The Department of Health and Community Services has introduced a new initiative to recruit and retain clinical psychologists in Newfoundland and Labrador. The incentive builds on ongoing measures to help improve mental health services and reduce wait times in the province.
A $50,000 recruitment and retention incentive is available for clinical psychologists who are currently employed by Newfoundland and Labrador Health Services or who accept employment at the health authority with a three-year return-in-service commitment.
Eligibility criteria includes health care professionals:
- Currently employed or accept employment as a clinical psychologist with NL Health Services.
- Registered and licensed, or eligible to be registered and licensed, as a clinical psychologist with the Newfoundland and Labrador Psychologist Board.
- Who have not received the Come Home Incentive.
Individual eligibility is at the discretion of NL Health Services.
The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, NL Health Services, Memorial University, the Newfoundland and Labrador Psychology Board and other stakeholders are currently working together to help address recruitment and retention of clinical psychologists and stabilize the workforce in the province.
Health care professionals interested in learning more about the opportunities to work in Newfoundland and Labrador can find more information at WorkInHealthNL.ca.
Quotes
“Clinical psychologists are vital to the health care system’s ability to provide essential mental health services. We continue to work collaboratively with our health professionals and we remain committed to ensuring we have the workforce needed to deliver these services.”
Honourable John Hogan, K.C.
Minister of Health and Community Services
“NL Health Services recognizes the important role clinical psychologists play in the health and well-being of clients, patients, and residents. We look forward to seeing the positive impact that this new incentive program will have on our recruitment and retention of clinical psychologists across the province.”
Dr. Pat Parfrey
CEO of Newfoundland and Labrador Health Services
“This incentive is a positive step toward addressing the urgent need for clinical psychologists throughout the public healthcare system in Newfoundland and Labrador. Ensuring competitive recruitment and retention strategies is essential to maintaining high-quality mental health care for our communities. The Association of Allied Health Professionals supports initiatives that strengthen our healthcare workforce, adds support to our members who are already stretched very thin and enhances access for patients of all ages to psychological services. There are high vacancy numbers that need to be addressed and workplace challenges that must be improved, however this is a great first step.”
Gord Piercey, President
Association of Allied Health Professionals
“The announcement from the Department of Health and Community Services is a welcome step in supporting clinical psychologists in our province. Clinical psychologists are a vital part of the healthcare system and with the retention and recruitment initiatives, more will be able to stay in our province to do this critical work.”
Jerry Earle, President
NAPE
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