Health and Community Employees Psychologists
(State) Award 2023
INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS
COMMISSION OF NEW SOUTH WALES
Application by NSW Ministry of Health.
(Case No. 210049 of 2023)
|
Before Chief Commissioner Constant
|
17 August 2023
|
AWARD
PART A
Arrangement
Clause No. Subject Matter
1. Definitions
2. Classifications
3. Grading
Committee
4. Conditions
of Service
5. Salaries
6. Dispute
Resolution
7. Savings
Provision
8. No Extra
Claims
9. Area,
Incidence and Duration
PART B
MONETARY RATES
Table 1 - Salary Rates
PART A
1. Definitions
"Employee" means a person employed in the New
South Wales Health Service under section 115(1) of the Health Services Act
1997, as amended or varied from time to time,
"Employer" means the Secretary of the Ministry of
Health exercising employer functions on behalf of the Government of New South
Wales.
"Health Service" means a Local Health District
constituted under section 17 of the Health Services Act 1997, a
Statutory Health Corporation constituted under section 41 of that Act and an
Affiliated Health Organisation recognised under section 62 of that Act.
"Psychologist in Training" means an employee with
a four year degree in psychology, being a three year
degree with a fourth year honours in psychology; or who has qualifications
deemed equivalent by the employer, and who is eligible for provisional
registration with the Psychology Board of Australia. Such employees will be
provided with appropriate supervision to enable the employee to attain
registration with the Psychology Board of Australia as a Psychologist.
"Union" means the Health Services Union NSW.
2. Classifications
A. Psychologist
(i) Academic
and Registration Requirements
A Psychologist is an employee with a four
year degree in psychology, being a three year degree with a fourth year
honours in psychology; or a qualification deemed equivalent by the
employer.
The Psychologist classification includes both
Psychologists in Training and Psychologists who have full registration with the
Psychology Board of Australia.
A Psychologist in Training shall commence at year 1 of
the scale for Psychologist.
Provided that where a Psychologist has already met the
criteria for full registration and has full registration with the Psychology
Board of Australia, they shall commence at year 3 of the scale for
Psychologist.
Provided further that until such time as a Psychologist
has met the criteria for full registration and is registered with the
Psychology Board of Australia, the employee shall not progress past the salary
rate applying for Psychologist 2nd year of service.
(ii) Characteristics
(a) Tasks
Psychologists are trained in the independent
application of existing treatment techniques and assessment procedures to a
range of behavioural and emotional disorders.
Psychologists facilitate change in attitudes and
behaviour related to health and illness, for the purpose of preventing and
relieving distress or dysfunction and to promote subjective well-being and
personal development.
(b) Judgement and
Problem Solving
Psychologists evaluate psychological factors affecting
maladaptive behaviour and provide individual counselling services, therapeutic
interventions, group programs and case management in the areas of (but not
limited to) anger management, parenting skills, stress management, social
skills training, assertiveness training, mental health
and problem addictions.
Psychologists undertake psychometric testing e.g. intelligence, personality and vocational, consistent
with Psychology Board of Australia competencies.
(c) Supervision and
Independence
Psychologists may work independently with clinical
supervision from a more senior Psychologist.
Psychologists may provide clinical supervision to less
experienced Psychologists.
Psychologists with three or more years of
post-registration experience are eligible to supervise Psychologists in
Training for registration purposes after having successfully undertaken the
Psychology Board of Australia certified supervision workshop.
(d) Organisational
Relationships and Impact
Psychologists may contribute to service planning and
policy development.
Psychologists may participate in psychological research
and evaluation projects as required.
Psychologists may be involved in the provision of
in-services to staff and students.
Psychologists may formulate management and case plans.
Psychologists undertake liaison with relevant internal
and external stakeholders.
B. Senior
Psychologist
(i) Characteristics
and General Features of Duties
Employees at this classification possess a high degree
of experience as a Psychologist, with breadth and
depth of experience in psychological methods and the provision of psychological
services. The Senior Psychologist is able to provide a
psychology service with the attribute of initiative, and to exercise
independent judgment.
The general duties are as detailed for Psychologist,
and in addition:
(a) clinical
supervision of Psychologists;
(b) provision of
psychological assessment and interventions involving adaptive utilisation of
psychological principles and methods, including evaluation where appropriate;
(c) administrative
duties, including but not limited to:
(1) co-ordination
of clinical activities of a service; and
(2) significant involvement
in service planning and policy.
