AHP2 / AHP3 Psychologist

Department for Education, South Australia; Port Augusta; On-site; AUD 95,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

The Department for Education in Port Augusta/Whyalla seeks a psychologist to join Student Support Services and support children with complex needs. You will work with families, schools, and staff to implement evidence-based interventions and contribute to a culturally responsive service model.

The role involves providing expert professional support, maintaining a caseload, and potentially supervising other psychologists within the team. Term positions may include travel to regional sites.

Qualifications

• Current and full registration with the Psychology Board of Australia (AHP2/3).
• Psychology Board of Australia approved supervisor (AHP3).
• Desirable: area of practice endorsement in educational/developmental and/or clinical/counselling psychology (AHP3).

Responsibilities

• Provide evidence-based psychology interventions for children and families.
• Work with preschool and school staff and parents to develop targeted strategies.
• Collaborate within an inter-disciplinary team and supervise other psychologists.

Education

Registration with Psychology Board of Australia (AHP2/3)

Psychology Board approved supervisor (AHP3)

Job description

Department for Education

Job reference: 860737

Location: 5600 - WHYALLA, 5700 - PORT AUGUSTA

Job status: Short Term Contract

Eligibility: Open to Everyone

Why work with us

Every child and young person deserves a great education.

We have a strategy that aims to unlock every child’s potential now and into the future, one that in partnership with learners, students, parents and the wider South Australian community will build a world leading public education system. One that is equitable and prioritises learning and wellbeing.

Together we will make our education system the best it can be.

When our children and young people thrive, so do our communities and our state.

About This Role

Are you a psychologist looking for a change? Are you seeking to travel and excitement, and have a passion for making a difference? Do you like to work with children, want to explore the outback with an amazing team or improve your experience working with indigenous families? If this is you, then we have the role for you!

The Psychologist is a member of the inter-disciplinary team and works with children and young people with developmental, cognitive, social, emotional, behavioural and physical difficulties, and exceptional needs (including giftedness) and their families. The Psychologist works with preschool and school staff, and parents to develop evidence-based psychology interventions that include proactive, targeted and intensive strategies that can be adapted for learning and home contexts.

Student Support Services works with schools and preschools to provide support to assist them in meeting the needs of all children. The role requires the incumbent to participate in the implementation of a service model that supports the provision of integrated and targeted services to meet the needs of children and young people

with additional needs. The trend of increasing learner complexity is well documented in the literature. Increasing numbers of children and young people are being identified with complex learning difficulties and disabilities often with co-existing conditions such as autism and attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Increasing numbers of children are in schools who have difficulties arising from premature birth, have survived infancy due to advances in medical interventions, have rare neurological disorders and foetal alcohol syndrome.

Behavioural issues are becoming increasingly more challenging and complex with a range of co-morbidity factors (including mental health) that require skills and expertise to identify underlying causes to better address the needs of the children and young people. The Psychologist is a key member of an inter-disciplinary team and works with children and young people with developmental, cognitive, social, emotional, behavioural and physical difficulties, and exceptional needs (including giftedness) and their families. The Psychologist works with preschool and school staff, and parents to develop evidence-based psychology interventions that include proactive, targeted and intensive strategies that can be adapted for learning and home contexts. The Psychologist at this level has demonstrated specialisation and expertise in working with children and young people with additional and complex needs and will be required to provide expert professional support and supervision to other Psychologists as well as maintain a professional caseload.

Student Support Services are on a cultural response journey, as such we value and prioritise Aboriginal ways of knowing, doing and being.

Living in Port Augusta and Whyalla

Port Augusta, known as the gateway to the Flinders Ranges, provides stunning landscapes and numerous outdoor activities. Experience the charm of the outback with easy access to hiking, camping, and exploring unique geological features. Port Augusta boasts a lower cost of living, a welcoming community and a relaxed pace of life.

Whyalla offers a vibrant coastal lifestyle with beautiful beaches, a relaxed atmosphere and a thriving local community. Enjoy outdoor activities like fishing, snorkelling, and exploring natural wonders such as the annual cuttlefish migration. The city combines affordable living with a strong sense of community and cultural events.

Qualifications

Essential: Current and full registration (general) with the Psychology Board of Australia (AHP2/3). Psychology Board of Australia approved supervisor (AHP3).

Desirable: Area of practice endorsement - educational and developmental psychology and/or clinical psychology and/or counselling psychology (AHP3).

Special conditions

• You may need a current driver's license and be willing to drive
• You may be asked to work out of hours
• You may need to travel within or outside of South Australia
• You must have current Department for Human Services (DHS) Working with Children Check (WWCC) prior to employment, to be renewed every five years.
• You must undertake RRHAN-EC (Responding to Risks of Harm, Abuse and Neglect - Education Care) training, updated every three years.
• You must an Australian resident or provide evidence of a current work permit.

Remuneration

AHP2 $94,997 - $ $110,052 per annum (1.0 FTE) + superannuation (12%) + leave loading and applicable allowances.

AHP3 $112,139 - $120,284 per annum (1.0 FTE) + superannuation (12%) + leave loading and applicable allowances.

Enquiries

Enquiries can be directed to Mel Judd, Team Manager, via tel: [phone] or email [email protected]

People of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent and/or those who have a disability are strongly encouraged to apply.

Additional Note

Multiple full-time (1.0FTE) positions available at AHP2 / AHP3 level, initial 12 month term contract, with a possibility for extension.

Based in Port Augusta and/or Whyalla.

Applications close: 26/10/2026 11:30 PM

Attachments

• Application Cover Sheet - PSAct.pdf
• How to Apply PS Act guidelines.pdf
• Position description - AHP2 Psychologist.pdf
• Position description - AHP3 Psychologist.pdf
• VL233 Pre-employment declaration.pdf

Flexibility Statement

The South Australian public sector promotes diversity and flexible ways of working including part-time. Applicants are encouraged to discuss the flexible working arrangements for this role.