Psychologist / Specialist Psychologist

NSW Department of Communities and Justice; Sydney; On-site; AUD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employer's superannuation contribution

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Job summary

NSW Department of Communities and Justice in Sydney is seeking a psychologist to co-facilitate group-based behaviour change programs within the SOP at MSPC, delivering evidence-based interventions in a correctional setting.

You will assess criminogenic risk, provide expert staff consultation, and maintain comprehensive records to support rehabilitation and risk management.

Qualifications

• Current full AHPRA registration with the Psychology Board of Australia.
• Experience in assessment and group-based treatment in forensic psychology.
• Knowledge of correctional principles and criminogenic risk assessment.

Responsibilities

• Work within an adapted treatment community model in a correctional centre to promote positive change.
• Complete psychological assessments including criminogenic risk assessments.
• Co-facilitate group-based intervention to participants in therapeutic programs.
• Provide expert consultation to staff on offender mental health and risk management.
• Assist in the formulation of behaviour management plans and case plans for those in custody.
• Maintain accurate documentation on the Offender Integrated Management System (OIMS) and psychology files.
• Prepare reports and provide consultation to statutory authorities (SPA, HRO Committees, SORC, MHRT).

Skills

Forensic psychology

Group-based treatment

Assessment expertise

Trauma-informed practice

Ethical practice

Communication

Education

AHPRA registration as Psychologist

Tools

OIMS system

Job description

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Department: Service and Program Development

Department/Agency: Corrective Services NSW

Location: Matraville, NSW, AU, 2036

Custody Based Sex Offender Programs (SOP) Metropolitan Special Programs Centre (MSPC), Long Bay Correctional Complex
Corrective Services NSW

Location: Matraville, NSW
Employment type: Ongoing and temporary roles available; Full time or Part time (minimum 4 days)

• Plus employer's contribution to superannuation and annual leave loading

Make a Difference in Therapeutic Interventions at MSPC

Are you ready to take on a rewarding challenge in 2026, making a direct impact on rehabilitation and change?

Join the Metropolitan Special Programs Centre (MSPC) team, where you will be at the forefront of delivering therapeutic interventions within the Custody Based Sex Offender Programs (SOP). This role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to reducing reoffending and making a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals within the criminal justice system.

We are seeking skilled and compassionate psychologists to work with men who have been convicted of sexual offences as part of evidence-based behaviour change programs in Corrective Services.

Your role

As a psychologist within the SOP at MSPC, you will primarily co-facilitate group-based behaviour change programs and intervention to people in custody who have been convicted of sexual offences, with the aim of addressing the offending behaviour. You will also offer expert consultation to staff and statutory authorities on the management of high-risk individuals, ensuring evidence-based practices are consistently applied.

What you’ll do

• Work within an adapted treatment community model within a correctional centre, where all interactions are seen as possible chances to encourage and promote positive change. The "therapeutic community" approach along with the program facilitation is designed to help participants work intensively on changing the thinking, attitudes, feelings and behaviour that led to their offending behaviour.
• Complete psychological assessments, including criminogenic risk assessments (i.e., actuarial and dynamic) and responsivity needs assessments.
• Co-facilitate group-based intervention to participants in one of the therapeutic programs. The therapeutic programs facilitated include High Intensity Sex Offender Program, Medium Intensity Sex Offender Program, Self-Regulation Program for Sexual offenders who have a cognitive impairment and Deniers, for those who have been convicted and categorically deny the offence. Program length could vary from 6 to 18 months.
• Conduct individual-based psychological intervention that supports the program for a range of psychological issues (e.g., to address responsivity or relate to their history of offending). Such areas may include substance use, transitioning, coping and adjustment, cognitive functioning and mental health.
• Provide expert consultation to staff regarding offender mental health and risk management (including sexual and violent offender assessment).
• Assist in the formulation of behaviour management plans and case plans for those in custody, as part of a multi-disciplinary team.
• Maintain accurate and compliant documentation on the Offender Integrated. Management System (OIMS) and psychology files for all individuals receiving psychological services.
• Prepare reports and provide consultation to statutory authorities, including the State Parole Authority (SPA), High Risk Offender (HRO) Committees, Serious Offenders Review Council (SORC), and Mental Health Review Tribunal (MHRT).

“Working at SOP has been an incredibly rewarding experience. I have had the privilege of working with clients who bring diverse presentations and lived experiences. Facilitating groups within a therapeutic community and engaging closely with clients has provided valuable opportunities to support their skill development and to witness meaningful, sustained change. Working with individuals with a broad range of complex needs has been instrumental in developing my ability to adapt treatment approaches to varying responsivity needs and has contributed significantly to both my professional and personal growth. I feel incredibly fortunate to work alongside a supportive management team who go above and beyond to support the team and the work we do. ”
— Current SOP Psychologist in 2nd year of employment, Corrective Services NSW

I really love the challenges that come with working within SOP. There is never a dull moment when working with this client population. I particularly enjoy trying to foster a therapeutic community within the wing, with the hopes of making meaningful, positive change for the clients. Similarly, I hold high hopes that this may also aid in challenging some stereotypical views held towards our client population, understanding the important roles we play in rehabilitation and the desistance process. One of the key reasons I can continue in this role, even when demands are high, is the ongoing support of an incredible team, the sense of camaraderie, and the laughs.

— Current Acting Senior Psychologist at SOP who was employed as a Psychologist in SOP for approximately 5 years, Corrective Services NSW

What we’re looking for

• A motivated and passionate psychologist to provide an ethical and effective psychology service in a dynamic therapeutic community environment, with challenging clients and in the context of limited or scarce professional resources.
• Demonstrated expertise in assessment and group-based treatment in the area of forensic psychology including mental health issues, cognitive impairment, and with respect to behaviour management.
• Demonstrated knowledge of contemporary correctional principles related to psychological assessments and interventions, including criminogenic risk assessment.
• Current full AHPRA registration with the Psychology Board of Australia as a Psychologist
• 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

For Specialist Psychologist Considerations

If you would like to be considered for the Specialist Psychologist role, you must also meet the additional capabilities and experience as outlined in the Crown Employees Psychologists Award . Click here to view the criteria.

• Meaningful Impact: Work directly with individuals convicted of sexual crimes and help facilitate lasting behavioural change.
• Grow Your Career: Access paid training, professional supervision, and structured career development pathways.
• Collaborative Environment: Join a multi-disciplinary team committed to offender rehabilitation and reducing recidivism.
• Work-Life Balance: Enjoy flexible full-time or part-time opportunities to suit your lifestyle.
• Staff Health Resources: free access to on-site gym, squash court and sauna facilities as well as eligibility to obtain a Fitness Passport for discounted membership to selected local gyms, pools and fitness centres in NSW or nationwide.

Are you ready to join us?

This is your chance to take the next step in your psychology career and be part of meaningful change.

Applications close 1 November 2026 at 11:59pm AEST.

Inclusion and Diversity lies at the heart of how we recruit

We continue to hire great people with a wide variety of skills, experience and backgrounds. This includes people with disability, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People, women, people identifying as LGBTIQ+, culturally and linguistically diverse people, carers and other diversity groups.

A talent pool may be created for future ongoing and temporary roles and is valid for a period of up to 18 months.

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