HSE to recruit 114 assistant psychologists for primary care

The Black Oil

As primary care services are usually the first point of contact for children and adolescents when problems initially present, those with mild to moderate presentations are seen by psychologists in the service, unless there is a significant risk of harm, a rapid deterioration or a crisis which requires a specialist response. In order to develop early intervention services for those under 18 years of age, €5 million has been allocated to include the recruitment of 114 assistant psychologists in primary care. These posts have been sanctioned for recruitment. Despite the challenges outlined, I am satisfied that significant efforts are under way to develop all aspects of CAMHS. I am continuously liaising with the HSE on the implementation of its service plan priorities for this service.

Response to a parliamentary question by former Junior Minister for State for Mental Health, Helen McEntee (now moved to a Brexit role).

Source - Oireachtas.ie

Afaik, no details of the recruitment process yet. Budding psychologists, this is your chance.

The Black Oil

Anyone know where these posts tend to be advertised, btw?

[Deleted User]

Anyone any update on this? If not can anyone tell me where assistant psychologist jobs are advertised? I have looked online - HSE, etc - and cannot find any advertised. Thanks.

Jimmy Bottlehead

[Deleted User] wrote: »

Anyone any update on this? If not can anyone tell me where assistant psychologist jobs are advertised? I have looked online - HSE, etc - and cannot find any advertised. Thanks.

They were advertised back in October last year, interviews were in November if I remember correctly.

[Deleted User]

Jimmy Bottlehead wrote: »

They were advertised back in October last year, interviews were in November if I remember correctly.

Ah thank you. Do you know what site they were advertised on just for future reference?

Jimmy Bottlehead

I believe it was the HSE Jobs website?

[Deleted User]

Jimmy Bottlehead wrote: »

I believe it was the HSE Jobs website?

Thanks so much for that I will keep an eye on that for the future.

The Black Oil

Press release confirming the roles have been (mostly) filled.

Minister with Special Responsibility for Mental Health and Older People, Jim Daly TD, today confirmed that a recently launched recruitment process for the appointment of 114 Assistant Psychologist posts and 20 Psychologist posts in Primary Care is nearing completion, and that almost all posts have now been filled.

These posts are being supported from dedicated funding of €5m and are delivering on the Government’s commitment to develop early intervention mental health services for those under 18.

~

The HSE is also examining the scope for improved ways of working through a Service Improvement Initiative for Counselling in Primary Care. This will include standardised psychology protocols, consolidated contact points for referrals and providing assistance for users in accessing specialist health services. Other options to tackle waiting lists are also being pursued, including a computerised cognitive behavioural therapy programme. This programme utilises new technologies, delivering supports through weekly sessions based around a computer, with a healthcare professional as support.

susmac

The Black Oil wrote: »

Press release confirming the roles have been (mostly) filled.

I wonder if there is any awareness of the vastly different and seemingly completely unstandardised roles that these new APs are actually undertaking. Some appear to be completing really useful work and others left to complete useless administrative duties as their senior colleagues do not have the time and/ or interest to utilise their time and skills fully.
I also wonder what the reaction would be if the general public knew the ridiculous 'panel' recruitment process for the HSE, and what that would do for consumer confidence...