Full-Time Psychologist or Mental Health Social Worker

Join Our Growing Team at Cova Psychology

Are you looking to join a private practice that values both clinical excellence and genuine support?

At Cova Psychology, we are excited to be expanding. We will be opening a new purpose-built clinic in North Melbourne, and we are seeking a passionate full-time Psychologist or Mental Health Social Worker to join our friendly and collaborative team. Our new clinic will be centrally located on Chetwynd Street in North Melbourne, close to shops, cafés, public transport and convenient parking.

We understand that private practice can be both rewarding and challenging, which is why we prioritise supporting our clinicians with strong administrative, clinical and professional development systems. As Cova Psychology continues to grow, we are excited to bring the same supportive culture, strong systems and collaborative energy that we have built in our CBD practice to our new North Melbourne clinic.

Our therapists come from a variety of therapeutic backgrounds and levels of experience, but we share one key value: a commitment to providing high-quality, client-centred care. We welcome applications from early-career and experienced clinicians alike, particularly those interested in working with trauma, neurodivergence, or complex presentations.

What You Can Expect from Us

Strong Administrative Support

Our full-time admin team handles intake, scheduling, billing, and general client management - allowing you to focus on your clinical work.

Clinical Supervision and Training

You will have regular access to supervision and professional development with Dr Sarah Valentine and Dr Chris Coleiro, Directors and Principal Psychologists at Cova Psychology. With over 25 years of combined experience, Sarah and Chris provide guidance across diverse clinical areas including mood and anxiety disorders, trauma, eating disorders, personality issues, and gender variance. Their approach integrates CBT, mindfulness, DBT, Schema Therapy, IFS, MBT and EMDR.

Work That Interests You

We attract a broad range of clients, allowing you to shape your caseload around your interests and strengths.

Purpose-Built Consulting Rooms

Our new North Melbourne clinic is being designed as a purpose-built allied health space, with comfortable consulting rooms, shared staff areas, and the clinical resources needed to support high-quality therapeutic work.

Autonomy with Support

You choose your hours, your clients, and your holidays while being part of a team that is available for connection, guidance and peer support.

Convenient Location

Our new site on Chetwynd Street, North Melbourne offers easy access to nearby cafés and shops, public transport connections and nearby parking options.

Who We’re Looking For

We are seeking a clinician who:

• Has a compassionate, client-centred approach
• Demonstrates strong clinical skills and curiosity
• Has a proactive, “can-do” attitude

Desirable (but not essential)

• EMDR training or interest in learning
• Experience with neurodivergence-affirming practice (ADHD, Autism)
• Experience with eating disorder assessment and treatment

We are committed to building a team that reflects the diversity of our community. If your background or clinical interests bring a unique perspective to our practice, we would love to hear from you.

Responsibilities

• Conduct psychosocial assessments with presenting clients at the onset and throughout outpatient therapy. The purpose of the assessment will generally be to inform the treatment plan for therapy, though may also be to provide diagnostic clarification for the client and their doctor.

• To provide evidence-based therapeutic sessions to clients who may span a range of ages, ethnicities, and cultural backgrounds. The clients may be referred under a GP Mental Health Care Plan or under other funding arrangements, eg. WorkCover or NDIS. This may also involve the development, facilitation and evaluation of group treatment programs.

• Maintain accurate case notes regarding clients using an electronic clinical record (on Halaxy) and according to practice protocols and professional standards.

• The Psychologist is expected to maintain calendar availability for a standard clinical caseload, typically equivalent to 25 client appointment slots per week at 1.0 FTE (pro rated for part time), excluding approved leave and public holidays.

• Participate in care plans and participate in planned case conferences with GPs and other health professionals involved in the client’s care as required. To liaise as appropriate with referring consultants, multidisciplinary team and community agencies regarding the management of referred clients.

• Provide written reports to the client’s referring doctor with information regarding assessments undertaken, treatment provided; and recommendations on future management of the client's presenting issues. The reports are sent as required by funding bodies (such as Medicare requirements / Workcover requirements), as well as to comply with APS guidelines regarding best practice in terms of collaborating with the clients primary and secondary care providers.

• Contribute to maintaining an effective team, in particular, cultivating a supportive and collaborative workplace environment.

• Prepare for and attend 1:1 supervision sessions and peer group supervision meetings.

• Attending and participating in meetings both clinical and administrative (as required).

• Contribute to service planning, policy and procedure development and other administrative functions relevant to service provision.

• Comply with subpoena or court appearance request on behalf of referred clients.

• Actively participate in matters and activities relating to occupational health and safety including compliance with relevant legislation, regulations and codes of practice.

• Maintain safe work environment and practice.

Skills and Experience Required

• Knowledge of evidence based interventions, research, legal and ethical requirements, clinical skills, and referral sources.

• Demonstrated commitment to consumer-focused care and evidence based clinical practice.

• Knowledge of the Mental Health Act 1986 and amendments and other relevant legislation.

• Well-developed interpersonal, communication and problem solving skills.

• Strong sense of customer service.

• Ability to work autonomously as well as work effectively in a team setting.

• Well defined research and analytical skills.

• IT skills for attending to clinical administration and telehealth.

• Social and professional networking skills.

• Excellent time management and organizational skills.

• Ability to maintain professional and ethical work practices.

• Ability to deal with sensitive and confidential information.

• Ability to work collaboratively with clients, doctors, administrative staff, and Cova Psychology directors.

• Ability to listen and reflect on constructive feedback.

• Openness to new ideas.

• Capacity to participate in a team meeting which fosters an environment where clinicians feel safe enough to make themselves vulnerable whilst seeking support.

• Ability to build your practice and relationships with referrers through regular reporting, as well as strategic marketing and networking objectives.

Learn More

Learn more about our practice:
covapsychology.com/psychologist-melbourne-join

What Our Team Says About Working at Cova Psychology

Please read below to see some of the thoughts our team have about working at Cova Psychology:

“I have been working at Cova Psychology since mid 2019, and I continue to be grateful for the professionalism of the team, the friendly atmosphere, the lovely rooms, and the supportive administrative staff. Cova Psychology’s focus is on integrity, professionalism, and continuous learning through peer and individual supervision. Indeed, peer supervision often involves professional development opportunities, with the directors, Sarah and Chris, recruiting experts in the field to share their knowledge. I can highly recommend Cova Psychology to any early career or experienced psychologist looking to work in private practice.”

• Elizabeth Tupper, Clinical Psychologist

“I recently started working for Cova Psychology and I am so impressed and delighted by the warmth and support at the practice. The principal psychologists are available and encouraging of both individual agency and comradery within the practice. The administrative staff are amazing and means that I can focus entirely on clinical work. It is a fantastic team and I would very much recommend Cova Psychology to psychologists looking for a Private Practice. “

• Kelly Garfield, Counselling Psychologist 

“Working at Cova Psychology has been such an amazing experience! I have been very lucky to have Chris and Sarah, they are incredibly supportive and understanding directors who care about their team and who continually help me grow as a provisional psychologist.”

The friendly admin staff are always there when you need them, providing high quality care. I would highly recommend working with Cova to any psychologist looking for a supportive workplace to advance their clinical skills in private practice.”

• Monique Pittas, Psychologist