The Department of Justice, Corrective Services is seeking counsellors and supervisors for its Prison Counselling Service (PCS) state-wide. Recruitment will be to a 12 month pool with initial appointments offered to current vacancies across metropolitan and regional prison sites in full-time/part-time, permanent and contract positions.
This is a great opportunity for Social Workers and registered Psychologists to practice in a unique and dynamic work environment. In metropolitan prisons, there are flexible working arrangements with the opportunity for weekend shifts and part-time rosters. Regional prison positions provide you with an opportunity to live and work in regional, rural and remote WA knowing you will be professionally supported through clinical and line supervision, your state-wide PCS team, and more generally as a member of the prison staff.
Salaries are competitive and you will enjoy all WA Public Sector conditions of service.
This is an entry level role for Masters and Doctorate trained Psychologists who seek a career in Psychology in Corrective Services.
Role
SC2 - The Prison Counsellor applies discipline specific professional knowledge, experience, and skills to provide evidence based clinical assessment and intervention services in response to psychosocial health needs of prisoners identified as:
- At acute risk of suicide or self-harm;
- At chronic risk of suicide or self-harm, or otherwise vulnerable within the prison system;
- Or having difficulties adjusting to prison, in transition to release, or in crisis.
Furthermore the Prison Counsellor provides consultation and participates in multi-disciplinary risk management and case planning processes.
SC3 - The role of Clinical Supervisor is to provide team leadership, clinical supervision and support to clinical staff in order to ensure evidence-based and consistent clinical interventions are undertaken.
Works within a multidisciplinary team to prevent suicide, enhance prisoner adjustment, and re-integration into the community.
Practises risk and needs assessments of complex cases to identify self-harm, suicide and other clinical or behavioural-based risk factors in order to better inform clinical practices to members of Prison Counselling Services (PCS)
Job related requirements
Requirements for Prison Counsellor Position - A 4 year qualification in Psychology and full registration with the Psychologists Board Australia; or a 4 year 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. Possession of a current C class Motor Vehicle Driver’s Licence
Requirements for Clinical Supervisor position - Master’s Degree in Clinical/ Counselling/ Forensic Psychology and full registration with the Psychology Board of Australia, or Masters in Social Work and eligibility for Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW).
Please see the attached JDF for more information about the Role Specific Responsibilities of this position. All Departmental employees are required to undergo a National Criminal History check.
Further job related information
If you are interested in this position and would like further information on the role, contact Peta Barry on (08) 9264 1072 regarding metropolitan positions or Jill Taylor on (08) 9264 9767 regarding regional positions.
How to apply
The Department preferred method of application is via the Apply Now button below. You will be required to complete relevant personal information and attach documents as requested.
Provide a current resume including the contact details of 2 recent work referees and a statement addressing the following work related requirements as outlined in the relevant job description form for the position you wish to apply for.
Any remaining work related requirements as listed in the JDF may be assessed at some stage during the selection process.
Please ensure that at least 1 referee is a current or recent supervisor/line manager.
Forwarding your application
To apply applicants are requested to:
Apply online (Preferred)
- Click on the “Apply for Job” button at the top/bottom of the screen
- Complete all of the online application questions
- Attach all required documentation
* Please note: Form PSD0001 will be required to be printed and completed if you are invited to interview, do not include with your application.
By post
- Complete application for vacancy form which is attached to the advert
- Attach all required documentation and ensure all the above is stapled
- Post your completed application to:
DOJ Recruiting Branch
Department of Justice
GPO Box F317, PERTH WA 6841
Please note:
- Proforma, faxed, hand delivered, emailed and late applications will not be accepted.
- As we prefer to contact you by email for any interview or other matter, you are encouraged to apply online and provide a current valid e-mail address.
People from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply. The Department upholds a working environment that is free from discrimination in accordance with Equal Opportunity legislation.
Subsequent vacancies:
Suitable applicants will be placed in a pool from which permanent, fixed term, full-time and part-time appointments may be made when similar vacancies at level occur. The pool will operate for a 12 month period.