Are you looking for a new and unique career opportunity?
We are seeking motivated psychologists, who are passionate about improving the lives of young people and their families to join our clinical team.
Graduates are encouraged to apply!
Currently, there are two (2) permanent positions available for immediate filling.
About Justice
When you join the Department of Justice, you become part of a people-focused organisation, working hard to make our community a fairer and safer place to live. We offer many different employment opportunities in locations around Western Australia. You will have a chance to make a real difference to your local communities and to the lives of those you work with.
About the role
Be part of a highly supportive team of multidisciplinary professionals, working together to enact change for young people and their experience of detention, to positively impact their lives thereafter.
Our team of Senior Programs Officers develop and deliver evidenced-based therapeutic programs to young offenders and their families, aimed at reducing antisocial behaviour. Senior Programs Officer in Youth Justice develop skills working with complex young people with a variety of challenges including; mental health, neurodevelopmental, complex trauma and a range of offending patterns.
The role is diverse and incorporates clinical program development and delivery, and individual assessment and intervention of at-risk young people. You will be supported to develop your capacity to apply relevant forensic instruments and practices to your assessments and interventions. Opportunities for travel to all areas within WA are available, with the chance to learn about and engage first-hand with Indigenous cultures from around the state. You will work with complex clients and get involved in interagency strategies to create change.
This is your chance to join Banksia Hill Detention Centre during this new and exciting time of change.
We are currently offering brand new services and implementing an enhanced model of care. The model reflects best practice in Youth Justice and will focus on rehabilitation through a trauma-informed, therapeutic approach. Some initiatives already implemented include:
- The creation of a second Deputy Superintendent role which specifically oversees rehabilitation and reintegration services. This position is currently filled by a Psychologist, which has provided a management-level voice for therapeutic services;
- The Superintendent position at Banksia Hill Detention Centre is also currently filled by a Forensic Psychologist supporting a progression towards a more therapeutic environment at Banksia Hill Detention Centre.
- Introduction of an intensive mentoring program in the centre, which is available to assist the centre to meet the needs of young people with complex needs;
- A diverse range of therapeutic programs, including art therapy, trauma informed yoga, and therapy animal programs;
- The commencement of a team from the Department of Health, who are embedded in the centre. This team includes neuropsychology, speech pathology, paediatric services and increased access to mental health services;
- Creation of an Aboriginal Services Unit, which includes additional Aboriginal Youth Support Officers, Aboriginal Support Officers, Aboriginal Mental Health workers and a Manager Aboriginal Services;
- Increasing access for young people to cultural programs and activities;
- A new rewards and incentives program, based on best practice, which is due to be piloted later this year;
- A partnership with Telethon Kids Institute, which will look to enhance a research focus in Youth Justice, provide additional training for staff and review assessment processes with young people.
To give you a taste of Banksia Hill Detention Centre the following links provide a picture of some of the programs and initiatives currently occurring at Banksia Hill Detention Centre.
Canine Character – LinkedIn
A Stitch in Time – LinkedIn
Benefits and opportunities
- Fast track your psychology career. You will have access to learning and development opportunities, with high quality 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.
- For those psychologists who are more experienced, this is a great opportunity to expand your experience and focus on driving and supporting systemic change to assist clients.
- 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.
- Career pathway opportunities. These include opportunities to develop into supervisory positions (with board approved supervisor training funded for those eligible).
- Relocation costs for applicants relocating from Interstate or New Zealand (conditions apply).
- Enjoy job security whilst working for the Public Sector. Salary sacrificing options are available.
- Check out the attached Applicant Information Pack to find out other benefits of working for Justice.
The challenge of producing better outcomes for young people in custody is an important priority and we are seeking motivated clinicians at all levels of experience to join our team and contribute to better outcomes for young people in our care.
We are looking for Psychologists who are ready to make a meaningful difference. This is your chance to switch to a rewarding and challenging career to deliver psychological assessment, interventions, consultation and advice to young people and their families.
Eligibility
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.
Tertiary Degree qualification in Psychology and 'General Registration' as a Psychologist with Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA)
It is a requirement of the position holder to hold a valid driver’s licence.
This position may be required to undertake travel for extended periods throughout the state at short notice.
Willingness to work in a Detention Centre Setting.
Application process
How to apply
Please ensure you review the attached JDF for further information about the requirements of the position. This information will assist you with the preparation of your application.
For more information about the recruitment and selection process and other benefits, please refer to the Job Applicant Pack.
We require you to submit:
- A current, comprehensive Curriculum Vitae / Resume that highlights your employment history and suitability for the role against the Role Specific Criteria contained in the JDF (Program Delivery, Communication, Working with Aboriginal Clients, Relationship Building and Networking, Policy Initiation and Development).
- Contact details of two (2) referees
- Applicants are asked to provide evidence of their qualifications:
- Tertiary Qualification in Psychology.
- A copy of your full general registration with the Australian Health Practitioner Agency (APHRA).
Candidate Search
If required, we may choose to supplement the field of applications by conducting a Candidate Search.
Subsequent Vacancies
Applicants found suitable but not recommended for this vacancy, may be considered for subsequent similar vacancies in the Department of Justice for a period of twelve (12) months, in accordance with Part 5 (General Appointment) of the Commissioner's Instructions No. 2: Filling a Public Sector Vacancy and Commissioner’s Instructions No. 39: Interim Arrangements to Fill Public Sector Vacancies
Equity and diversity
The Department of Justice is committed in building a workplace culture that values diversity and inclusion. We actively promote the employment of Aboriginal Australians, people with disability, youth, and other diversity groups. People with disability will be provided with reasonable adjustments in our recruitment processes and in the workplace.
Aboriginal job seekers may contact the Aboriginal Workforce Development Team on aboriginalworkforcedevelopment@justice.wa.gov.au or call (08) 9264 1700 for culturally appropriate application advice.
Applicants with disability requiring adjustment or accessibility requirements at any stage of the selection process can contact the hiring manager as listed under the ‘Further Information’ section or contact WorkforceDiversity@justice.wa.gov.au or call (08) 9264 1700 to for a confidential discussion.
For further job-related information
We encourage you to attend one of our virtual information sessions where you can interact online with experienced staff and ask questions about the role and the recruitment process.
To book for an information session with one of our psychology managers please email Emily Tilbrook, Emily.Tilbrook@justice.wa.gov.au
If you would like further information regarding the position and/or vacancy please contact Emily Tilbrook, A/Principal Psychologist (Custody) on Emily.Tilbrook@justice.wa.gov.au for a confidential discussion.
Submitting your application
Applicants are requested to apply online. 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 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.