishonesty
5. serious traffic offences

1. Identification check
2. Disciplinary action in previous employment check.

How to Apply

Apply Online.  Please click the "Apply" button on this screen.  This ensures important questions about you are answered. 

You will be prompted to complete a 1-2 page application outlining your experience, skills and knowledge as they relate to the attached Statement of Duties.

Please note:

• We do not require a separate statement addressing the selection criteria.
• All attachments must be in Microsoft Word or PDF format.
• Referee details are submitted as part of the online application so make sure you have the contact details of two referees before applying.

Download the Statement of Duties and any Associated Documents

We encourage you to review the Applicant Guide, Statement of Duties, prior to applying for an overview of the duties, program, selection process and selection criteria.

Statement of Duties

•  528826 AHP- Prison Mental Health Service HP03 (Feb 2024) CSU.pdf
•  528826 AHP- Prison Mental Health Service HP03 (Feb 2024) CSU.docx

Applicant Guide

• Department of Health - Applicant Guide June 22.pdf
• Department of Health - Applicant Guide June 22.docx

For more information 

Ray Gregory

Position: Director of Nursing | Correctional Primary Health Services/Forensic Mental Health

Phone:  (03) 03 6166 0***
E-mail: ***********@ths.tas.gov.au

Important information

The email account you provide when submitting job applications will be used in correspondence to you.  It is important that this is kept up to date and monitored regularly.

To update your email address (or contact number), log in to www.jobs.tas.gov.au and look for “Existing applicant login” where you can update your details

The Department of Health values workforce diversity and recognises the value each person offers which is shaped by their unique characteristics, background, experiences, knowledge, skills, values and perspectives.