Psychologist / Key Worker

Are you a Psychologist looking for a new opportunity with an amazing team of allied health and early childhood educators? Do you enjoy working with families to support consumers build independence and achieve goals?

Perhaps you are looking to move away from the hustle and bustle of a busy healthcare or private practice environment, and prefer the opportunity to spend increased time with consumers and families to have a meaningful impact, then read on. At Windermere we value the importance of teamwork and contributing to a strong, supportive learning environment that provides the best service to our families.

Our philosophy of "supporting children to build a positive future" acknowledges the importance of high-quality early intervention. Our team embed a parent coaching approach, recognising the strengths and skills that parents and carers already have, working collaboratively to ensure strategies and learning continue to occur outside of sessions as we work towards identified goals. Watch the video to see our Parent Coaching Approach in actionOur psychology team also work with consumers into adulthood.

If this sounds like what you are seeking, then please keep reading as this may be the perfect opportunity for you

Why work at Windermere?

Windermere is an independent community service organisation working across the Southeast of Victoria to help those who need it most. Our unique range of services include; Communities for Children, Family Health & Wellbeing, Childhood Development, Education & Support, Early Intervention & Therapy Services, NDIS Support Coordination and Plan Management, Homelessness Support, Counselling Services, assistance to support victims of trauma, assault and violent crimes and Recovery Support Services.   We are committed to outcome-focused care for children, families and individuals and to making a positive difference in the community. As well as tailored support services for individuals and families, Windermere provides a varied scope of services to support disadvantaged and vulnerable people. Windermere offers a culture of flexibility, support and wellbeing.

Staff Benefits - this is where we stand out from the crowd

Windermere offers staff a wide range of unique benefits beyond the salary.

• Flexible Ways of Working - home, in the office or combination of both
• Above Award Personal Leave and 17.5% annual leave loading
• Gifted days off (between Christmas and New Year)
• Employee Referral Program - $500 per referral
• Flexible Leave Scheme (50/52, 51/52)
• Salary packaging (up to $15,900 per year + additional $2,650 meals and entertainment)*
• Structured performance and 1-on-1 development check-ins
• Secondment and career growth opportunities
• Staff discount program for everyday items
• Opportunities for professional development
• Study Leave provisions
• Rostered Days Off (or)
• 9 Day Fortnight (if Full-Time)
• High quality IT equipment
• Access to Fleet Vehicles

*As Windermere is a not-for-profit organisation, employees are able to claim everyday living expenses up to $15,900 against their annual Pre-Tax Salary.  Use the salary packaging calculator available here - Salary Packaging Calculator | Accesspay - )

Example - For an Annual Salary of $99,862 without Salary Packaging, this is the equivalent and comparative salary in the job market to $107,129 (with $15,900 of salary packaging).  Therefore, the fortnightly take home pay would increase from $2,964 to $3,154.

Windermere care about staff and strive for continuous improvement, which is why we regularly ask our staff and consumers about what we can do better. n our staff survey from May 2024, 90% of respondents said they were "proud to work at Windermere" and 89.7% feel "we are committed to diversity, equity and inclusion". Read what our staff are saying here 

Now, let's talk about this exciting opportunity

Reporting to the Team Leader of EITS (Early Intervention & Therapy Services), you will join an enthusiastic and highly skilled team of Allied Health Professionals and early childhood educators who provide a range of tailored services to children and youth funded through NDIS aged 0-18 years. Our psychology and dietitian teams also work with consumers across the lifespan. As a Psychologist, you will have the opportunity to improve the knowledge, skills and capabilities of colleagues and families. Your role will involve the following;

• adopt a holistic approach with our 0-7 age groups through our key worker model. This involves you being the main person in supporting with strategies based on the current consumer goals, collaborating with relevant team members (occupational therapists, speech pathologists, early childhood education specialists, physiotherapists, other psychologists, dietitians, as required.
• deliver a broad range of evidence informed intervention strategies, standardised assessments and parent education to support participation in community and educational settings for children;
• undertake face to face consultation and relationship building in natural environments, schools and kindergartens as well as our modern office facilities and therapy spaces; and

Windermere is a family friendly and flexible workplace environment, and open to Part-Time of or 0.8 – 30.4 hours per week. We also offer flexibility in working arrangements, with two scheduled anchor days/week to build connections with the team at one of our offices (Narre Warren, Berwick, Cranbourne, Pakenham and Warragal) and IT equipment provided (Surface pro, mobile phone, monitor) to support outreach and WFH options. Full-Time can also be catered for if this is a preference and the option to work a 9-day fortnight.

Some feedback from a current member of the early intervention therapy services team;

"As a key worker, I have gained a wealth of knowledge and education covering just about every aspect of life. The key worker model is greatly beneficial to families as it reduces the number of therapy sessions a week and as a result is far less disruptive to a child's life.

I can address more than one issue. A child's frustration and anger could be a result of speech impairment and not being able to communicate. A child who is not doing well in school due to below-par handwriting or reading skills may develop mental and emotional issues. While helping children work on emotional regulation, I also take recommendations from an OT or Speech Therapist as needed to help them upskill." - Marian Moloney, Psychologist / Key Worker.

Key Selection Criteria:

• Tertiary qualifications in Psychology and current and ongoing registration with AHPRA as a generally registered or endorsed psychologist
• Discipline specific experience, with sound theoretical knowledge in paediatric practice 0-18 and working with adults.
• Registration or willingness to register with the NDIA as a behavior practitioner
• Demonstrated knowledge of typical development and common neurodivergent presentations and conditions such as autism spectrum disorder, cerebral palsy and developmental delay
• Knowledge and skills in the assessment, implementation and evaluation of plans and services for children & families
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively as part of a team as well as work independently, including office based or remote off-site locations
• Demonstrated ability to effectively manage use of time to meet service KPIs and provide a consumer-focused, high-quality and responsive service
• Competence in the use of ICT to support with service delivery, such as telehealth.
• Willingness to promote and support practices that are inclusive, culturally responsive, safe and accessible.
• Willingness to undertake relevant pre-employment screening and checks - including NDIS Worker Screening Check, Police Check, Pre-Employment Medical and Working with Children Check.
• Current Victorian Drivers' License
• Right to Work in Australia e.g. Australian Citizen or Permanent Resident.

If this job excites you, then click the "Apply" button to view the detailed Position Description and submit your application. Please also ensure you address the Key Selection Criteria in your application letter.

If you require any specific access adjustments or support within the Windermere recruitment, interview or onboarding process please contact our Talent Acquisition Specialist via phone or email

Windermere is committed to creating equitable environments for consumers and employees.  We do this by building diverse and inclusive services and workspaces, where all peoples from Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander, CALD, LGBTIQ+ Communities and those living with disability will know and feel accepted, affirmed, safe and celebrated. Windermere is delivering this through the continued development and implementation of our Welcoming and Inclusion Strategy as we seek to provide a diverse workforce at all levels.