PRINCIPAL PSYCHOLOGIST

Child Protection; Adelaide; On-site; AUD 123,000 - 134,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working options

Paid Parental and Partner Leave

Salary Packaging

Wellbeing and EAP support

Professional development allowances

Job summary

Department for Child Protection (DCP) in Adelaide seeks a Principal Psychologist to lead a high-performing team of psychologists and provide strategic clinical guidance across programs and resources. You will supervise junior staff, apply evidence-based assessments, and support positive outcomes for children and families.

The role emphasizes Aboriginal cultural practices, collaboration with staff and courts, and ongoing professional development within a supportive work environment.

Qualifications

• Must hold/working towards endorsement and registration with relevant psychology boards.
• Demonstrated experience in child protection context.

Responsibilities

• Lead within Psychological Services Leadership group to uphold service delivery.
• Provide clinical supervision to AHP1-3 psychologists and maintain team culture.
• Apply child protection knowledge and assessments for diverse clients.
• Offer regular consultation to DCP staff on complex cases.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Clinical supervision

Education

Master of Clinical, Forensic or Health Psychology

Board endorsement as Clinical/Forensic/Health Psychologist

Registration with Psychology Board of Australia

Board Approved Supervisor endorsement

Job description

Full-time vacancy available until 7 January 2028

Guide specialist clinical practice to bolster care outcomes

Child Protection Allowance in addition to annual salary.

Our Keswick office is seeking an experienced Principal Psychologist to strengthen a high performing team of psychologists. You will apply strategic leadership to create an aligned workforce culture that upholds exemplary service standards and achieves organisational goals.

Your specialist expertise and clinical guidance will inform program and resource management and strategic planning across the department. This role is vital to securing the safety and wellbeing of children and young people through valuable therapy and healing.

Essential Qualifications:

• Master of Clinical, Forensic or Health Psychology degree or equivalent
• Psychology Board of Australia endorsement as a Clinical, Forensic or Health Psychologist or willingness to work towards clinical endorsement
• Registered under the Health Practitioner Regulation National law to practice as a psychologist
• Recognised by the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency as a Board Approved Supervisor or willingness to work towards this.

In this role, you will:

• Operate within a dedicated Psychological Services Leadership group to uphold exemplary service delivery
• Exercise valuable clinical supervision and line management to AHP1-3 psychologists to maintain a robust team culture
• Apply specialist child protection knowledge and evidence-based psychological assessments to evaluate clients with diverse needs
• Provide regular consultation to DCP Staff to resolve contentious and complex cases
• Employ a deep understanding of Aboriginal cultural practices to improve service delivery outcomes.

About you:

• You possess exceptional interpersonal skills when implementing psychological theory and knowledge to clients, staff and the Courts
• You have proven experience in evaluating the therapeutic needs of children and young people
• You are highly proficient in neurobiology, attachment theory, child development and recognising psychological disorders in a child protection context
• You have sound experience in case conceptualisation and clinical reasoning
• You promote cultural sensitivity and inclusivity within your workplace undertakings to create a harmonious environment for clientele.

AHP4: $123,048 – $133,957 p.a. + 12% super
+4% Child Protection Allowance
+Professional Development Allowance
+Entitlement to claim reimbursement of eligible professional development expenses
+Area of Practice Endorsement allowance may apply to psychologists who hold the relevant endorsement
+As part of DCP's Psychologist Attraction and Retention Strategy, successful applicants may be eligible for attraction and retention allowances, career progression opportunities, professional supervision and ongoing development support.

Why You’ll Love It Here - DCP Benefits That Matter:
At DCP, these are just some of the benefits you’ll enjoy:

• A collaborative team environment, working alongside people who are committed to best practice and making a meaningful impact
• Flexible working options with tailored arrangements to help you balance work and life
• Paid Parental and Partner Leave – additional paid time to support you and your growing family
• Recognition and Growth – we celebrate your achievements and open doors to development across DCP
• Salary Packaging – reduce your taxable income with a range of pre-tax benefits
• Health and Fitness Perks – free flu vaccination plus access to more than 1,700 gyms, fitness centres and pools across Australia through our Fitness Passport program for you and your family
• Wellbeing Support - confidential Employee Assistance Program services for you and your family.

The Department for Child Protection (DCP) plays a key role in the protection of children, young people and their families within South Australia. The department provides support to vulnerable children and young people to be safe, strong and connected.

Contact Us

Enquiries to Sarah Bramwell - Director Specialist Practice

Contact Us

Enquiries to Sarah Bramwell - Director Specialist Practice 0447 256 436 [e-mail]

Our workplace reflects the diverse communities we serve, and we welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, experiences, and abilities. This includes women, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with disability, LGBTQIA+ communities, and those from culturally diverse backgrounds. We are committed to fostering an inclusive, safe, and respectful workplace where everyone feels supported.

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.