Careers in Psychology Our missionThe Department for Child Protection and Family Support (CPFS) aims to protect and care for children and young people who are in need, and support families and individuals who are at risk or in crisis. Within the broader aims of CPFS, the Department’s Psychology Services’ priority is on meeting the needs of children in care and those coming into care.

Would I be good at this work?To have a successful career in Psychology with the Department you must be able to apply a range of psychological theory to case formulations, intervention plans and report writing. You must be able to work independently and as part of a professional team to support and manage the care of children with complex needs.

Effective oral and written communication skills are required to maintain accurate client records, liaise with people who have a history of trauma and abuse and with other professionals, agencies and members of the community. You are ethical, compassionate and can respect the confidentiality of our clients.

Role of a psychologist • Psychologist Specified Calling Level 1

You will conduct psychological assessments and contribute to the development of individual therapeutic plans for children and young people in care. You will consult with departmental staff and foster carers on behavioural interventions and develop your psychological intervention skills.

• Clinical or Counselling Psychologist Specified Calling Level 2 or Level 3

You will conduct psychological assessments of children, adolescents and families and undertake preventative and therapeutic interventions; often at a complex level. You will also supervise psychologists and clinical or counselling psychology students on placement, as required. You may collaborate with children and staff within a residential care setting which caters specifically for children and young people requiring extraordinary care and support.

• • •

Minimum qualification requirementsThe minimum qualification is a four year Bachelor of Psychology degree and registration or eligibility for provisional registration with the Psychology Board of Australia. Full registration as a psychologist with the Psychology Board of Australia and/or progress towards a Masters Degree in Psychology is strongly preferred.

Please turn over for more information.

Employment benefits • Commencement salary of $60,365 - $138,895 • Four weeks annual leave • Paid parental leave • Purchased leave • 13 weeks paid long service leave after 7 years service • Flexible working arrangements • HECS-Help study support for eligible staff

Contact usTo find out about possible career opportunities with the Department for Child Protection and Family Support, please contact:

Telephone: (08) 9222 2555 Email: generalenquiries@cpfs.wa.gov.au Website: Visit www.childprotection.wa.gov.au and click ‘Employment Opportunities’.

Follow us on LinkedIn

Check out the WA State Government jobs board for advertised positions at www.jobs.wa.gov.au.

YOUR futureOur children,Government of Western Australia

Department for Child Protection and Family Support

Bachelor of Psychology

4 year degree

Master of Psychology

(Clinical, Counselling or Forensic)

Qualification requirements

DC

P15

7.09

14

Registration with the Psychology Board of

Australia. Note: Preference is given to psychologists who also

have relevant experience or partial completion towards a

Masters qualification.

PSYCHOLOGIST

SPECIFIED CALLING LEVEL 1

Relevant experience in a complex setting or relevant

placements within the Department

PSYCHOLOGIST

SPECIFIED CALLINGLEVEL 2 OR 3

Where can I obtain further information regarding professional registration?

For further information, please visit the Psychology Board of Australia’s website at www.psychologyboard.gov.au or speak to your university careers counsellor.

Can I undertake the two years supervision at the Department to become a fully registered psychologist?

It is only possible if you are already employed as a psychologist. There are very limited opportunities to enter the Department’s Psychology Services without having already completed registration or being enrolled in a Masters of Psychology degree.

Does working in a field position create a direct pathway into a role as a psychologist at the Department for Child Protection and Family Support?

Experience in a field position is not considered a direct pathway into a psychologist role.

Are there opportunities to work in a country location?

Employees have the opportunity to work in one of the Department’s nine country district locations. Some of the benefits you may be eligible for as a psychologist in a regional area include:

• A fortnightly district allowance depending on the location. • Up to five days commuted time off in lieu and up to five

extra leave days in certain areas. • Annual leave travel concession for employees (and their

dependents) per annum in certain areas. • Housing and utility (gas, water, electricity) subsidies and

air conditioning subsidies. • Zone tax offset allowance. • Salary packaging. • Induction program and further training and support. • Opportunities for improvement and advancement.

Frequently asked questions

For more information about the Department for Child Protection and Family Support please visit www.childprotection.wa.gov.au