Senior Forensic Child & Youth Psychologist

Tasmanian Government; Launceston; Hybrid; AUD 131,000 - 139,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary packaging

Travel & relocation assistance

Professional development support

Fitness Passport

Job summary

The Department of Health Tasmania seeks a Senior Clinical Psychologist with forensic mental health expertise to assess, treat and report on youth with complex needs. You will conduct high-level clinical assessments and develop management plans, including court reports, within a trauma-informed framework.

Based in Launceston, the role operates under CYMHS Reform, supporting statewide programs and collaborating with government and non-government services.

Qualifications

• Tertiary qualification approved by the Psychology Board of Australia
• Registered with the Psychology Board of Australia and endorsed to practice in Clinical or Forensic Psychology
• Current Tasmanian Working with Children registration

Responsibilities

• Provide comprehensive evidence-based clinical assessment, treatment and court reports
• Prepare high-quality court assessment reports for Tasmanian Courts
• Work in a multidisciplinary team to ensure continuity of care for youth in detention

Skills

Forensic psychology

Court reports

Trauma-informed care

Clinical assessment

Multidisciplinary teamwork

Education

Clinical psychology registration

Psychology degree

Job description

Department of Health
Community, Mental Health & Wellbeing
CMHW - MH & Statewide Services

Applications must be submitted by Wednesday 28 October, 2026 11:55 PM

Award/Classification:

Allied Health Professionals Public Sector Unions Wages Agreement, Allied Health Professional, Level 4

$131,122 to $138,984 per annum

Employment type:

Permanent, part-time

Region:

North

Location:

Provide specialist assessment, treatment and court reporting for young people with complex mental health and forensic needs. Work within a multidisciplinary team to deliver trauma-informed care and support positive outcomes.

The Team:

Child and Youth Mental Health Services Aim:

We are seeking a Senior Clinical Psychologist with extensive knowledge, understanding and experience in forensic mental health issues and risks, specifically in relation to young people, and their families/carers, presenting with complex mental health concerns and/or complex behaviours of concern. You will have a proven ability to conduct high level clinical assessments, including the development of comprehensive management plans and completion of court reports.

This new position has been developed as a recommendation from the recent Commission of Inquiry Report (Tasmania) to support young people in youth detention who require trauma-informed psychological intervention. The Senior Clinical Psychologist will have a passion for providing a person-centred approach and working within a multidisciplinary team environment.

As part of CYMHS Reform, clinical services in Tasmania are under development with many exciting professional, developmental and research opportunities available.

This position is based in Launceston in the new Divert and Connect Program which is currently in the early stages of development. This role will provide you with the opportunity to assist in implementing new programs in Northern Tasmania, working collaboratively with other government and non-government services. Travel to Ashley Youth Detention Centre will be required as part of this role.

The Role

• Provide comprehensive evidence-based clinical assessment, treatment, and assertive case management service, including the development and implementation of specialist treatment programs and group programs, and the provision of formal psychological reports as required.
• Provide high quality, timely evidence based written court assessment reports for young people appearing in Tasmanian Courts in relation to offences.
• Work as a member of the multidisciplinary team from a case management framework, including outreach and case management reviews, to ensure continuity of care and best practice outcomes for young people detained in youth detention.

You will need

• A minimum of five years post graduate experience, with extensive knowledge, understanding and experience of forensic mental health issues and risks in relation to young people and their families/carers presenting with complex mental health concerns and/or complex behaviours of concern with a proven ability to conduct high level clinical assessments including demonstrated problem solving, advanced therapeutic interventions and the development of comprehensive management plans and court reports.
• Proven high level interpersonal skills including oral and written communication, negotiation, conflict resolution and decision making, together with the ability to develop comprehensive oral and written reports.
• Extensive experience and knowledge of effective liaison and consultation with other services and agencies in the context of providing specialised mental health assessment, advice, and training.

Note: - Please refer to the Statement of Duties for all the selection criteria of this position to address in your application.

Why Tasmania

The Department of Health Tasmania oversees various hospitals across the State, including the Royal Hobart Hospital, Launceston General Hospital, Northwest Regional Hospital, and Mersey Community Hospital, as well as district hospitals and ambulance services. Additionally, it provides community health, mental health, and primary healthcare services to the Tasmanian community through more than 300 sites.

