Psychologist/Specialist Psychologist

NSW Department of Communities and Justice; Abernethy; On-site; AUD 82,000 - 144,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

CPD opportunities

Clinical supervision

Internal training

Public sector benefits

Flexible part-time options

Generous leave entitlements

Wellbeing programs

Job summary

NSW Department of Communities and Justice is seeking Psychologists (and Specialist Psychologists) to deliver trauma-informed psychological care within a custodial setting at Cessnock Correctional Centre. The role supports rehabilitation and reintegration of men in custody with evidence-based practices.

The position welcomes both experienced clinicians and those early in their psychology career, offering CPD, supervision, internal training, and progression into leadership roles within a

Qualifications

• Full registration (or provisional) with the Psychology Board of Australia.
• Interest in trauma-informed practice, cognitive impairment, forensic risk, or behaviour change.
• Strong ethical foundation and commitment to evidence-based practice.
• Effective communication and teamwork skills.
• NSW Driver Licence and willingness to travel as required.
• Specialist Psychologist applicants must meet Crown Employees Psychologists Award criteria.

Responsibilities

• Conduct psychological assessments and individual interventions.
• Facilitate group-based rehabilitation programs.
• Provide expert consultation to staff on mental health, trauma, and risk (including sexual and violent offender assessment).
• Collaborate on behaviour support and case planning.
• Maintain accurate documentation in OIMS and psychology files.
• Prepare reports and provide input to statutory bodies (e.g. Parole Authority, Mental Health Review Tribunal).
• Participate in ongoing training, supervision, and networking opportunities.

Skills

Trauma-informed care

Psychological assessments

Individual interventions

Group-based rehabilitation

Staff consultation

Effective communication

Teamwork

Travel readiness

Job description

Salary

Location: Cessnock, NSW

Employment type: Ongoing/Temporary Full-time or part-time opportunities available (up to 12 months)

Psychologist: $81,980 - $121,865.

Specialist Psychologist: $117,436 - $144,019

Plus employer’s contribution to superannuation, annual leave loading & environmental allowance

Are you ready for a psychology role where your work truly matters?

Join a values-driven team at Cessnock Correctional Centre, supporting individuals in custody to build healthier, more constructive lives through evidence-based psychological care.

Whether you're an experienced clinician or early in your psychology career, we want to hear from passionate professionals ready to support rehabilitation in a real-world setting that offers both impact and professional growth.

Learn more: Click this link- Working with Corrective Services as a Psychologist

Why Join Us?

• Targeted Clinical Work: Deliver evidence-based assessments and interventions that directly impact rehabilitation outcomes.


• Supportive, Multidisciplinary Culture: Work alongside a collaborative team that values ethical practice, respect, and integrity.


• Development Pathways: Access CPD opportunities, clinical supervision, internal training, and progression into Specialist or leadership roles.


• Paid Pathways for Provisionals: New to the field?

We Welcome Provisionally Registered Psychologists And Offer

• Paid employment during your pathway to registration


• Structured supervision from experienced clinicians


• Training tailored to correctional and forensic psychology


• Flexibility & Public Sector Benefits: Enjoy the stability of government employment, generous leave entitlements, part-time flexibility, and access to wellbeing programs.

Your role

As a Psychologist or Specialist Psychologist, you’ll deliver trauma-informed care within a custodial setting, supporting the rehabilitation and reintegration of men in custody.

You Will

• Conduct psychological assessments and individual interventions


• Facilitate group-based rehabilitation programs


• Provide expert consultation to staff on mental health, trauma, and risk (including sexual and violent offender assessment)


• Collaborate on behaviour support and case planning


• Maintain accurate documentation in OIMS and psychology files


• Prepare reports and provide input to statutory bodies (e.g. Parole Authority, Mental Health Review Tribunal)


• Participate in ongoing training, supervision, and networking opportunities

What You Bring

• Full registration (or provisional registration) with the Psychology Board of Australia


• Interest in trauma-informed practice, cognitive impairment, forensic risk, or behaviour change


• A strong ethical foundation and commitment to evidence-based practice


• Effective communication and teamwork skills


• NSW Driver Licence and willingness to travel as required


• Specialist Psychologist applicants must meet the additional experience/ capabilities as outlined in the Crown Employees Psychologists Award. Click here to view the criteria.

Download the role description.

Inclusion and Diversity lies at the heart of how we recruit

Learn more: Inclusion & Diversity at DCJ

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