JOB AND PERSON SPECIFICATION
Position Title: Associate Clinical Services Coordinator (Mental Health
Consultation Liaison Nurse)
Classification Code: Registered Nurse (Level 2)
Department : Mount Gambier & District Health Service Inc.
Division: SA Health
Branch: Country Health SA
Type of Appointment:
Section: MG&DHS
o Ongoing
Position Number:
o Temporary
Position Created:
o Other
Term
Job & Person Specification Approval
______________________________ ___/___/___
CE or delegate
PREAMBLE:
Underpinning the Department of Health Strategic Directions are the agreed values
that reflect honesty, respect and integrity for every individual. These values drive how
we conduct our business and how we behave. We aim to make the values “live”. It is
important that we incorporate the values into our behaviour systems and processes.
The Department has a “Commitment to Workplace Values” attached to Job and
Person Specifications that all staff are required to uphold. (Please refer to the back of this
document).
Australia has one of the most culturally and ethnically diverse populations in the
world. Having a diverse workforce (inclusive of bi-lingual, bi-cultural and employees
who have a disability) can enhance the department’s ability to negotiate with, and
meet the needs of, the full range of its clients and customers. Such employees also
add to the diversity of the workforce, and give added opportunities to fully capitalise
on difference as a valuable asset in an increasingly competitive environment.
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JOB SPECIFICATION
1.Summary of the broad purpose of the position in relation to the
organisation's goals:
In the course of fulfilling the role of Associate Clinical Service Coordinator (Mental
Health Consultation Liaison Nurse) provides specific support to the Nursing Clinical
Service Coordinator – Mental Health role in the leadership of nurses in the hospital
unit/s. This position is appointed through a merit based selection process.
The Associate Clinical Service Coordinator (Mental Health Consultant Liaison Nurse)
works as part of the Emergency Department team and is responsible, as a specialist
clinician, for the planning and coordination of care for people with identified mental
health problems who present to the Emergency Department.
The Associate Clinical Service Coordinator (Mental Health Consultant Liaison Nurse)
will assist in all clinical areas with patients who have new or pre existing mental
health changes in the course of a hospital admission. This will include education,
support and follow up of staff and patients concerned.
The role also requires participation in evaluation of the clinical service and the
undertaking of appropriate education and research activities.
2. Reporting/Working Relationships (to whom the person reports, staff for whom the person is
responsible and other significant connections and working relationships within the organisation).
The Associate Clinical Service Coordinator (Mental Health Consultation Liaison
Nurse) :
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Reports to the Clinical Nurse Consultant – Mental Health (Level 3).
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Will be expected to establish and maintain a close working relationship with
the Emergency Department medical and nursing staff, including the Clinical
Nurse Consultant – Emergency Department, the Emergency Triage and
Liaison Service, the SE Regional Mental Health Team, other units within the
Service, health services within the region and state, General Practitioners and
other community services
3. Special Conditions. (such as non-metropolitan location, travel requirements, etc)
The appointee may be subject to a Criminal History Check prior to confirmation of
appointment.
The incumbent may be required to enter into an annual performance agreement for
the achievement of (specific or service or program) outcomes.
Some travel within the Region or State may be necessary
Relieves the Clinical Services Coordinator – Mental Health in his/her absence
May be required to provide nurse relief in other units within the Service and/or
Region
 This is a part-time position working 64 hours per fortnight. Some out of hours work
may be required. Some on call hours may be required. Current driver’s licence is
essential.
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4. Statement of Key Outcomes and Activities (group into major areas of responsibility/activity
and list in descending order of importance - continue on next page)
4.1Assists with the provision of professional high quality patient care within
the ward/unit/service aimed at improving patient health outcomes through:
4.1.1 Improving nursing/midwifery and patient care procedures and practices
by;
Providing proficient clinical nursing care and/or individual case management to
mental health patients/clients in all clinical areas;
Assessing mental health patients/clients needs, planning, implementing and
coordinating appropriate service delivery options and communicating changes in
condition and care;
Overseeing the provision of nursing care within teams or units where mental health
patients/clients are located in the hospital;
Providing health education, counselling and rehabilitation programs to improve the
health outcomes of individual mental health patients/clients or groups;
Planning and coordinating services including those of other disciplines or agencies
as required to meet individual and/or group mental health care needs;
 Developing new and strengthening existing partnerships between the community,
consumers, carers, hospital based Medical and Nursing staff and the South East
Regional Mental Health Team and key stakeholders;
Monitoring client care plans and participating in clinical auditing and/or evaluative
research to ensure appropriate mental health patient/client care outcomes are
achieved on a daily basis;
 Ensuring a high quality, effective mental health service that results in positive,
measurable outcomes for consumers;
Integrating advanced theoretical knowledge, evidence from a range of sources and
own experience to devise and achieve agreed mental health patient/client care
outcomes;
Demonstrating and promoting a risk minimisation approach to practice and
supporting implementation and maintenance of systems to protect mental health
patients/clients and staff;
Working within and promoting a nursing model of client centred care and support
for self determination in life processes
 Participating in ensuring that appropriate standards of service are maintained
through active participation in Nursing Research and Quality Improvement Program
that includes a variety of outcome measures to ensure best practice
 Enhancing the implementation of mental health promotion, prevention and early
intervention programs.
