The Maribyrnong Sports Academy seeks a Psychologist with experience and/or an understanding of athletes and sports performance environments. The role includes one-on-one support for high level student-athletes in Years 11 & 12, working with sport coaches regarding specific education and/or interventions required for various sports, and consideration of the overall MSA environment to identify and influence areas for improvement. It is envisaged that the work will have a greater focus on sport performance related issues, however the link between sport performance and mental health is recognised.
Attendance for this position is 2.5 days per week, days and times are negotiable
RESPONSIBILITIES
- One on one counselling sessions with selected Year 11 & 12 student-athletes.
- Group workshops & education with sport groups or targeted populations delivered in context wherever possible as required by Head Coaches.
- Support & professional development of coaches.
- Contribute to curriculum development for HPP Teacher delivery (deliver specific content on occasion where required).
- Responsible for initiatives to develop and improve performance, culture & environment.
- Provide effective triage for student-athletes presenting with mental health concerns.
- Develop & deliver resources for parent support & education.
- To be the Performance Services representative on two Inter-disciplinary Teams (Teams are being established for each sport in the MSA Program).
- Keep appropriate records, and maintain ethical standards as required of a psychologist.
- Maintain professional competence and continued professional learning, including attending professional development activities throughout the year.
- Work collaboratively with the school to contribute to policies and operational practices that will guide the work of others, including other school wellbeing staff and teachers.
- Meet relevant policies and legislative requirements in relation to student health information privacy.
- That twice per term the Performance Services staff provide a report summarising the work completed and any consistent themes or challenges emerging (this will allow common themes to be identified and addressed as required).
- Contribute as part of the MSA Wellbeing Team (depending on the qualifications and experience of the MSA appointment Psychologists, one of them may be required to lead the Wellbeing Team to be negotiated with the successful applicants).
SELECTION CRITERIA
- Ability to develop and deliver a Performance Psychology consultation service within an emerging athlete pathway or education setting.
- Sound interpersonal and professional skills related to dealing with student-athletes from widely diverse age groups and sports.
- The ability to meet competing demands through effective prioritization in a results-oriented environment is also desired
- An ability to work as part of the broader MSA team to ensure a holistic and complementary experience for all student-athletes.
- Exemplary values pertaining to personal qualities of objectivity, sensitivity, and integrity.
Applicants must have:
- An appropriate postgraduate degree in Psychology, majoring Sports Psychology or similar study area.
- Demonstrated direct counselling experience.
- Experience working with emerging and/or elite athletes across a number of individual and team sports.
- A current 'Employee' Working with Children Check.
- Current Registration as a Psychologist with AHPRA.
Desirable
- Endorsement/Accreditation as a Sport Psychologist.
- Experience in working within an Institute/Academy or professional sporting organisation.
- Experience and success in delivering an education program in Performance Psychology to an emerging student-athlete population.
