Clinical Psychologist in paediatric Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Employment Type: Temporary Part Time up to 30 June 2028

Position Classification: Clinical Psychologist

Remuneration: – full time equivalent base salary range (excludes super, leave loading and salary packaging)

Hours Per Week: 16

Requisition ID: REQ611375

Location: Westmead

Applications close: 30 October 2025

Sydney Children's Hospitals Network is the largest paediatric health care entity in Australia. We care for thousands of children each year in our hospitals and in their homes — with one purpose in mind — to help young people live their healthiest lives.

Applicants currently enrolled in a combined Masters/PhD are eligible to apply if they have completed the equivalent of Masters degree requirements as part of the PhD pathway. Evidence of this is demonstrated by a completed PDEC-76 form and cover letter from the University confirming Masters degree requirements have been met.

Applicants are eligible to apply if they have completed an accredited Masters degree and are awaiting their graduation ceremony. Written confirmation from the University is required.

Successful applicants who have completed the Masters degree or Masters degree requirements and are awaiting full registration from the Psychology Board of Australia will be paid at Year 2 of the Psychologist Scale until they have full registration with the Psychology Board of Australia, at which point they will commence on Year 1 of the Clinical Psychologist scale.

What you'll be doing

You will be embedded in the supportive multidisciplinary team that focusses on delivering care to patients with IBD. You will also benefit from professional supervision and peer support within the hospital's Psychological Medicine service, including regular case discussions and supervision provided by the Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry team. This structure ensures you are well supported both clinically and professionally, with access to a network of experienced colleagues committed to integrated, patient-centred care

The primary focus of this position is to provide service development and high-quality psychological navigation services to children with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) at The Children's Hospital at Westmead. IBD is a term used to describe both ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. IBD is a condition that causes inflammation of the digestive system or gut. IBD is a chronic condition. This means that it is ongoing and life-long, although patients may have periods of good health (remission), as well as times when symptoms are more active (relapses or flare-ups). Referrals would include managing a range of difficulties, including, but not limited to, 'adjustment to diagnosis', anxiety around symptoms/medication/interventions, adjustment to stomas/surgery, trauma related to surgery/progression of illness, managing fatigue/pain/low mood. Outpatient clinic care will be available for either individual or group therapy.

This role will provide a clinical and quality improvement focus on the needs of IBD patients, with the aim of developing sustainable pathways, resources and solutions that enhance access to mental health / psychological services for children and their families. Additionally, there will be a requirement to build the service, develop a project plan for ongoing care of this patient group, with measuring appropriate outcome measures. There may be a requirement to support patients with general gastroenterological problems that require high level psychology assessment.

The IBD psychologist will develop screening protocols as part of the standard care pathway to identify children with psychological distress, and build relationships within and external to CHW to ensure referral pathways are optimised. They will also provide crisis mental health assessment and referral as required, and develop psychoeducational resources to help children and their families manage difficulties they may be having linked to IBD. The role will also focus on building capacity within CHW by providing staff education and engaging key stakeholders who support patients with IBD, including families and carers.

Experience in paediatric psychological assessment and therapy, specifically with children with chronic health conditions, is desirable.

The role is temporarily funded and therefore the establishment of sustainable pathways is a critical focus. The post holder will be expected to utilise research skills for audit, policy, service development and research. Of particular importance will be the development, monitoring and evaluating of outcome measures for the service. These will be used to build a case for ongoing funding for this post.

The post holder will be expected to work autonomously within professional practice guidelines. As well as adhering to an overall framework of the policies and procedures of the Children's Hospital at Westmead.

About You

We're looking for someone who:

• Completion of 2 year (minimum) full time equivalent accredited postgraduate Masters or Doctorate degree in Clinical Psychology. Full registration with the AHPRA Psychology Board of Australia, with Clinical Psychology endorsement, or eligibility to progress to the same.
• Clinical skills and expertise in chronic illness or disability and mental health problems of children and adolescents.
• Highly developed interpersonal and communication skills and demonstrated high level presentation or teaching skills.
• Demonstrated ability to be solutions focused, collaborative, act proactively and prioritise work within an environment of competing priorities.
• Demonstrated research and publication.

How to Apply

Click 'Apply Online' and submit your application including:

• A resume detailing relevant knowledge, skills and experience (maximum 5 pages)
• Answers to the selection criteria in the Position Description

Additional Benefits (for eligible employees)

• Salary packaging for tax savings
• Meal entertainment savings
• Accrued Day Off (ADO) for Full Time employees
• Access to the Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Fitness Passport
• Flexible Work Practice Opportunities

Need more information?

• Click here for the Position Description
• Find out more about applying for this position
• Learn more about The Sydney Children's Hospitals Network
• Aboriginal job applicants are encouraged to visit the NSW Health Aboriginal Recruitment tool, Stepping Up to assist in preparing your application.

Further Contacts and Support

For role related queries or questions contact Shoma Dutt on

We recognise the value of Aboriginal staff providing health care to Aboriginal children and families that access the services we provide at the Sydney Children's Hospitals Network. For Aboriginal candidates who would like to talk to SCHN's Aboriginal Workforce Consultant, please contact SCHN-EA-

For technical support please contact the customer services team on

Child Safe Standards

SCHN is dedicated to fostering a child-safe environment that respects and upholds the rights of children and young people, aligned with NSW Health's commitment to implementing the Child Safe Standards. We aim to ensure that children and young people feel safe, supported, and included in their care. All current and prospective staff are expected to prioritise the safety, welfare, and well-being of children and young people, actively working to protect them from harm and abuse.

Additional Information

Applicants will be assessed against the essential criteria in Position Description. Please ensure that you review this document to understand the full requirements of the role.

NSW Health is committed to accessibility and may provide adjustments to the recruitment and interview process as needed, including physical adjustments, interview setup, or scheduling needs.

SCHN is an Equal Opportunity Employer that values diversity - we acknowledge the vibrancy that a diverse workforce brings to enhance both our workplace culture and our service delivery to children, young people and their families and carers.

Employment of temporary visa holders is only considered if no suitable permanent resident or citizen is identified after labour market testing. Please note: To be eligible for permanent appointment to a position in NSW Health, you must have an Australian citizenship or permanent Australian residency.

All workers must meet NSW Health's vaccination and screening requirements before starting employment. See PD2024_15 for more detail.

This position requires a Working with Children Check (WWCC) issued by the Office of the Children's Guardian. For more information on how to apply for the clearance, please visit the Office of the Children's Guardian Website

Eligibility List

An eligibility list may be created for future temporary part time vacancies. (temporary PT adverts)

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