Role: Forensic Clinical Specialist

How long have you worked for Barwon Health? 4 years

When I was considering working at Barwon Health, I was attracted to the opportunity of taking on a senior forensic mental health role that wasn’t available elsewhere. Compared to working in the private sector, this role had several financial benefits, including generous leave entitlements, salary sacrificing, and networking opportunities with experienced peers. Throughout my career at Barwon Health, I have remained in the same role, which provides me with an excellent balance between clinical work and leadership responsibilities. Barwon Health has been supportive of my career development by offering time for essential training and networking with my state-wide peers. Additionally, Barwon Health has provided opportunities for me to train in clinical supervision and to provide supervision to junior staff. I enjoy the diversity of my role, as no two days are the same. I work across inpatient and outpatient settings, with other government organisations such as Prisons/Corrections, and have the opportunity to work with some of the most challenging and complex mental health consumers in our region. Compared to other healthcare services, I believe the lifestyle at Barwon Health is different. We are close to many fantastic things in this region, and I don’t think other areas can compete with what we have locally.

Role: Neuropsychologist

How long have you worked for Barwon Health? 15 years

I was attracted to working at Barwon Health because of my upbringing in the countryside, which influenced my desire to work for a regional health service. Barwon Health’s location allowed me to enjoy a country and coastal lifestyle. Throughout my career at Barwon Health, I have worked with many services and client groups across the lifespan, from paediatrics to older adults. I have pursued short-term and long-term opportunities over the years in inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation, psychiatry, dementia diagnosis, and presently oncology. Barwon Health has supported my career development by providing me with a large team of clinical and neuropsychologists, which offers plenty of opportunities to learn from others through formal and informal supervision arrangements. Being part of a regional health service has enabled me to gain broad experience while also specialising in areas of interest. One of the things I enjoy the most about my role is working to support clients and their families through challenging times in their lives, which is a privilege and often a source of inspiration. Working at Barwon Health is different from other healthcare services because it provides opportunities to gain experience across a broad range of services and client groups while being part of a large, supportive psychology team. Additionally, you can’t beat the Geelong region for lifestyle!

Role: Neuropsychologist

How long have you worked for Barwon Health? 5 years

 When I was considering a job at Barwon Health, I had completed two of my four placements there and felt extremely supported. I was particularly drawn to the culture and values of the organisation, which created a unique sense of community in the region. Since then, my career journey at Barwon Health has been extensive. I started as an intern in the Cognitive Dementia and Memory Service (CDAMS), then progressed to a permanent registrar position when the opportunity arose. Over the years, I’ve also worked in inpatient and community rehabilitation, as well as the aged psychiatry service. Throughout my time with Barwon Health, I have received exceptional support in terms of professional development, with opportunities to attend international conferences and local workshops, and receive regular supervision. One of the things I enjoy the most about my role is working with colleagues who share the same passion for client outcomes, and hearing inspiring stories from our clients. I feel that Barwon Health provides a unique opportunity to be a part of a community and healthcare service that is invested in providing the best possible care to people at different stages of their lives.

Role: Clinical psychologist – autism assessment team (CAMHS)

How long have you worked for Barwon Health? Since October 2016

 When I was considering working at Barwon Health, I was attracted to its reputation as a well-respected employer in the region. I knew that by joining the team here, I would have the opportunity to work alongside experienced clinicians and be exposed to a variety of different roles. My career journey at Barwon Health started at Jigsaw Youth Mental Health service, and I also spent time at the child and youth mental health phone triage. After taking maternity leave, I returned to Child and Youth Triage, responding to referrals for young people aged 0-25 and acute mental health calls. In 2021, I transitioned to the autism assessment team at the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS). Throughout my time at Barwon Health, I have been encouraged to attend external training, apply for different roles with the support of various managers, and receive specific training in autism assessment and diagnosis for my current role. What I enjoy most about my role is working with a team of skilled, reflective, and caring clinicians, collaborating and sharing knowledge and experience, as well as helping families through the process of understanding their child’s challenges and getting a diagnosis. As a regional service, Barwon Health provides a diverse range of clients from town, beach, and country areas, and I feel valued for my clinical skills and supported to develop them further.