This is a permanent, full time vacancy.

We are seeking an experienced psychologist, who is passionate and motivated to support ongoing change and enhancements in youth detention.

Relocation supports available to Interstate and New Zealand applicants.

About the role

In recognition of the unique needs of young people, Corrective Services established the Young People Directorate in mid 2024. This Directorate is responsible for providing youth justice services in the community and managing youth detention facilities. Since becoming a stand-alone directorate, the Young People Directorate have commenced the implementation of an enhanced model of care. This model reflects best practice and focuses on rehabilitation through a trauma-informed, therapeutic approach. Some initiatives under this model of care so far include:

• The establishment of the Neurodevelopmental and Mental Health Service in custody. This team works alongside Youth Justice Psychological Services and includes neuropsychologists, a psychiatrist, a speech pathologist, paediatric services and increased access to clinical nurse specialists;
• The development of a new Crisis Care Unit at Banksia Hill Detention Centre, which will offer a trauma-informed, health-led unit for particularly vulnerable young people.
• Increased focus on cultural safety and security including the creation of an Aboriginal Services Unit, establishment of an Aboriginal Elders and Leaders Cultural Mentoring program, cultural programs and activities facilitated by Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations (ACCOs). Along with co-designing a cultural security framework with one of our key partners, the Council of Aboriginal Services Western Australia (CASWA), to drive positive change for Aboriginal young people, their families, kin and the community.

The creation of the Principal Psychologist (Custody) position is one of the raft of recent initiatives introduced to enhance the care provided to young people. This position is responsible for the clinical and managerial oversight of a team of 10 psychologists (Specified Calling 2 and 3).  In addition, as a key member of the Senior Leadership Team in youth detention, the Principal Psychologist is influential in psychologically informing practices and policies to facilitate positive outcomes for young people in our care, and continue to support the implementation of the Model of Care. We are looking for applicants who are passionate about supporting positive change at an individual and systems level.

To give you a taste of Youth Detention the following links provide a picture of some of the programs and recent initiatives.

#reconciliationwa #nrw2025 #bridgingnowtonext #correctiveservices #jointhemovement #nationalreconciliationweek2025 | Department of Justice | 10 comments

Purple Hands Foundation, the charitable arm of the Fremantle Dockers, has reached out to young people in Department of Justice care at Banksia Hill Detention Centre to deliver an impactful program… | Department of Justice

Ex-detainee returns to Banksia Hill as role model | Department of Justice posted on the topic | LinkedIn

Suitability Requirements

Through the recruitment process, we will be looking for a candidate who can demonstrate skills, experience and attributes in relation to the following:

Experience - Experience in the provision of psychological services to young people in custody.

Knowledge - Applied psychological knowledge and skills at an advanced level, including psychological assessments and interventions to young people in custody. This includes an understanding of relevant legislation, culturally responsive practice, child development, trauma and trauma-informed practice, young people with complex needs, and the assessment and management of suicide and self-harm risk in custody and community settings.

Technical Skills - Inluding: Conduct complex psychological assessments and interventions, prepare high-quality psychological reports for legal, clinical and operational purposes, provide expert psychological advice regarding young offenders, apply evidence-informed practice and contemporary research to service delivery, provide professional supervision and governance consistent with Psychology Board standards, develop and oversee culturally responsive psychological services for Aboriginal young people and families.

Lead Collectively - Seek and build key relationships, work together and focus on the greater good.

Think Through Complexity - Think critically, work with ambiguity and uncertainty, assess solutions and impacts, and take calculated risks.

Dynamically Sense the Environment - Be in tune with the political, social and environmental trends that impact the work; understand and recognise the needs of others and leverage relationships for desired outcomes.

Deliver on High Leverage Areas - Identify priorities, pursue objectives with tenacity and be resilient in the face of challenges.

Build capability - Proactively develop others; share learning to promote efficiency and effectiveness; and champion diversity and inclusion.

Embody the spirit of public service - Display empathy, compassion, humility and integrity, and a genuine passion for the work; demonstrate a responsibility to Western Australians; and work in the interests of the public good.

Lead adaptively - Continuously seek to understand personal strengths and areas for improvement, be adaptive to change and adjust leadership style in different contexts.

The suitability requirements outlined will be what the panel will assess throughout the selection process.

Eligibility 

Special conditions

• WWC positions – In accordance with the National Child Safety Principles, people who work directly with children and young people, you must have a current Working with Children Check or be able to successfully apply for one to be eligible for appointment to this position. 

Qualifications

• A post graduate Masters/Doctorate degree in Clinical, Counselling or Forensic Psychology.
• Full registration with the Psychologists Board of Australia, with Endorsement in Clinical, Counselling or Forensic Psychology.

Benefits and opportunities

• Flexible working arrangements
• Career pathway opportunities
• Learning and development opportunity programs
• Health and wellbeing programs including Fitness passport providing a wide range of gym, pool, and fitness Centre discounts available for employees and their families.
• Supervision at no additional cost, funded professional development opportunities, study leave of up to 5 days per year to attend approved external professional development, and strong team support.
• AHPRA registration cost paid by the department (conditions apply).
• Experience and travel around Regional WA combined with paid travel and accommodation, organised by the Department. Note: Travelling regionally is optional, for those interested and willing.
• Relocation assistance/allowance available for applicants relocating from Interstate or New Zealand (if eligible)
• Check out the attached Applicant Information Pack to find out other benefits of working for Justice.

Application process

How to apply

Please ensure you review the attached Job Description Form (JDF) for further information about the requirements of the position. This information will assist you with the preparation of your application.

We require you to submit:

1. A comprehensive Resume / Curriculum Vitae, that clearly outlines your transferable skills, experience and highlights your key achievements.
2. A statement no more than two (2) pages addressing the following Suitability Requirements: Please provide examples to support your claims.
• Experience
• Knowledge
• Technical Skills
3. A copy of your current qualifications as set out in the above Eligibility section.
4. Contact details of two work related referees, one of whom should be your current/ most recent supervisor.

Subsequent Vacancies

Applicants found suitable but not recommended for this vacancy, may be considered for subsequent similar vacancies for a period of twelve (12) months, in accordance with section 7d of the Commissioner’s Instructions No.48 – Recruitment, Selection and Appointment to Permanent Vacancies, and section 9d of the Commissioner Instructions 49 - Recruitment, Selection and Appointment to Fixed Term Vacancies. Permanent, fixed term, full time and part time appointments may be offered in the Perth Metropolitan area during this period.

For further job-related information

If you would like further information regarding the vacancy please contact Dr Nadia Dias, Chief Psychologist on 0428 071 049 for a confidential discussion.

Equity and Diversity

The Department of Justice is committed to building a diverse, inclusive and accessible workplace that reflects the community we serve. We strongly encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences. 

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander applicants can access support by following this link. 

Reasonable adjustments are available throughout the recruitment process. For a confidential discussion about support or adjustments, please contact the person listed above or email workforcediversity@justice.wa.gov.au. 

Submitting your application

To submit your application, click the “Apply for Job” button at the bottom of this advertisement.

Please ensure you allow sufficient time to submit your application, as late applications will not be accepted.

If you are having difficulty submitting your online application, please telephone RAMS Helpdesk ramshelpdesk@bigredsky.com on 1300 733 056 for assistance.

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