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Child Protection & Permanency Psychologists

Working for Child Protection & Permanency

Child Protection & Permanency Psychologists provide trauma-informed therapeutic care to disadvantaged children, young people, families, and carers. As Therapeutic Specialists, their role is to guide assessment, develop and monitor treatment plans, equip staff through training and reflective practice sessions and collect data on outcomes.

Tasks include:

  • Conduct psychological, social, emotional, cognitive, developmental, behavioural, and functional assessments
  • delivering and evaluating therapeutic interventions including psycho education, counselling, behaviour management, behaviour support services, group interventions and other evidence-based therapies (e.g TF-CBT, PCIT, EMDR)
  • providing consultation to staff and managers to assist in the decision-making process on psychological, developmental, emotional and behaviour management issues
  • delivering training to staff, families, carers, foster parents and external agencies in relation to trauma and abuse relevant to a child/young person
  • providing clinical recommendations to internal and external parties
  • maintaining electronic clinical records and providing written reports.
  • Case study: Steven, Psychologist

    Transcript

    I've been in the department for over 30 years and I've been here because of my passion to deal with the most needy and vulnerable young people and children in the community.

    We've got a very supportive structure around us under the umbrella of Psychological and Specialist Services.

    I work with children who have been abused. We work with their families as well.

    At moment, seeing a smile on their face and being part of that process in making change — change is quite rewarding.

What is it like to work here?

"I am aways awed by the breadth of experiences that I am offered in this job. I also value the flexibility in changing my working hours and schedules. I’ve had the privilege to receive both peer and clinical supervision from excellent clinicians. I’ve also found a unique opportunity to amplify voices of those less heard, so they have better access to support in their lives."

- Vaish, Psychologist, Child Protection & Permanency

Role requirements

  • minimum 4 year accredited qualification in psychology with current provisional or full registration with the Psychology Board of Australia
  • demonstrated expertise in assessment and treatment in psychology including mental health issues, cognitive impairment, and with respect to behaviour management.
  • demonstrated level of knowledge and understanding of contemporary correctional concepts, principles and practices relevant to psychology assessment and treatments
  • demonstrated knowledge and ability with regards to criminogenic risk assessments, including risks related to sex and violent offending and associated interventions 
  • demonstrated advisory, consultation, and report writing skills
  • sound knowledge and understanding of the psychologist's ethical and legal obligations and professional accountability particularly the Departmental policies and procedures
  • well-developed communication, negotiation, and conflict resolution skills
  • current driver’s licence with ability and willingness to travel throughout NSW.
Last updated:

09 Apr 2025