Reclassification of Specialist and Senior Specialist Psychologists - Public Service Association

Reclassification of Specialist and Senior Specialist Psychologists

The PSA is aware that the Reclassification Committee will meet on 27 October 2021 and interview applicants. We also understand that psychologists who wish to apply for reclassification to Specialist or Senior Specialist must do so before close of business 6 October 2021.

The Crown Employees (Psychologists) Award at clause 3 states:

SENIOR SPECIALIST PSYCHOLOGIST

In addition to performing the work of a Specialist Psychologist, a Senior Specialist Psychologist shall have the following characteristics:

EDUCATION, TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE

Full registration as a psychologist in Australia with the PsyBA/AHPRA.

Must possess a post-graduate degree at the masters level or higher in a specialist area deemed relevant by the employing Department including, but not limited to, Clinical Psychology, Clinical Neuropsychology, Counselling Psychology, and Forensic Psychology. The post graduate degree must include components of professional training and supervised experience and must be of at least 2 years full time duration or its equivalent; or

Education, training and experience deemed by the Department to be equivalent (for example as signified by membership of a relevant APS College such as Clinical Psychology, Clinical Neuropsychology, Counselling Psychology, Forensic Psychology).

Extensive experience as a Specialist Psychologist or other relevant work experience deemed equivalent by the Division Head.

Despite the inclusion of education, training and experience, or relevant work experience as alternatives to a relevant masters degree, members have advised that CSNSW will only consider candidates with a masters degree for reclassification. This is a clear Award breach.

The PSA has written to CSNSW in relation to this. We have advised CSNSW that the PSA wishes to resolve this matter outside the NSW Industrial Relations Commission (IRC). Accordingly, the PSA requested that CSNSW advise all psychologists within CSNSW of their full entitlements regarding reclassification under the Award as soon as possible.

Additionally, the PSA has requested that CSNSW, in light of the incorrect information issued to psychologists, extend the time frame for applications to be accepted by at least one month. If a resolution cannot be reached, the PSA will file a dispute at the NSW Industrial Relations Commission to enforce the entitlements of members under the Award.

Your PSA Industrial Staff are:

Chris Auld – Organiser

Monika Wunderlin – Industrial Officer

For assistance with any individual matter, please contact the Member Support Centre in the first instance on 1300 772 679.

 

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