(ii) Academic and
Registration Requirements
An employee with a four year
degree in psychology, being a three year degree with a fourth year honours in
psychology; or who has qualifications deemed equivalent by the employer and who
is registered as a psychologist with the Psychology Board of Australia.
Employees appointed at the Senior Psychologist level
shall satisfy the criteria for the Psychologist classification and have
completed a minimum of one year at the 9th year of service and thereafter point
on the salary scale for Psychologist. Employees appointed to this
classification shall demonstrate to the satisfaction of the employer by their
work performed and the results achieved, together with their aptitude, abilities and other attributes, that appointment at this
level is warranted on merit.
C. Clinical
Psychologist
(i) Academic
and Registration Requirements
The Clinical Psychologist is a fully registered
psychologist with a Masters
degree or higher in Clinical Psychology, Clinical Neuropsychology or some other
recognised clinical area in psychology that the employer deems relevant to the
functions of the position. The postgraduate qualifications must be of no less
than two years full time duration (or part-time equivalent) and include
professional clinical coursework, clinical training
and supervised placement experience as core components.
Employees with a three year
Clinical Doctorate (or equivalent) or a Doctorate of Philosophy (PhD) shall enter
the classification at year 2 of the scale.
Employees entering this classification from the
classifications of Psychologist or Senior Psychologist shall enter at the
salary point for this classification that is above the salary point previously
applying as Psychologist or Senior Psychologist.
(ii) Characteristics
(a) Task
Clinical Psychologists are capable of
undertaking all activities performed by the classifications of
Psychologist and Senior Psychologist as described in the Award.
Clinical Psychologists are trained in the scientific
study and application of psychological knowledge and principles for the purpose
of diagnosing, understanding, preventing, treating and
advising on psychopathological distress or dysfunction and to promote subjective
wellbeing.
The essential tasks of Clinical Psychologists are
assessment, diagnosis, case formulation and treatment of psychopathology as it
is manifested (variously) in cognitive, emotional, motivational, personality
and behavioural disturbances in adults, adolescents or
children across a range of health care settings including outpatient,
community, primary care and in-patient facilities.
Referrals appropriate to Clinical Psychologists encompass
a diversity of presentations - from acute to enduring and mild to severe.
Problems range from those with mainly biological causation to those emanating
mainly from psychosocial factors, as well as problems of coping or adaptation
to adverse circumstances that are not themselves reversible by psychological
intervention e.g. physical disability, physical
illness, bereavement.
(b) Judgement and
Problem Solving
Clinical Psychologists exercise independent judgment
concerning the selection and application of principles, methods
and techniques of psychological assessment and/or treatment. Chosen
interventions involve the adaptive utilisation of empirically derived
psychological principles.
(c) Supervision and
Independence
The appropriate discharge of duties and demonstration
of competence at this level is in consequence of an understanding of theories
and techniques, which enable Clinical Psychologists to assess and diagnose
psychological problems and disorders and design and implement appropriate
psychological procedures.
Clinical Psychologists work independently and receive
clinical supervision from another Clinical Psychologist. Initially such
supervision is provided by a more senior and experienced professional colleague
but after several years’ experience, Clinical Psychologists may participate in
peer supervision only.
Clinical Psychologists may work in or lead a
multidisciplinary team.
Clinical Psychologists are expected to provide clinical
supervision to less experienced Psychologists, be involved in peer supervision
and supervise postgraduate students on clinical placements.
(d) Organisational
Relationships
Clinical Psychologists may conduct psychological
research and evaluation projects as required.
Clinical Psychologists are involved in service planning
and the formulation of policy.
Clinical Psychologists participate in the provision of
in-service programs to staff and students.
Clinical Psychologists are a consultant to
Psychologists and may provide peer consultancy to colleagues and other
professionals within their area of expertise.
D. Senior
Clinical Psychologist
(i) Characteristics
and General Features of Duties
A Clinical Psychologist may, after not less than the
completion of 12 months service at the 5th year of service and thereafter rate,
make written application to the employer for progression to the classification
of Senior Clinical Psychologist. The application shall comprehend, but not be
limited to detailing current direct treatment responsibilities and duties discharged; together with provision of treatment
consultation, supervision and training and relevant documentary support
material.
The employer may also establish such positions of
Senior Clinical Psychologist that it deems appropriate, from time to time.
Employees that are successful in their application for
progression to Senior Clinical Psychologist shall commence on the 1st year of
service rate for the classification.
