This is a Pool process with Permanent and fixed-term, full time and part time opportunities.

About the role

Be part of a highly supportive team of multidisciplinary professionals, working together to enact change for young people – both in detention and in the community.

Our team of psychologists provide assessment and intervention for young people throughout Western Australia. Youth Justice Psychological Services provides both individual and group interventions. We utilise evidence-based frameworks to reduce offending and improve the trajectory for young people in the Youth Justice system.  Psychologists in Youth Justice develop skills working with complex young people with a variety of challenges including mental health, neurodevelopmental, complex trauma and a range of offending patterns.

Our team works in both custody and in community centres. The role is diverse and incorporates clinical intervention, forensic assessment and consultation. You will be supported to develop your capacity to apply forensic instruments, assessment and intervention. Therapeutic continuity is valued and clinicians can provide through-care interventions to clients as they enter and exit custody and the community.  Opportunities for travel to all areas within WA are available, with the chance to learn about and engage first-hand with Indigenous cultures from around the state. In all settings, you will work with many individual clients and get involved in interagency strategies to create change.

Working in Custody

In custody, we are currently offering a wide range of specialised services and implementing an enhanced model of care. The model reflects best practice in Youth Justice and will focus on rehabilitation through a trauma-informed and culturally safe therapeutic approach. Some initiatives, that operate alongside of Youth Justice Psychological Services:

• The Neurodevelopmental and Mental Health Service in custody. This team works alongside Youth Justice Psychological Services and includes neuropsychology, psychiatric, speech pathology, and paediatric services and increased access to clinical nurse specialists;
• The intensive mentoring program in the centre, which is available to assist the centre to meet the needs of young people with complex needs;
• Increased focus on cultural safety and security including the provision of the Aboriginal Services Unit, an Aboriginal Elders and Leaders Cultural Mentoring Program, Cultural programs and activities facilitated by Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations.   
• The new Crisis Care Unit at Banksia Hill Detention Centre which provides trauma-informed, culturally informed, multi-disciplinary and coordinated therapeutic support to young people in detention.

Working in the Community

Many young people in Youth Justice are placed on Community-based orders and are case-managed by Youth Justice staff who work in community centres, alongside psychologists. Young people who are involved with Youth Justice often have complex needs. They may have experienced trauma, have psycho-social challenges, neurodevelopmental difficulties and mental health concerns. In Community Youth Justice centres, psychologists are highly valued for their expertise and provide; assessment, evidence-based interventions and consultation, in order to reduce offending. Psychologists also prepare Pre-Sentence assessments and Fitness to Stand Trial assessments for the Children’s Courts across the state. Psychologists work in both the metropolitan area and regionally. Opportunities for fly in – fly out work are also available for those interested. The challenge of producing better outcomes for young people in custody and the community is an important priority and we are seeking motivated psychologists at all levels of experience to join our team and contribute to better outcomes for young people in our care.

This is your chance to switch to a rewarding and challenging career to deliver psychological assessment, interventions, consultation and advice to young people and their families.

Eligibility

WWCC – In accordance with the National Child Safety Principles, people who work directly with children and young people, you must have a current Working with Children Check or be able to successfully apply for one to be eligible for appointment to this position.

Special Conditions – Applicants must possess a current “C” Class Driver’s License.

Qualifications – Applicants must:

• Have a tertiary qualification that is required in line with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA).
• Hold a ‘Full Registration’ with AHPRA.
• Be eligible to commence the Registrar program as a Clinical / Counselling / Forensic Psychologist.

OR

• Have a tertiary degree qualification in Psychology. AND
• Hold ‘General Registration’ as a Psychologist with AHPRA.

Please note that for the positions at Specified Calling Level 3, ‘Full Registration’ with AHPRA with endorsement as a Clinical / Counselling / Forensic Psychologist is required.

About Justice

When you join the Department of Justice, you become part of a people-focused organisation, working hard to make our community a fairer and safer place to live. We offer many different employment opportunities in locations around Western Australia. You will have a chance to make a real difference to your local communities and to the lives of those you work with.

How to apply

To find out more about this opportunity and to apply for this position, click on the link https://apply.jobs.wa.gov.au/page.php?pageID=160&windowUID=0&AdvertID=416960

Applications must be received before Friday, 2 October 2026 at 4.30pm.