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 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 Crisis 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-designing 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.

The creation of the Principal Psychologist (Custody) position is one of the raft of recent initiatives introduced to enhance the care provided to young people. This position is responsible for the clinical and managerial oversight of a team of 10 psychologists (Specified Calling 2 and 3). In addition, as a key member of the Senior Leadership Team in youth detention, the Principal Psychologist is influential in psychologically informing practices and policies to facilitate positive outcomes for young people in our care, and continue to support the implementation of the Model of Care. We are looking for applicants who are passionate about supporting positive change at an individual and systems level.

Suitability Requirements

Through the recruitment process, we will be looking for a candidate who can demonstrate skills, experience and attributes in relation to the following:

Relevant experience - Experience in the provision of psychological services to young people in custody.

Knowledge - Applied psychological knowledge and skills at an advanced level, including psychological assessments and interventions to young people in custody. This includes an understanding of relevant legislation, culturally responsive practice, child development, trauma and trauma-informed practice, young people with complex needs, and the assessment and management of suicide and self-harm risk in custody and community settings.

Ability - Ability to write high level complex psychological assessment and treatment reports, suitable to legal decision making.

Psychological Consultation - Provide psychological consultation with relevant internal and external stakeholders regarding the needs of young offenders in custody or community stings.

Leadership and Management skills - Well-developed leadership and management skills, particularly in the development and oversight of professional practice amongst clinical staff and service providers, in a culturally sensitive framework.

Research - The ability to develop and evaluate psychological services and relevant contemporary research to inform the continued development of best practice strategies for psychological assessment and interventions with young people in custody.

Lead Collectively - Seek and build key relationships, work together and focus on the greater good.

Think Through Complexity - Think critically, work with ambiguity and uncertainty, assess solutions and impacts, and take calculated risks.

Dynamically Sense the Environment - Be in tune with the political, social and environmental trends that impact the work; understand and recognise the needs of others and leverage relationships for desired outcomes.

Deliver on High Leverage Areas - Identify priorities, pursue objectives with tenacity and be resilient in the face of challenges.

Eligibility

Special conditions

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.

Qualifications

A post graduate Masters/Doctorate degree in Clinical Psychology, Counselling Psychology or Forensic Psychology.
Full registration with the Psychologists Board of Australia, with Endorsement in Clinical, Counselling or Forensic Psychology.

Benefits and opportunities

Flexible working arrangements
Career pathway opportunities
Learning and development opportunity programs
Health and wellbeing programs including Fitness passport providing a wide range of gym, pool, and fitness Centre discounts available for employees and their families.
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).
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.

Pay: $152,143.00 – $162,635.00 per year

Work Location: In person