Psychologist

Management & Training Corporation is a global leader in the corrections, detention, training, and education sectors operating 23 Job Corps centres, 21 correctional facilities, 5 detention centres, 11 prison and detention medical departments and 2 workforce development sites worldwide.

Our Vision is to be a leader in social impact by transforming lives and strengthening communities. We are proud of the incredible work our +8,000 employees do providing support, giving hope, and providing opportunities for a better life.

We promote a culture of Safety, Respect and Dignity.  MTC instils the BIONIC (Believe It Or Not I Care) philosophy in all our centres. BIONIC means promoting a caring culture for change based upon safety, respect and dignity.

BIONIC drives every interaction between employees and those detained at MTC facilities.  This allows our inmates/transferees to feel heard, appreciated and treated with the utmost respect and in a culturally appropriate way.  Our aim is to improve relationships and reduce stressors for inmates/transferees, so they feel cared for.

If you have the drive, desire, passion, and experience to seek a role at Parklea, then now is the time to strengthen your career by joining our team. 

We are seeking a capable and motivated psychologist to support the team at Parklea Correctional Centre.

Our psychologist provides tailored case management, psychological services, and support to meet the specific needs of individual inmates at the Parklea Correctional Centre. This enables MTC to increase the chances of positively changing inmate’s lives and creating better outcomes for them, the community, and the State.

Some of the psychologist responsibilities are to:

The following key responsibilities are provided as a general guide in relation to the requirements and objectives of this position, including but not limited to:

• Provides tailored case management, psychological services, and support to meet the specific needs of individual inmates
• Develops programs to increase the chances of positively changing inmates lives to create better outcomes for them and their community upon release
• Delivers psychological programs and one-on-one interventions to inmates and ensures that their case loads are managed effectively
• Observe, supervise, and assess inmate activities and behaviour, and report unsafe, non-compliant or at-risk behaviours to maximise safety and security and minimise incidents
• Respond appropriately and effectively to events and incidents
• Ensures inmates receive the support and interventions they require to reduce their risk of reoffending and risk or risk of self-harm
• Support rehabilitation, which includes helping inmates establish the skills necessary to manage anger, mental health, and addiction and to mitigate the chance they will return to prison
• Comply with MTC Australia’s Risk Management, Quality Assurance, and Health, Safety and Environment management systems, including all statutory obligations
• Managing threats to the safety, security and wellbeing of self and others

We are looking for someone who is interested in:

• Giving back to our community in a rewarding way and make an impact on peoples’ lives
• Supporting, leading, mentoring and developing people and who are passionate about creating change
• Stable employment with an attractive remuneration package then this role may be of interest to you.

Skills & Experience:

The following key experiences and skills are desirable in relation to this position and would include but not be limited to:

• Holds full or provisional registration as a Psychologist with AHPRA
• Knowledge and skills in conducting psychometric assessments
• Previous experience in a correctional or institutional setting is desirable
• Experience in group facilitation is advantageous
• An understanding of the challenges involved in working within a forensic environment
• Ability to work independently as a practitioner with the appropriate level of clinical and managerial supervision
• Possesses assertiveness and confidence in dealing with individuals who may exhibit challenging behaviours
• Ability to motivate and influence individuals
• Shows an understanding of modelling pro-social behaviours
• An understanding of and commitment to the application of best practice principles of assessment and intervention with inmates

Mandatory qualifications:
A tertiary psychologist qualification is essential and holds full or provisional registration as a psychologist with AHPRA.

Personal attributes:
We are seeking candidates who display the following attributes:

• Display sound judgment in responding to risks, threats, escalation, and managing sensitive situations and information appropriately as required
• Communicate verbally and in writing in a professional manner that is pro-social, appropriate for the audience, clear, thorough and effective
• Demonstrate empathy, cultural understanding and the abilities to build rapport, influence, negotiate and navigate interpersonal differences with inmates, peers and others while maintaining professional boundary
• Show adaptability, perseverance and courage in achieving required objectives under pressure and in the face of challenges
• Take ownership, pro-actively achieve objectives and continuously improve
• Ability to work in a complex environment with competing demands
• Ability to operate in accordance with NSW Government laws and regulations
• Ability to gain and retain all the police/security clearances required within our industry
• Ability to pass any required health and medical assessments
• Ability to visit and work within a correctional or regional processing centre
• Proven rights to work in Australia
• Willingness to undergo alcohol and drug testing as required of the business from time to time

The successful applicant will be subject to appropriate security clearances from New South Wales Police and Corrective Services New South Wales prior to appointment.

MTC Australia is committed to fostering a diverse workforce by actively seeking and employing individuals from varied backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences. We strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres strait Islanders candidates.

Required to obtain and maintain relevant clearances to work within a Correctional Centre.

Applications should be addressed to the Hiring Manager, Parklea Correctional Centre, 66 Sentry Drive, Parklea NSW 2768.

A cover letter and current CV are required for all applications.