 Improving access to mental health care across all clinical areas and ensuring
continuity of mental health service provision.
 Collecting required data to evaluate clinical service effectiveness
 Being involved in the development, implementation and review of team policies.
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4. Statement of Key Outcomes and Activities (contd)
4.1.2 Providing comprehensive mental health assessment and care to people
presenting to the Emergency Department by:
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Undertaking initial assessment, including risk assessment of all people referred to
the Emergency Department for mental health assessment/intervention
Working collaboratively with patients/clients and their families/carers and other
community services/agencies to provide crisis intervention and short-term
management
Facilitating the development of management plans for patients/clients awaiting
admission in liaison with the Clinical Nurse Consultant – Mental Health
Expeditiously facilitating the Staff Medical Officer’s admissions to acute inpatient
services as required and liaising with inpatient units on matters relating to the
clinical background and suggested management plans for people being referred
for admission
Planning early intervention strategies and arranging post discharge follow up
Advocating on a patient’s/client's behalf in order that they may access relevant
community services
Making recommendations to the Staff Medical Officers regarding non-detained
clients who may be referred to other services
Promoting access and equity of services for people for Indigenous and nonEnglish speaking backgrounds and engaging the participation of a professional
interpreter to facilitate communication if required
Providing services that are culturally sensitive to the needs of people and enables
them to make decisions concerning their mental health
Demonstrates the ability to problem solve and to communicate effectively with all
members of multi disciplinary health team, mental health patients/clients and their
families
4.1.3 Contributing to the human resource management of the unit/service by.
Acting to resolve local and/or immediate nursing care or service delivery problems;
Supporting change management processes;
Contributing to communication processes that effectively deal with challenging
behaviours and the resolution of conflicts;
4.2 Contributes to the achievement of nursing best practice and where relevant
facilitates the development and application of relevant nursing research by;
Working within a local nursing leadership team to attain consistency of
nursing practice standards and local service outcomes;
Participating in clinical teaching, overseeing learning experiences, and goal setting
for students, new staff and staff with less experience;
Acting as a resource person within an area based on knowledge, experience and
skills;
4.3 Contributes to the achievement of professional expertise through the
maintenance of ongoing personal professional development/continuing
education by :
Managing own professional development activities and portfolio, support the
development of others and contribute to learning in the work area.
4.4 Contributes to the leadership of the unit/service through undertaking an
Associate Coordinator (Mental Health Consultation Liaison Nurse) portfolio by:
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Promoting continuity and consistency of care in collaboration with other Associate
Clinical Service Coordinators (Mental Health Consultation Liasion Nurses) and the
Clinical Service Coordinator –Mental Health;
Assisting the Clinical Service Coordinator – Mental Health in ongoing
communication and implementation of practice changes;
Assisting the Clinical Service Coordinator – Mental Health to maintain and record
monitoring and evaluative research activities in the wards/units where mental health
clients may be located;
Assisting the Clinical Service Coordinator – Mental Health and Nursing/Midwifery
Educators to maintain a learning culture by encouraging reflection and professional
development and assisting others to maintain portfolios/records of learning;
Assist the Clinical Service Coordinator- Mental Health, as required, in undertaking
performance management processes and/or rostering and/or oversight of supplies
and/or equipment;.
 Maintaining and disseminating current information about the wider mental health
system;
 Maintaining and disseminating information about community service agencies and
the services that they provide;
 Providing advice for management of acute crisis in the area for both psychiatric and
drug and alcohol affected patients/clients;
 Providing mental health specific expertise to assist in the planning and coordination
of care for people with identified mental health needs in all clinical areas;
 Being actively involved in the formulation, review and supervision of mental health
patients/clients management plans and contributing towards their attainment;
 Participating in the planning and facilitating of staff development sessions in all
clinical areas.
4.5 General Requirements
Safe Practice and Environment:
Responsible and accountable for providing employees under their
supervision and control with a safe and healthy working environment free
from discrimination by;
 Functioning in accordance with Nurses Board of South Australia regulations
and complies with legislation and regulations applying to nursing and patient
related activities.
