Psychologist/Specialist Psychologist

NSW Department of Communities and Justice; Cessnock; On-site; AUD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employer’s superannuation contribution

Annual leave loading

Environmental allowance

Public sector benefits

Job summary

NSW Department of Communities and Justice invites applications for Psychologist and Specialist Psychologist roles at Cessnock Correctional Centre. You will deliver trauma-informed psychological care to men in custody, supporting rehabilitation and reintegration through evidence-based assessments and interventions.

We welcome provisionally registered psychologists and offer structured supervision, CPD, and pathways into specialist or leadership roles within a government environment.

Qualifications

• Full registration (or provisional) with the Psychology Board of Australia.
• Experience in trauma-informed practice or forensic psychology is desirable.
• Ability to work in a custodial setting and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams.

Responsibilities

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

Skills

Trauma-informed care

Assessment skills

Group therapy

Ethical practice

Communication

Driver licence

Documentation (OIMS)

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Psychology

Registered or provisionally registered psychologist (Australia)

Tools

OIMS

Job description

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Department/Agency: Corrective Services NSW

Location: Cessnock, NSW, AU, 2325

Location: Cessnock, NSW

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

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.

• 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 welcomeprovisionally registered psychologistsand 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
• A Cover Letter (Max 2 pages) outlining how you meet the role requirements.

Applications close 2 2 November 2026 at 11:59pm AEST.

Inclusion and Diversity lies at the heart of how we recruit

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Thank you for your interest in this role. We look forward to receiving your application.