As part of this mahi, CAMHS explored the possibility of employing a Clinical Coach, a role designed to support orientation and induction of staff new to working in the CAMHS sector. Earlier this year allied health clinician Fionn McKenzie was appointed to the role on a fixed-term secondment, working across CAMHS teams to provide proactive support.
In their role as Clinical Coach, Fionn acts as a mentor, provides guidance, and identifies development needs to support new staff as they grow into their role. They promote person centred, evidence-based practice and provide opportunities for the modelling of clinical decision-making. They are available to provide guidance and support, which lessens the load of other members of the team.
“Many new graduates will need to gain additional skills and knowledge to be confident CAMHS clinicians – and this role will support team leaders to feel more confident about employing new graduates or clinicians with no CAMHS experience, knowing they will have additional support to develop their skills when they start,” says Fionn.
“We want a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we work with,” says Operations Manager of Younger Persons’ Mental Health and Addiction, Clarissa Ventress. “The Clinical Coach supports this by identifying training needs and opportunities for new staff. We want to make sure all our staff feel confident working with young people whānau and particularly with priority populations, such as Māori, Pacific Peoples, and the rainbow community.”
