Principal Psychologist (Custody) – Youth Detention Leader

Department of Justice; Perth; On-site; AUD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working arrangements

Career pathway opportunities

Learning and development opportunities

Health and wellbeing programs

Job summary

Department of Justice in Western Australia is seeking a Principal Psychologist (Custody) to provide clinical and managerial oversight of a team of 10 psychologists and to influence practices and policies for better outcomes for young people in custody and the community. The role supports a trauma‑informed Model of Care and multidisciplinary collaboration.

Applicants should have a postgraduate Masters/Doctorate in Clinical, Counselling or Forensic Psychology and full registration with the

Qualifications

• Experience delivering psychological services to young people in custody.
• Advanced applied psychology knowledge including trauma-informed care.
• Ability to conduct complex psychological assessments and prepare reports for legal and operational uses.
• Ability to supervise and govern professional practice in line with board standards.

Responsibilities

• Provide clinical and managerial oversight of a team of psychologists.
• Inform practices and policies to improve outcomes for detained youth.
• Develop and oversee culturally responsive psychology services for Aboriginal young people and families.
• Lead implementation of the Model of Care in custody and youth detention settings.

Skills

Youth psychology in custody

Trauma-informed practice

Clinical supervision

Policy influence

Education

Masters/Doctorate in Clinical, Counselling or Forensic Psychology

Full registration with the Psychology Board of Australia

Job description

Department of Justice in Western Australia is seeking a Principal Psychologist (Custody) to provide clinical and managerial oversight of a team of 10 psychologists and to influence practices and policies for better outcomes for young people in custody and the community. The role supports a trauma‑informed Model of Care and multidisciplinary collaboration.

Applicants should have a postgraduate Masters/Doctorate in Clinical, Counselling or Forensic Psychology and full registration with the