Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS)
Port of Spain
Job Description
<p>This officer will be required to assess, diagnose, report and treat with mental illness and psychological problems. The officer should be able to administer, score, interpret and report on psychological tests of intelligence, academics, personality, aptitude, performance, behaviour and other areas of mental health and overall well-being.&nbsp; In addition, the officer should be able to address human problems from the range of psychotherapies that has been shown to be effective in treatment, care and management of mental health issues and respond to various crises arising amongst police officers and civilian staff.&nbsp; The officer is required to assist in managing the overall psychosocial and psychological needs of persons referred to the Social Work Unit.</p>
Key and Critical Responsibilities
<ul><li>Assesses clients' needs, abilities or behaviour using a variety of methods, including, but not limited to, psychometric tests, interviews and direct observation of behaviour.</li><li>Works alongside a multidisciplinary team of providers including social workers, counsellors, psychiatrists, nurses, doctors, education professionals, health visitors, occupational therapists and related providers</li><li>Prepares psychological reports and referrals to psychiatrists.</li><li>Prepares summary reports for consultants and other stakeholders as needed.</li><li>Reports on the clinical operations of the unit as required.</li><li>Assists in providing clinical individual and group guidance to team members within the Unit and to the wider organization as needed.&nbsp;</li><li>Aides in the development of policies and plans for operationalization within the unit.&nbsp;</li><li>Assists with the development of social services delivery policies and procedures along with accompanying processes to guide the efficient and effective operations of the Unit.</li><li>Engages in outreach activities of the unit which may occur outside regular working hours.</li><li>Designs, executes and monitors appropriate programmes of treatment, including therapy, counselling and psychosocial support for clients, in collaboration with colleagues.</li><li>&nbsp;Provides therapy and treatment for mental health problems such as, but not limited to, anxiety, depression, psychosis, addiction, interpersonal problems and other challenging behaviours.</li><li>Develops and evaluates service provision for clients.&nbsp;</li><li>Represents the unit in response to crises.</li><li>Acts as the clinical lead for crises intervention teams as required.&nbsp;</li><li>Conducts visits to employees and their families to render psychological assistance.</li><li>Conducts visits to stakeholders related to the care of clients such as hospitals, schools and other establishments.</li><li>Represents the Unit at funerals of deceased staff (sworn and unsworn officers) or their immediate relatives with the aim of providing support.</li><li>Performs duties on the Unit's hotline phone outside of office hours.&nbsp;</li><li>Undertakes research, adding to the evidenced-based practice of the Unit in a variety of areas.&nbsp;</li><li>Acts as an expert witness in court and prepares reports for submission to court in a timely manner.&nbsp;</li><li>Examines the relationships or patterns of behaviour of a child/adult between events, and uses this information when testing theories in the treatment of the child/adult.&nbsp;</li><li>Liaises with professionals external to the Social Work Unit on matters relating to clients, if further specialized assessments are needed.</li><li>Ensures that matters referred to the Unit are treated with the highest level of integrity and confidentiality.</li><li>Attends weekly case conferences within the Unit to discuss challenges, identify solutions in order to maintain service delivery standards, and ensure the continuous development of staff.&nbsp;</li><li>Compiles and provides statistical information monthly, quarterly, annually, and as requested by supervisor.</li><li>Ensures files are created and maintained for each client and information is entered in the database.</li><li>Required to work on evenings, weekends and public holidays as needed.</li><li>Performs related work as may be required.</li><li><br></li></ul>
Key Competency
<p><b>KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES;</b></p><p><b>KNOWLEDGE:</b></p><ul><li>Sound knowledge of the Diagnostic Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) 5-TR or the updated version of the mental health components of International Classification of Diseases (ICD).</li><li>Appreciation of the issues impacting police officers in Trinidad and Tobago.</li><li>Knowledge of social problems and cultural norms in Trinidad and Tobago.</li><li>Demonstrated understanding of the needs of both adult and child client populations when devising and implementing treatment.&nbsp;</li><li>Knowledge of trends and changes in the global environment that relate to police officers.</li></ul><p><span style="letter-spacing: 0.4px;"><br></span></p><p><span style="letter-spacing: 0.4px;"><b>SKILLS AND ABILITIES:</b></span></p><ul><li><span style="letter-spacing: 0.4px;">Excellent observation, analytical and problem-solving skills.&nbsp;</span></li><li>Good team working skills.</li><li>Ability to relate to and empathize with varied demographics.</li><li>Ability to cope with emotionally demanding situations.&nbsp;</li><li>Ability to establish and maintain clear boundaries between self and clients even in highly emotional situations.</li><li>Excellent communication, listening and interviewing skills.</li><li>Skilled in the use of assessment tools and intervention strategies for both child and adult populations.</li><li>Ability to engage with clients in a non-punitive way and maintains positive and respectful interactions.</li><li>Ability to work with individuals in crisis situations - both adults and children.</li><li>Ability to perform a supportive role in ensuring appropriate service delivery.</li><li>Excellent case conferencing capability.&nbsp;</li><li>Ability to observe and maintain the highest level of confidentiality in an environment which requires integrity.</li><li>Must demonstrate tact, diplomacy, appropriate judgement and creative problem solving skills.</li><li>Ability to prepare and analyze comprehensive reports, and make recommendations.&nbsp;</li><li>Proficiency of English language (verbal and written), with the demonstrated ability to express ideas clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.</li><li>Ability to use the current edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) for the purpose of diagnosis and treatment.</li><li>Proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office Suite.</li><li>Ability to function in a stress-related environment.</li></ul><p><br></p><ul><li><b style="letter-spacing: 0.4px;">MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING:</b></li></ul><ul><li>Master's in Clinical Psychology, Counselling Psychology, Forensic Psychology or any related field.</li><li>A minimum of four (4) years' post Master's experience operating as a Psychologist.</li><li>Training at the doctoral level will be an asset.</li><li>Experience working in an EAP setting will be an asset.</li><li>Familiarity working with psychiatrists will be an asset.</li><li>Proficiency in conducting psychological evaluations.</li><li>Knowledge of Mental Health legislations and an undertaking of responsibilities entailing psychology work in court proceedings is expected.</li><li>Up to date registration with the Trinidad and Tobago Association of Psychologists or another recognized association of Psychologists.</li><li>Any other equivalent combination of training and experience will be considered.</li></ul>