Featured Job: July 2018

Dr Mark Quinn is Head of Psychology Department Cork and Psychology Head of Discipline Kerry for Brothers of Charity Southern Services. They are advertising posts in both Kerry and Cork.

'For five years, during the recession, we had reduced funding for our services, and it was a particular challenge to maintain the high standards of service that we had developed. But we see the impact of early intervention programmes for children in reducing the likelihood of the development of more complex problems in later life. It is a real high to see adults lead lives with reduced restrictions and more opportunities for a quality life through employment and accommodation. Our service aims to support individuals with disabilities to lead a life as full as possible, on their own terms. It is an honour to be part of this drive.'

'The posts in Kerry have all been reconfigured under the national Progressing Disability Services initiative. This process has streamlined and revitalised services. They are accessed by children and their families on a needs, rather than diagnosis basis. This has resulted in an expansion of the clinical needs met through the development of new clinical pathways. These have given opportunities for psychologists to develop, and practise new skills. These posts are based in beautiful Kerry close to the famous lakes, mountains and beaches.'

Dr Quinn says that the Cork posts offer great opportunities to work within a committed and expanding department of passionate psychologists. 'The adult senior post offers significant potential for developing leadership, research, training and supervision. The staff grade post will soon be reconfigured and provide an opportunity to work a new integrated needs-led model of service. The Cork services are located on the doorstep of vibrant Cork City and the gateway to stunning West Cork.'

What personal attributes are sought? 'Psychologists with the passion, commitment and creativity to support children and adults to live the best life possible. Warm, empathic and practical. As we work to support so many different systems – parents, teachers, support workers, residential settings – we have to be really good communicators.'

We ask about the combinations of clinical/educational and clinical/counselling for these roles. 'The complexity of the needs of the individuals we work with cannot be met by the skill set of one individual, or indeed, one specialism,' Dr Quinn replies. 'Our psychology department and the services we provide are greatly enriched by the contribution and collaboration of psychologists from the three specialisms. We practise together on a parity of esteem and competency basis. Generally, Clinical and Educational Psychologists work in our children's services and Clinical and Counselling Psychologists work in our adult services. Clinical referrals are allocated on the basis of the skills and experience of the psychologist, rather than on the basis of their primary qualification. This offers significant opportunity for professional development and support with the discipline.'

- Find the job on our Psychologist Appointments website.