Employees classified as Senior Clinical Psychologist
shall discharge the duties as described for Clinical Psychologist above and in
addition must demonstrate clinical expertise requiring:
(1) higher level
knowledge and experience in a specific area e.g.
tertiary referral service, manifest in the level of competence, initiative,
innovation, responsibility and professional recognition of the employee;
and
(2) developing and
extending applications of assessment and treatment methods.
In addition, the employee must also discharge duties in
at least one of the following areas:
(a) Administrative
duties, which may include:
(1) responsibility
for overall service planning and policy; and
(2) other
supra-clinical duties involving responsibility for service provision; and
(3) responsibility
for professional functioning of Psychologists and Clinical Psychologists.
(b) Consultation,
involving
(1) the provision of
consultation with other Psychologists or with other professional bodies and
organisations (e.g. other government agencies)
regarding psychological services and/or development of policies and procedures
in areas requiring specialist psychological knowledge; and
(2) developing
protocols for individual and group treatment programs and making available to
other health professionals. Developing assessment procedures for clinical
decision making.
(c) Research and
Evaluation, involving
(1) research, where
the Psychologist has taken responsibility as principal researcher for the
design, implementation and reporting of psychological
research; and
(2) evaluation,
where the Psychologist makes a major contribution to setting up evaluation
systems for programs and services and major quality improvement projects;
(d) Training,
involving
(1) the training of
Psychologists or other health professionals in a range of areas that may
include specialist psychological skills;
(2) contributing to
training for supervisors of psychological services; and
(3) developing and
implementing training programs.
E. Principal
Psychologist
(i) Characteristics
and General Features of Duties
Appointment to this classification shall be through
competitive selection and assessment on the basis of
merit to fill an advertised vacancy; personal progression of an employee is not
available for appointment to this level.
It is envisaged appointments to this level would be made
from Senior Clinical Psychologists that have substantial knowledge, skills and experience at that level; be able to demonstrate
significant expertise in the delivery of psychological services; and is a
recognised leader in their clinical field and has contributed to the body of
psychological knowledge, and/ or the development and education of psychologists
within the field.
Clinical and other duties shall be as detailed above
for Senior Clinical Psychologist, and in addition one or more of the following:
(a) Administrative
and policy duties, which may include:
(1) providing
advice to Health Services and/or liaising between different Health Services on
the development and provision of psychological services;
(2) acting as a
Senior Consultant for government or other agencies; and
(3) providing
policy advice on human and psychological services at Ministerial level;
(b) Psychological
research of a significant nature and demonstrating ongoing involvement, which
may include:
(1) a significant
number of research publications with the Principal Psychologist as primary
author, and which have been published in respected peer reviewed journals. It
would be expected that a significant proportion of these publications had been
achieved since attaining specialist qualifications; and
(2) presentation of
papers, which may include psychological research or issues of clinical
development, at major professional conferences and seminars;
(c) Teaching duties
of a significant nature, which may include:
(1) having a
university appointment that includes active involvement in the teaching of
psychology at the postgraduate level, and may also include teaching of
undergraduates; and
(2) teaching
specialised clinical skills to other psychologists and/or students;
(d) Advisory, with
the Principal Psychologist:
(1) operating in a
senior advisory role to the Health Service and developing systems to ensure a high
level of professional functioning of psychologists in that Health Service, such
as organising regular continued professional development for Psychologists,
maintaining and enhancing professional ethics and conduct, supporting NSW
Ministry of Health objectives via evidence based
methods and evaluation; and
(2) teaching
specialised clinical skills to other psychologists and/ or students.
3. Grading Committee
A grading committee will be established on a needs basis for the specific purpose of considering
applications made by employees for progression and/or regrading within the
classifications of the Award. Where an employee believes that their position is
inappropriately graded the application must demonstrate that the applicant
meets the requirements of and is required to work at the level as described for
the grading being sought.
The committee shall consist of at least three members, a
majority of which must be Psychologists of an equivalent or higher grading than
that sought by the applicant. In applications for regrading to Senior Clinical
Psychologist there must be a Psychologist
representative from another Health Service. The committee will be established
via consultation between the Union and the Health Service.
The committee will receive the written application
addressing the relevant criteria of the classification by the applicant and
review its contents prior to proceeding to an interview of the applicant.
The committee shall record its decision and reasoning and
make its recommendation to the Chief Executive of the Health Service or their
nominated representative.
