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.
Salary
$131,122- $138,984 per annum (Pro rata) + our Employer 12% superannuation contribution is on top of this amount.
- Salary range is in accordance with Allied 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.
Allowances
- 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
Eligibility
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.
- Relevant Post Graduate Qualifications
- 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.
Statement of Duties:
Application Guide:
How to apply
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.
Kate Knights
Nurse Unit Manager (NUM) (Team Leader) - CAMHS
0447 376 245
katie.knights@ths.tas.gov.au
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!
Make It Tasmania | Move for a great lifestyle
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Tasmanian Health Careers | Tasmanian
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.