Tasmania, Australia's only island State, offers unparalleled natural beauty and a luxurious lifestyle. Pursuing your health career in Tasmania’s public health system means building strong connections with colleagues and patients. It also means embracing a lifestyle where you can enjoy extraordinary experiences outside of work while making a significant impact on the community during work.

Details of appointment

Permanent part time, day worker position, working 45.6 hours per fortnight, commencing as soon as possible.

*Notwithstanding hours to be negotiated with the successful applicant.

Applicants should note that, for a period of twelve months from the date of publication, this selection process may be used to fill subsequent or similar full time, part time, and casual vacancies.

$131,122- $138,984 per annum (Pro rata) + our Employer 12% superannuation contribution is on top of this amount.

• Salary range is in accordance withAllied Health Professionals Public Sector Unions Wages Agreement No.2 of 2025

Salary Packaging

You’ll have access to salary package a range of benefits including living expenses up to $9,010 + $2,650 in meal entertainment each FBT year + other benefits if eligible.

• Please note that access to salaries beyond $135,445 is subject to qualifications and/or application to the personal upgrade scheme

In addition, the following allowances calculated on the salaried incremental point may be available:

• Professional Development Allowance of up to $1200 per annum, paid on a fortnightly, pro rata basis.

Benefits available to eligible candidates

• Travel and relocation assistance support available up to $15,000 for eligible appointees from overseas, and up to $10,000 for appointees from interstate.
• Professional development and accelerated pathways.
• A range of leave entitlements, including study leave and Professional Development Support.
• Fitness Passport – You, and your family can access 40+ fitness facilities across Tasmania for just $14.50 per week per person, or $28.05 for a family.

More information about our Employee Benefits can be found here

Successful applicants will be required to meet the essential criteria.

• Tertiary qualification/program of study approved by the Psychology Board of Australia
• Registered with the Psychology Board of Australia and endorsed to practice in the approved area of practice of Clinical Psychology or Forensic Psychology
• Current Tasmanian Working with Children Registration
• Drivers Licence

Applicants should note the following criteria are desirable:

• Five or more years demonstrated clinical practice in forensic psychology with specialist knowledge of forensic client risk assessments.
• Eligibility as a board approved supervisor with AHPRA.

Applicants should note, the position features:

• Provision of service reaching into Youth Detention and Statewide role in preparing reports for court

Note: - Please refer to the Application Guide for more information of pre-employment check.

Download the Statement of Duties and any Associated Documents

We encourage you to review the Statement of Duties, Applicant Guide, prior to applying for an overview of the duties, program, selection process and application guidance.

Apply Online. Please click the "Apply" button on this screen to ensure that important questions about you are answered.

You will be prompted to complete a 1–2-page application detailing your experience, skills and knowledge as they relate to the attached Statement of Duties. A separate statement addressing the selection criteria in the Statement of Duties is not required.

For more information

Applicants who require further information are encouraged to contact the Contact person for detailed information about the vacancy.

What it is like working at the Department of Health?

Compassion, Accountability, Respect, Excellent are the key values to work in Department of Health. Listen to some of the lived experiences from within the department through some of our wonderful staff and hear about their journey in relocating to Tasmania!

Respecting diversity is the foundation of everything that Department of Health do. This allows us to instil trust and collaborate through honest and fair communication and helps cultivate an environment of growth and innovation. We strongly encourage applicants from key communities including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, LGBTIQA+ people, and people living with disabilities.

Agency:

Department of Health

Award:

Allied Health Professionals Public Sector Unions Wages Agreement, Allied Health Professional, Level 4

$131,122 to $138,984 per annum

Employment type:

Permanent, part-time

Region:

North

Location:

Provide specialist assessment, treatment and court reporting for young people with complex mental health and forensic needs. Work within a multidisciplinary team to deliver trauma-informed care and support positive outcomes.

Agency:

Department of Health

Award:

Allied Health Professionals Public Sector Unions Wages Agreement, Allied Health Professional, Level 4

$131,122 to $138,984 per annum

Employment type:

Permanent, part-time

Region:

North

Location:

Provide specialist assessment, treatment and court reporting for young people with complex mental health and forensic needs. Work within a multidisciplinary team to deliver trauma-informed care and support positive outcomes.

• Review the Statement of Duties and consider if you meet the requirements.
• Speak to the Contact Officer if you have any questions.
• Submit your application including any additional documents as specified in each individual job vacancy notice.