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 a permanent, full time vacancy.

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.

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.

How to apply

To find out more about this opportunity and to apply for this position, click on the link https://search.jobs.wa.gov.au/page.php?  pageID=160&windowUID=0&AdvertID=390781

Applications must be received before 15 October 2025 at 4.30pm.