 Demonstrating and maintaining a satisfactory knowledge for safe practice by
assessing own performance and identifying own learning needs.
 Taking responsibility for their own health, safety and welfare, and taking
reasonable care to avoid adversely affecting the health, safety and welfare of
any other person through any actions in the workplace
 Participating in team meetings, and reading and listening to relevant
information
 Participating in the consultation process
 Following OHS&W Policy and procedures, and using safe work practices to
maintain safe working conditions..
 Reporting and investigating all incidents, accidents and near misses, using
the appropriate forms, and, in consultation with the Occupational Health and
Safety Representative, ensuring preventative actions are identified and
implemented. to avoid, reduce or eliminate identified hazards
 Reporting on a monthly basis to their relevant Manager all incidents and the
outcomes of the investigation
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Using, and ensuring all staff make proper use of all safeguards, safety
devices and personal protective equipment, and ensure all staff comply with
health and safety practices
Carrying out any reasonable instruction in relation to health and safety in the
workplace
Being familiar with fire and emergency procedures
Consult with the appropriate OHS Representative, as appropriate, when
changes are planned which may affect the health, safety or welfare of
employees.
Ensuring that you do not interfere, or cause another employee to interfere
with, remove, displace or render ineffective any safeguard, safety device,
personal protective equipment or other appliance provided for the health and
safety of employees, except when necessary as part of an approved
maintenance, repair or emergency procedure
Ensuring all staff have a working knowledge and understanding of their
Occupational Health Safety & Welfare requirements and responsibilities
Participating in the development, implementation and review of OHS&W
policy, procedure, work instructions and standard operating procedures
Ensuring the implementation of the Occupational Health Safety & Welfare
Program, including the implementation, review and update of action plans as
required
Participation in workplace inspections, and audits for their department, in
consultation with the Occupational Health Safety & Welfare Representative
Ensure standards of housekeeping are met and maintained
Developing and reviewing key performance indicators for their area of
responsibility
Actively participate in the rehabilitation of injured workers and in the
identification of modified duties as required
Professional Development:
Contributing to an environment where professional collaboration is
fostered by: Functioning in accordance with Nurses Board of South Australia regulations
and complies with legislation and regulations applying to nursing and patient
related activities.
 Demonstrating ongoing commitment to personal and professional
development.
 Representing the nursing profession in all interactions with other consumer
and provider groups.
 Practicing within the confines of the professions legal ethical and competency
standards.
 Remaining informed about current nursing practise, and research in nursing
and health care.
 Evaluating own practice through annual performance planning and review
 Maintaining confidentially as stated in Section 64 (1) of the South Australian
Health Commission Act 1976
 Practicing in accordance with the philosophy, objectives, policies and
procedures of the Mount Gambier & Districts Health Service Inc.
 Functioning in accordance with all legislation affecting the Mount Gambier &
Districts Health Service Inc and professional bodies
 Maintaining current professional knowledge and skills for management
competency
 Being an effective role model for staff
 Practicing within own abilities and qualifications
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Ensuring that appropriate standards of service are maintained through active
participation in Quality Improvement programs
Contributing to the well-being of people in South Australia through
participation in Counter Disaster activities including attendance, as required,
at training programs and exercises to develop the necessary skills required to
participate in responses in the event of a disaster and/or major incident.
Contributing to the promotion and implementation of the General Public
Sector management aims, personnel management standards and employee
conduct standards and in particular Equal Opportunity and Occupational
Health Safety and Welfare by adhering to the provisions of relevant legislative
requirements such as:
- Delegations of Authority
- Disability Discrimination Act
- Privacy Act 1988
- Freedom of Information Act 1982
- SA Information Privacy Principles
- Code of Conduct for Public Employees
- Code of Conduct for Mount Gambier & Districts Health Service
Employees
- Code of Fair Information Practice
Approved by Line Manager: _________________________ ___/___/___
Acknowledged by Occupant: _________________________ ___/___/___
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PERSON SPECIFICATION
ESSENTIAL MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS (Those characteristics considered
absolutely necessary)
PLEASE NOTE:
It is recommended that a Maximum of 15 criteria only (in total) be included in this
section (ie the number of Essential and Desirable criteria combined should not
exceed 15).
Educational/Vocational Qualifications (include only those listed in
Commissioner’s Standard 2, Attachment C as an essential qualification for the
specified classification group)
 Registered or eligible for registration as a General Nurse and a Mental
Health Nurse by the Nurses Board of South Australia and who holds, or who
is eligible to hold, a current practicing certificate
Personal Abilities/Aptitudes/Skills: (related to the job description and expressed in a way
which allows objective assessment):
Ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary team, carers and other
agencies/community services.
