Principal Clinical/ Counselling/ Forensic Psychologist

Advance your career by joining one of the most diverse public sector organisations in WA.

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.

The Principal Psychologist (Custody) 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 Management 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.

To give you a taste of Youth Detention the following links provide a picture of some of the programs and recent initiatives.

#reconciliationwa #nrw2025 #bridgingnowtonext #correctiveservices #jointhemovement #nationalreconciliationweek2025 | Department of Justice | 10 comments

Purple Hands Foundation, the charitable arm of the Fremantle Dockers, has reached out to young people in Department of Justice care at Banksia Hill Detention Centre to deliver an impactful program… | Department of Justice

Ex-detainee returns to Banksia Hill as role model | Department of Justice posted on the topic | LinkedIn

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.
• Relocation assistance/allowance available for applicants relocating from Interstate or New Zealand

Why join the team?

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.

Want to find out more about this role?

To find out more about this opportunity and how to apply for this position, follow the direct link below.

Applications must be received before Friday, 3 October 2025 at 4:30pm.