Assesses patients' mental and physical status to determine the nature and extent of mental, emotional and behavioural disorders; assesses patients' medical, psychiatric and psychological histories; examines patients to determine general physical condition; orders laboratory tests, imaging, neuropsychological tests and other diagnostic procedures; examines the results of tests and examinations to determine the most appropriate forms of treatment; prescribes and administers medication, psychotherapy, and other physical treatments and rehabilitation programs; arranges admission to hospitals and provides in-patient treatment; consults, supervises and works with other medical practitioners and health professionals; determines whether patients require involuntary treatment in accordance with relevant mental health acts; assists courts and other statutory bodies in managing patients in legal and forensic settings; teaches medical students and registrars, and assesses their progress by administering tests.

• Works indoors in public and private hospitals, government departments, universities and private practices.
• Works in adequately heated, lit, ventilated and clean, well maintained workspaces.

• Sedentary physical demand.
• Sits to meet with clients or at computers when preparing or writing reports.
• Occasionally stands and walks around the workspace, especially if based in a hospital and checking patients on wards.
• Lifting, carrying or pulling is not a significant component of the job.
• There is occasional to frequent repetitive hand and finger movements required when using a computer or when writing.
• There is frequent use of hand tools and office equipment including computers, writing and testing tools.
• Mental skills necessary include a high level of cognitive functioning with verbal and written communication, interpersonal, administration, assessment, behavioural information gathering, analysis and evaluation, research, report writing, organisational, problem solving and decision-making capabilities.

• A relevant tertiary qualification (ANZSCO Skill Level 1). In some instances particular experience and/or on-the-job training may be required.
• Registration or licensing is required.

There are opportunities for flexibility of movement.