Proven advanced skills in bio-psychosocial assessment, including mental state
examination
 Proven advanced skills in the management of people in the acute phase of mental
illness
 Effective communication, conflict resolution and negotiation skills.
 Advanced skills in communication/crisis intervention for people in psychosocial
crisis
 Proven advanced skills in coordinating comprehensive care for people who have
complex needs
 Proven ability to make clinical decisions through problem solving and developing
appropriate strategies
Experience
Registered Nurse/Mental Health Nurse with at least 3 years post registration
experience or currently classified as a Clinical Nurse.
Demonstrated competence/experience in an acute mental health service in
accordance with the appropriate standards of practice.
 Experience in management and leadership roles including supervision of student
nurses, enrolled nurses and less experienced registered nurses.
 Demonstrated experience in direct patient care, including acute mental state
assessment, planning, intervention and evaluation
 Proven successful participation in a multidisciplinary environment
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Knowledge
Understanding of the requirements of the Nurses Act 1999 and a sound general
knowledge of the South Australian Mental Health Act, and the Guardianship and
Administration Act
Comprehensive understanding of the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Council
(ANMC) National Competencies for the Registered and Enrolled Nurse and Midwifes
in Recommended Domains.
Knowledge and understanding of the ANMC Code of Professional Conduct for
Nurses/Midwifes in Australia (2003) and the Commissioner for Public Employment
Code of Conduct for Public Employees.
Knowledge and understanding of legislative responsibilities for OHS&W, Workers
Compensation and Rehabilitation and Equal Opportunity.
Knowledge of Quality Improvement Systems as applied to a hospital setting.
 Proven knowledge and understanding of contemporary mental health issues
 Demonstrated sound understanding of psychiatric diagnostic formulations and
medication management, including knowledge of medications
 Proven understanding of the mental health problems associated with substance
abuse
 Demonstrated awareness of cultural diversity issues, including those of
Indigenous Australians, and what services are available to minority groups
 Proven general knowledge of community services and agencies and their roles
 Proven knowledge of current National Mental Health Plan
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DESIRABLE CHARACTERISTICS (To distinguish between applicants who have met all
essential requirements)
Educational/Vocational Qualifications ((include only those listed in
Commissioner’s Standard 2, Attachment C, as an essential qualification for the
specified classification group)
Where applicable, qualifications relevant to practice setting.
Tertiary qualifications in mental health nursing or human services related discipline.
Personal Abilities/Aptitudes/Skills: (related to the job description and expressed in
a way which allows objective assessment):
Ability to work within a team framework that fosters an environment that develops
staff potential.
Skills in using computers and software relevant to the area of practice.
 Ability to identify and focus on current critical issues when working with people in
crisis
Experience
Experience with quality improvement activities.
Experience in applying evidence based practice to mental health nursing.
 Experience in short-term therapeutic models
 Experience in a community mental health setting
Knowledge
Knowledge of the South Australian Public Health System.
Knowledge of contemporary professional mental health nursing issues.
Other Details:
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COMMITMENT TO WORKPLACE VALUES
The Department of Health values have an influence on the people we employ
Every organisation has values that govern the way people are treated and the
way decisions are made. The Department’s Strategic Plan identifies the values
that guide our behaviours. These behaviours apply to all employees and
govern the way people in the organisation are treated, the way decisions are
made and how we provide our services.
These values are used in day to day communication and interaction between all
employees and are linked to the whole of government Code of Conduct,
Performance Development, Job and Person Specifications and Department of Health
Employment Conditions.
Department of Health Organisational Values are:
Honesty
We show honesty by speaking truthfully, within the boundaries of confidentiality. This
is shown in our dealings within the Department and with our consumers and partners
by: saying what we mean and meaning what we say, keeping our promises, telling the
truth tactfully, providing honest feedback and answers and admitting to mistakes.
Respect
We show respect by speaking and acting with courtesy. We treat others with dignity
and use culturally appropriate ways of communicating. This is shown in our dealings
within the Department and with our consumers and partners by: treating everyone
fairly, communicating so people can understand, listening to others, and seeking and
providing feedback.
Integrity
We show integrity by honouring our values and the rules of our department,
government and nation. This is shown in our dealings within the department and with
our consumers and partners by: doing the right thing, abiding by the values, standing
up for what we believe in, and taking responsibility for our mistakes.
I ___________________________________ have the ability and commitment to
behave consistently with the stated values of the Department of Health.
__________________________________
Signature
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Please complete and return attached to your application to the nominated person
“The right people with the right skills in the right place at the right time”
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