Lead Psychologist

Autism New Zealand 

Petone, Wellington

Part time

Our vision: empowering the autistic and autism communities 

Our purpose: ‘Every Step Together’ - providing services and support, education and information on autism, to allow autistic people and their family/whānau/caregiver, professionals and other stakeholders, to make informed choices.

ROLE PURPOSE

This key position will work as part of the Autism Resource Centre Autism Diagnostic Service multidisciplinary team. The Lead Psychologist will lead autism diagnostic assessments, with differential assessment as needed and facilitate links to post-diagnostic supports.

HOURS OF WORK

This is a part-time position (16 hours per week). 

ROLE RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Service delivery

• Undertake clinical interviews and assessments to inform client diagnosis.
• Review background information.
• Determine and approve client diagnoses.
• Inform clients about diagnostic outcomes during feedback sessions.
• Support write-up and approve client diagnostic reports.
• Work in collaboration with the individual, whānau, education settings, other professionals, and agencies to inform the diagnosis.
• Support the different cultural and personal needs of individuals and whānau.
• Promote bicultural values.
• Assesses, analyses, hypothesise, collaboratively plan, support, and monitor the implementation of the autism diagnostic service
• Work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team.

1. Reporting 

Work in collaboration with the multidisciplinary diagnostic service team to provide autism diagnostic assessments and access to post-diagnostic supports.

1. Professional supervision

• The Lead Psychologist will participate in internal professional supervision and be supported to participate in external supervision.
• The Lead Psychologist may need to provide internal professional supervision to the team.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Knowledge, skills and experience

• Registered Psychologist through the New Zealand Psychologists Board with current practicing certificate.
• An in-depth knowledge of autism and related conditions. Including knowledge of the Aotearoa New Zealand Autism Guideline: He Waka Huia Takiwātanga Rau, and the ability to work within these principles.
• An in-depth knowledge of autism diagnostic assessment across the lifespan, including experience and understanding of complex mental health conditions and differential diagnosis.
• Ability to translate specialist knowledge into practical information that will assist clients to understand their diagnosis and access to post-diagnostic supports.
• Experience in handling sensitive and confidential information. 
• Awareness of the broad principles of ethics associated with the provision of services in a support agency role. 
• Ability to network effectively to create beneficial relationships for Autism New Zealand 
• Highly competent in Microsoft Office, databases, and other technologies. Also use of other online database and administration systems and processes. 
• Commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi. Linking the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi to all aspects of service provision and the operations of Autism New Zealand.

Personal qualities

• Ethical, responsible, and reliable. 
• Professional, well planned and very organised – with the ability to understand the importance of prioritisation.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills. 
• Understand the importance of relationship management skills.
• Understand the importance of relating well to a wide range of people – staff, families/whānau, agencies, health and education professionals, government agencies, suppliers, employers and autistic people.
• Understand the need to work both independently and collaboratively as part of a team – understanding that sharing information empowers all the team and is a necessary part of the role.
• Genuine respect and interest for autistic people and related conditions, and their families/whānau or caregivers, and professionals.
• Able to obtain and regularly maintain a satisfactory New Zealand Police Vetting Check .
• Clearly speak and understand English, and able to work and live in New Zealand legally. 

HOW TO APPLY

Applications close Sunday 24th November 2024.

For more information on Autism New Zealand, visit our website www.autismnz.org.nz. 

For enquiries or for a full job description, you are welcome to contact hr@autismnz.org.nz.

Please do not email your applications through. Please apply through Seek: https://www.seek.co.nz/job/79956022?tracking=SHR-WEB-SharedJob-anz-2

Applicants for this position should have NZ residency or a valid NZ work visa.

Employer questions

Your application will include the following questions:

• How many years' experience do you have as a psychologist?
• Which of the following statements best describes your right to work in New Zealand?
• Do have experience working with people with autism spectrum disorder?
• How many years' experience do you have as a clinical psychologist?
• Are you currently registered with the New Zealand Psychologists Board?
• What's your expected annual base salary?