We are seeking an experienced psychologist, who is passionate and motivated to support ongoing change and enhancements across youth justice.
Relocation supports available to Interstate and New Zealand applicants.
This is a permanent, full time vacancy.
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
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 in Youth Justice 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 Crises 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-design 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.
Reporting to the Assistant Commissioner, the Chief Psychologist is a newly established, key leadership position within the Young People Directorate. The role is responsible for supporting the effective and efficient application of contemporary approaches of practice and models by all disciplines and staff across the Young People Directorate, which achieves the best outcome for young people who have contact with the justice system. The Chief Psychologist is also responsible for overseeing the clinical practices within the Young People Directorate, including the development, implementation, monitoring and continued improvement of clinical standards. This position has two direct reports – the Principal Psychologist Community and Principal Psychologist Custody.
Eligibility
Qualifications – An accredited Masters and/or Doctorate degree in Clinical, Counselling or Forensic Psychology AND Current registration as a Psychologist with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) and endorsement in Clinical, Forensic or Counselling Psychology.
Permanent positions – To be eligible for appointment to permanent positions in the West Australian Public Sector you must be an Australian citizen or have permanent resident status in Australia.
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.
Benefits and opportunities
- Flexible working arrangements
- Career pathway opportunities
- Professional development and training 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.
- AHPRA registration cost paid by the department (conditions apply)
- Professional supervision
- 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.
- 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.
- Relocation assistance/allowance available for applicants relocating from Interstate or New Zealand
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:
- Provide a comprehensive Resume / Curriculum Vitae, that clearly outlines your transferable skills, experience and highlights your key achievements.
- A copy of your current qualifications as set out in the above Eligibility section.
- A one (1) page statement addressing your relevant experience and general suitability for the role in the context of the role as described in the JDF.
- Contact details of two work related referees.
All remaining Job-Related Requirements and Role Specific Criteria will be assessed at a later stage in the recruitment process.
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 and No. 39: Interim Arrangements to Fill Public Sector Vacancies. Permanent, fixed term and full time appointments may be offered during this period.
For further job-related information
If you would like further information regarding the vacancy please contact Dr Angela Cooney, Assistant Commissioner on 0417 984 353 for a confidential discussion.
Equity and Diversity
The Department of Justice is committed to building a workplace culture that values diversity and inclusion. We actively promote the employment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with disability, youth, people of diverse sexualities and genders, women, culturally and linguistically diverse people, and other diversity groups.
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 adjustments or accessibility support at any stage of the selection process can contact the hiring manager as listed under the ‘Further Information’ section or contact the Diversity and Inclusion team on WorkforceDiversity@justice.wa.gov.au or (08) 9264 1700 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 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.
