"Part-time (0.6 FTE), 12-month fixed-term opportunity as a Research Psychologist"

The Matilda Centre for Research in Mental Health and Substance Use provides a world-first synergy of leading epidemiological, prevention, early intervention, and treatment research and translation programs in substance use and mental disorders. The Matilda Centre brings together researchers in broad fields to share skills, integrate data, and harness new technologies to shed light on the nature and understanding of substance use and mental disorders, as well as develop and trial innovative prevention, early intervention and treatment programs.

The Matilda Centre is seeking a Research Psychologist to join their current research team on an MRFF-funded clinical trial. The trial is examining the effectiveness of a novel integrated psychological therapy for adolescents and young adults aged 12 - 25 who are experiencing posttraumatic stress and using alcohol or other drugs. In this role, you will be conducting psychological evaluations and delivering cognitive behaviour therapy based on a structured treatment manual to clinical trial participants. Clinical training in the treatment protocols will be provided. The delivery will be conducted via telehealth (i.e., videoconferencing) and in person, with some travel to services required within the Greater Sydney area. The role will require an experienced and resilient psychologist with high levels of sensitivity and empathy and a detailed understanding of confidentiality and privacy requirements.

Your key responsibilities will be to:

• Conduct cognitive behaviour therapy based on a structured treatment manual and psychological assessments with adolescent and young adult participants experiencing posttraumatic stress and substance use disorders
• Assist with recruiting participants and developing referral pathways to the trial by proactively engaging with, and presenting to, health and social services providers and practitioners
• Maintain accurate and complete records of sessions (including session checklists, deviations from the treatment manual, session notes, attendance logs, assessment results) and adhere to research protocols
• Liaise with healthcare practitioners and multidisciplinary teams to optimise participant care
• Actively participate in research team meetings and engage in regular clinical supervision
• Foster open communication and collaboration within the team addressing stakeholder queries and concerns in a timely manner, while building trust within immediate work networks
• Managing scheduling of participant appointments
• Develop and review risk management strategies, monitor risk, and implement risk management strategies
• Maintain required certifications for ongoing professional practice as appropriate.

About you:

• Honours or Master's degree in psychology, with full AHPRA registration as a psychologist
• Proven experience and clinical knowledge in the assessment and treatment of trauma and substance use problems in young people using CBT
• Experience in the delivery of structured treatment manuals and working with research protocols
• Demonstrated understanding of Good Clinical Practice, regulatory, ethical, privacy, and other relevant guidelines
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills with sound negotiating and conflict resolution skills and a demonstrated level of tact and discretion in dealing with day-to-day operational matters
• Demonstrated ability to organise and prioritise workload
• Unrestricted NSW driver's license or ability to travel to sites across New South Wales.