This is a fixed term, full time vacancy available for 12 months, with the possibility of extension, for a further 12 months subject to business requirements.

Drive innovation. Lead change. Make a real impact.

About the role

The Principal Manager, Suicide Prevention Project is a pivotal leadership role within Clinical Governance & Innovation, leading a high-impact reform agenda to strengthen suicide prevention across Western Australia’s custodial system. This position sits at the forefront of improving how corrective services prevent and respond to suicide and self-harm, driving system-wide change across custodial environments.

This is your opportunity to shape contemporary practice at a system level. You will lead a flagship, statewide project to review and modernise suicide prevention frameworks, systems and training—supporting safer, more responsive environments for adults and young people in custody.

Working closely with clinical leaders, operational teams and stakeholders, you will provide strategic direction and lead delivery of a complex reform program. Combining clinical expertise, project leadership and strategic insight, you will guide a multidisciplinary team, influence decision-making, and deliver evidence-based outcomes that make a measurable difference.

What you’ll do:

• Lead a high-performing project team delivering a major reform program
• Drive innovation in suicide prevention policy, systems and practice
• Provide clinical insight and strategic advice to shape decision-making
• Strengthen training, compliance and operational capability
• Build strong partnerships to enable sustainable change
• Deliver clear, high-level reporting, governance and assurance

As a senior leader within Clinical Governance and Innovation, you will also contribute to broader strategic priorities, fostering innovation, building capability and driving continuous improvement across the Branch.

Who we’re looking for

We’re seeking a dynamic and credible leader who can confidently operate at both strategic and operational levels. You will bring strong clinical insight, project leadership experience, and the ability to guide complex reform in a large, multidisciplinary environment.

The ideal candidate will bring:

• Experience leading complex, high-impact projects or programs
• Strong clinical expertise in suicide and self-harm prevention
• The ability to influence, collaborate and lead across diverse teams
• Sharp critical thinking and a solutions-focused mindset
• Excellent communication skills and credibility at senior levels

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:

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.

The position holder must possess a current valid ‘C’ Class motor vehicle driving licence.

Qualifications

The position must have an accredited qualification in Psychology and full registration with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA); or a Tertiary qualification in Social Work, eligibility for membership of the Australian Association of Social Workers and a minimum of two years supervised experience in the field of Social Work.

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.
• 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. Provide a comprehensive Resume / Curriculum Vitae, that clearly outlines your transferable skills, experience and highlights your key achievements.
2. A three page statement addressing your suitability for the role in the context of the suitability requirements.
3. A copy of your current qualification in Psychology and full registration with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA); or Tertiary qualification in Social Work, eligibility for membership of the Australian Association of Social Workers
4. Contact details of two work related referees.

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 at Perth Metropolitan area during this period.

For further job-related information

If you would like further information regarding the vacancy please contact Dr Elise Brenton, Chief Psychologist Clinical Governance and Innovation on 9264 6483 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.

To keep you up to date on what is happening in Department of Justice and job opportunities you can go directly to the departments website or follow us on social media.

The Department of Justice has introduced a smoke-free policy, which has been fully implemented across all women’s prisons and the Academy, with all other prison sites to follow.