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Mission Statement The psychology department aims to respect and work to promote the rights and dignity of people with special needs/disability. Psychologists shall work with individuals with special needs, their families and staff to assist them in identifying their own strengths and abilities, and assist individuals with disability to achieve their full potential, have a positive quality of life and become valued members of society. Structure of the Department The Department comprises of a Principal Clinical Psychologist (part-time) and a Senior Psychologist (full-time), a Basic Grade Psychologist and an Assistant Psychologist. We anticipate the need to develop the Department further to address current unmet need and new service developments. Role of Psychologist Members of the psychology department aim to provide a high quality service to individuals with disability and their families. Psychologists are an autonomous profession who work in the context of multi-disciplinary teams. We work to assist individuals with disability achieve their full potential, whilst doing so we are mindful of the following core principles: (a) Service delivery must at all times be guided by research and best practice and informed by our Code of Professional Ethics. (b) All individuals are unique and planning needs to be based on a model of each individual’s strengths and abilities. (c) Quality services are developed by working in collaboration with individuals with disabilities, their families and staff. (d) Commitment to continuous professional development. The psychologist’s role encompasses varying levels and ranges of input with students, their families, and the organisation and external bodies, to include: Direct contact e.g. assessment, intervention, group work, behavioural intervention Consultation with staff, families, organisation. It may be directly related to specific client and also may focus on general issues such as policy and procedures. Organisational development e.g. staff training, service development, working groups/committee’s. Research and evaluation i.e. to identify service needs and evaluate outcomes for students. Locations A psychological service is provided in the following locations: Early Services St. Catherine's Pre-School St. Catherine's Special National School which is in three locations, Kilmullen Lane, EDC Newcastle and Barnacoyle House. Respite and Residential Services Referrals St. Catherine's Service receives referrals for new clients from G.P’s, Area Medical Officers, Public Health Nurses, Paediatricians, Parents and Psychologists. New referrals are sent to the manager of each service area and are then considered by the multi-disciplinary team of which the psychologist is a member. Internal referrals to the Psychology Department are received from managers of departments, managers of services and parents. Standard referral forms are available from the department. Prioritisation of new referrals takes place where a waiting list is in operation. How to Contact Us Psychology Department Secretary Phone: (00353) (0) 1 2819485 ext 2 Fax: (00353) (0) 1 2811398 Email: info@stcatherines.ie