4. Conditions of
Service
The Public Hospitals (Professional and Associated Staff)
Conditions of Employment (State) Award 2023 as varied or replaced from time to
time, shall apply to all persons covered by this Award.
In addition, the Health Industry Status of Employment
(State) Award 2023, as varied or replaced from time to time, shall also apply
to all relevant employees.
5. Salaries
Full time Psychologist employees shall be paid the salaries
as set out in Table 1 of Part B - Monetary Rates, of this Award.
6. Dispute Resolution
The dispute resolution procedures contained in the Public Hospitals
(Professional and Associated Staff) Conditions of Employment (State) Award 2023
as varied or replaced from time to time, shall apply.
7. Savings Provision
Employees classified as Clinical Psychologists as at 5 March 2009 are to retain that classification while they
remain in the position they held as at that date.
Subject to satisfactory performance, employees who, as at 27 January 2009, were employed as Psychologists and were
enrolled or accepted for enrolment in a post graduate qualification as
described at subclause (i) of Part C of Clause 2,
Classifications, of this Award, shall be reclassified as Clinical Psychologist
on successful completion of that qualification.
8. No Extra Claims
Other than as provided for in the Industrial Relations
Act 1996 and the Industrial Relations (Public Sector Conditions of
Employment) Regulation 2014 (or its successor however described), there shall be no further claims/demands or
proceedings instituted before the Industrial Relations Commission of New South
Wales for extra or reduced wages, salaries, rates of pay, allowances or
conditions of employment with respect to the employees covered by the Award
that take effect prior to 30 June 2024 by a party to this Award.
9. Area, Incidence and
Duration
(i) This
Award takes effect from 1 July 2023 and shall remain in force for a period of
one year. The rates in the last column in Table 1 of Part B - Monetary Rates,
will apply from the first full pay period on or after (ffppoa)
1 July 2023.
(ii) This Award
rescinds and replaces the Health and Community Employees Psychologists (State)
Award 2022 published 20 October 2022 (392 I.G.1295) and all variations thereof.
(iii) This Award
shall apply to persons employed in classifications contained herein employed in
the New South Wales Health Service under section 115(1) of the Health
Services Act 1997, or their successors, assignees or transmittees,
excluding the County of Yancowinna.
PART B
MONETARY RATES
In the period 1 July 2023 to the commencement of the first
full pay period on or after 1 July 2023, the applicable rates of pay are those
that applied immediately prior to the first full pay period on or after 1 July
2023.
Table 1 - Salary Rates
|
Classification
|
Rate from ffppoa 01/07/23
Per annum
$
|
|
Psychologists
|
|
Psychologist
|
|
1st year of service
|
74,742
|
|
2nd year of service
|
78,595
|
|
3rd year of service
|
82,444
|
|
4th year of service
|
87,257
|
|
5th year of service
|
92,072
|
|
6th year of service
|
96,885
|
|
7th year of service
|
101,699
|
|
8th year of service
|
105,552
|
|
9th year of service and thereafter
|
109,397
|
|
Senior
|
|
1st year of service
|
115,175
|
|
2nd year of service
|
119,991
|
|
3rd year of service and thereafter
|
124,803
|
|
Clinical
|
|
1st year of service
|
105,553
|
|
2nd year of service
|
111,323
|
|
3rd year of service
|
117,102
|
|
4th year of service
|
122,881
|
|
5th year of service and thereafter
|
128,653
|
|
Senior Clinical
|
|
1st year of service
|
134,432
|
|
2nd year of service
|
138,281
|
|
3rd year of service and thereafter
|
142,133
|
|
Principal Clinical
|
|
1st year of service and thereafter
|
161,387
|
|
Part-time Psychologists
|
|
(Applicable only to staff employed prior to 30 June 1993
(see DOH Circular 93/58)
|
|
Psychologist
|
|
Part-Time Psychologist (per hour)
|
55.50
|
|
(Formula: 5th year rate ÷ 52.17857 ÷ 35 + 10%)
|
|
Clinical Psychologist
|
|
Part-Time Clinical Psychologist (per hour)
|
70.50
|
|
(Formula: 3rd year rate ÷ 52.17857 ÷ 35 + 10%)
|
|
Senior Clinical Psychologist
|
|
Part-Time Senior Clinical Psychologist (per hour)
|
83.30
|
|
(Formula: 2nd year rate ÷ 52.17857 ÷ 35 + 10%)
|
N. CONSTANT, Chief Commissioner
____________________
Printed by
the authority of the Industrial Registrar.