The Department of Communities brings together the services and functions of disability services, child protection and family support, community initiatives and regional services reform.

Communities is a nationally recognised Accredited Carer Friendly Employer through the Carers + Employers program. The program defines best practice standards by creating a carer friendly workplace, enabling staff to balance work and care, while continuing to contribute to the wellbeing of individuals, families and the community.

The Opportunity

The Senior Consultant Psychologist role in Therapeutic Care is responsible for leading psychological practice across the Therapeutic Care service. Therapeutic Care Psychology Service is a unique feature within the WA OOHC system, and is a critical part of the service’s multi-disciplinary approach to ensuring the delivery of informed and individualised therapeutic care to young people. The service works directly with young people in care as well as the frontline Therapeutic Care workers who set the therapeutic environment and provide the young people with trauma-informed and culturally responsive care. Key responsibilities for the Senior Consultant Psychologist role include the following:

• Contribute to service-wide development, planning, and management of initiatives within Therapeutic Care including promoting sound, innovative and responsible therapy and intervention practice.
• Undertake research and the development of contemporary Psychological practice relevant to Therapeutic Care.
• Provide leadership, supervision and oversight to the Therapeutic Care Psychology Team.
• Provide and enhance sound clinical governance in relation to Psychological practice and services within Therapeutic Care and across Communities.
• Oversee the management of resources within Therapeutic Care’s Psychology Service, assigning tasks and ensuring equitable distribution of workload within the relevant team.
• Liaise on local matters with Therapeutic Care Directors and other staff.

The attached Job Description Form (JDF) provides more information about the position. For further information we encourage you to contact Penny Wakefield, State Director Therapeutic Care, on 0400 452 185 or via email Penny.Wakefield@communities.wa.gov.au.

There is currently 1 permanent position available for immediate filling.

The successful applicant or applicants assessed as suitable through this process may receive further offers of contract employment and/or offers of permanent employment in this or similar roles.

Qualification Requirements

To be eligible for this position you must hold a Master’s Degree in Clinical or Counselling or Forensic Psychology, and registration with the Psychology Board of Australia with an appropriate specialist title.

Join the Department of Communities

Apply online by clicking the ‘Apply for Job’ button (above and below) and provide the following documents in Word or PDF format only:

1. A current resume/CV.
2. A two [2] page written application addressing all the Essential Work Related Requirements (Selection Criteria) as stated on the JDF.
3. A copy of your degree certificate and registration.
4. A copy of all qualification/s (regardless of the relevance to the role) as specified in your application or resume/CV (if applicable).
5. An application form (for hard copy applications only).

For technical difficulties while applying online, general recruitment enquiries, or to request any document in an alternative format, please contact Kate Cottingham, HR Advisor, on 0478 853 062 or via email HRRecruitment@communities.wa.gov.au.

We can also be contacted via the National Relay Service on the following numbers:

TTY/voice calls - 133 677

Speak & Listen - 1300 555 727

SMS relay - 0423 677 767

Integrity and Honesty

The public sector is built on a strong foundation of integrity where employees act ethically, and public sector bodies promote and maintain integrity. 

In line with Communities policies, applicants may be asked for consent to undergo criminal record screening and integrity checks during the application process. For more information on these requirements, click here.  

Equity and Diversity

The Department of Communities is committed to improving employment opportunities and outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.  As a measure to achieve equality and support, section 51 of the Equal Opportunity Act 1984 (WA) will apply to this position.  Aboriginal people are encouraged to apply.

If you have any access needs that may require adjustments to allow you to fully participate in the application and interview process, or alternative methods of communication, please contact Kate Cottingham, HR Advisor, on 0478 853 062 or via email HRRecruitment@communities.wa.gov.au.  

If you are an Aboriginal person who would like assistance with your application, please contact Jobs and Skills WA on 13 64 64.

Lodgement is system generated. Any emailed applications or late submissions on or after 4:00pm will not be accepted.