Various Psychologist Roles

The Department of Communities brings together the services and functions of disability services, child protection and family support, housing, community initiatives and regional services reform.

Want to make a positive difference to the lives of young people in WA? You will!

Staff working in the Department’s 14 metropolitan and 10 regional Group Homes, contribute to providing healing relationships within a culturally sensitive, homelike environment for young people with histories of maltreatment, neglect, and disrupted attachment.

How will you make a difference?

As a Psychologist employed in Residential Care you will work across two or more Group Homes as a consultant and team member, supporting and helping staff to reflect and attune to the minds and mental states of the young people. Ideal applicants for this role will have well developed consultation skills, emotional intelligence, flexibility, and persistence. You will also be resilient, be able to think systemically, and be able to operate in dynamic and challenging group environments.

The Opportunities

We currently have one (1) permanent and two (2) fixed-term psychologist positions available in Residential Group Homes in various locations in the Metropolitan Area. This pool will also be utilised to fill positions in regional locations, such as Kununurra and Broome; with the options of being based in the regions or at our administrative centre in Whiteman travelling to these regional locations for a minimum of three nights approximately every second week.

Suitable applicants will be placed in a pool from which appointments will be made for this or similar future vacancies (fixed term or permanent) that arise within the next 12 months across the Department of Communities. 

The attached Job Description Forms (JDF) provide more information about the position. For further information we encourage you to contact Isabelle Stacey, Acting Senior Consultant Psychologist – Residential Care on 0423 290 ***.

About Communities

Working with the Communities can be both personally and professionally rewarding whether you are working in a front-line role or a corporate role. All our staff contribute to achieving our common goals, which make a difference in the lives of vulnerable children and families in our communities.

Communities offers you career progression, variety, access to comprehensive learning and development, and great employment conditions. Some of these benefits may include:

• 4 weeks annual leave
• 3 days additional public sector holidays
• 15 days personal leave per annum
• 11% superannuation, full employer contribution
• Access to flexible working arrangements, such as but not limited to, alternative work locations or home-based work, subject to business needs
• Free access to a confidential employee assistance program for you and your family, which includes psychology and counselling services
• Professional development opportunities and study leave/assistance
• 17.5% Annual Leave Loading

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

Psychologist (Provisional) Specified Calling Level 1: Tertiary degree qualification in Psychology or equivalent approved by the Psychology Board of Australia AND eligible for 'Provisional Registration' on the register of Psychologists with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (Ahpra).

New graduates welcome! If you are a new graduate or graduating by March 2024, we encourage you to apply. Please outline your estimated graduation date in your application. Proof of qualifications will be required prior to the completion of the process to demonstrate the work related requirements, but you can still apply for the position whilst you are waiting for your certificate.

Psychologist Specified Calling Level 2: Tertiary degree qualification in Psychology approved by the Psychology Board of Australia AND 'General Registration' as a Psychologist with Ahpra.

Psychologist Specified Calling Level 3: A 2-year post graduate master’s degree in Clinical, Counselling or Forensic Psychology or approved equivalent, General Registration as a Psychologist AND specialist endorsement with Ahpra.

Conditions

Some additional requirements include:

• A Senior First Aid Certificate must be obtained and maintained once appointed, with the successful applicant covering the initial costs. The costs of refresher courses will be paid by the organisation thereafter.
• Obtaining accreditation in Therapeutic Crisis Intervention to the level of the staff in the homes (training provided by the Department), which will require a medical review beforehand which the employer will pay for.
• Drivers’ Licence and use of a private vehicle to attend meetings with ability to claim mileage costs.
• All Group Homes are strictly non-smoking.

Join the Department of Communities

Apply online by clicking the ‘Apply for Job’ button (above and below) and provide the following documents in Word or PDF format only:

1. A current comprehensive CV/resume with cover letter,
2. A copy of your degree certificate(s) (plus overseas qualification assessment if applicable).
3. A two-page written application addressing the specific essential work-related requirements (selection criteria) below as outlined on the JDF relevant to the position/s you are applying for:

• Specified Callings Level 1: Criteria 1, 2, & 5
• Specified Callings Level 2: Criteria 1, 4, & 5
• Specified Callings Level 3: Criteria 1, 3, & 5

     4. An application form (for hard copy applications only)

Applicants who are short listed will be assessed on all the selection criteria requirements during the selection process. Please be advised further assessments, including interview, are expected to occur on Tuesday 12 March and or Wednesday 13 March 2024. It is the preference of the panel for assessments to be conducted face-to-face at Keith Maine Centre.

For technical difficulties while applying online, general recruitment enquiries, or to request any document in an alternative format, please contact our friendly HR Recruitment Team via *************@communities.wa.gov.au.

Integrity and Honesty

The public sector is built on a strong foundation of integrity where employees act ethically, and public sector bodies promote and maintain integrity. 

In line with Communities policies, applicants may be asked for consent to undergo criminal record screening and integrity checks during the application process. For more information on these requirements, click here.  

Equity and Diversity

The Department of Communities embraces diversity and firmly believes that the best services come from a workplace, where varied viewpoints are welcomed and encouraged every day. We are committed to creating an equitable and diverse workforce, where we encourage applications from people with disability, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people from culturally diverse backgrounds, women and youth.

If you have any access needs that may require adjustments to allow you to fully participate in the application and interview process, or alternative methods of communication, please contact Mali Kalem. If you are an Aboriginal person who would like assistance with your application, please contact Jobs and Skills WA on 13 64 64.

Lodgement is system generated. Any emailed applications or late submissions on or after 4:00pm will not be accepted.

Attachments:
- Application Form
- Information for Job Applicants
- JDF - Psychologist (Provisional) - SCL1.docx
- JDF - Psychologist - Clinical, Counselling, Forensic Psychologist (or Registrar) - SCL2.docx
- JDF - Psychologist - Clinical, Counselling, Forensic Psychologist - SCL3.docx

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