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Communities and Justice

Corrective Services Psychologists

Working for Corrective Services

Corrective Services Psychologists provide direct psychological assessment, intervention, and therapeutic services and programs to offenders and remandees within custodial and community locations. There is a supportive supervision structure in place to ensure opportunities for career development.

Tasks include:

  • Assisting in the formulation and management of case plans
  • providing expert consultation to staff regarding the management of remandees and offenders
  • maintaining concise documentation and psychological notes on all offenders receiving psychological services and participating in programs
  • preparing reports, providing advice, and consultation to the State Parole Authority, Serious Offenders Review Council, and Mental Health Review Tribunal as well as several other organisations.

  • Rebecca is a psychologist, and she shares why working at the Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ) is the best decision she has ever made.

    We ask Rebecca why

    Rebecca is a psychologist, and she shares why working at the Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ) is the best decision she has ever made.

    Transcript

    (Psychologist walking through a correctional centre.)

    Rebecca, Provisional Psychologist: My name is Rebecca, I'm a Provisional

    Psychologist at Bathurst Correctional Centre.

    (Rebecca walking through Bathurst Correctional Centre.)

    Rebecca: At 45 I decided to become a Psychologist, I changed careers began working here. Best decision I've ever made.

    (Rebecca talking to a group of Psychologists.)

    Rebecca: I feel privileged to be able to have the opportunity to work here with the inmates at Bathurst Correctional Centre.

    Rebecca: We might be able to make a difference so they can go back out into the community and begin again and lead successful lives.

    (Rebecca talking to an inmate in a cell.)

    Rebecca: I believe passionately that everybody deserves a second chance.

    Tagline: Become a Corrective Services Psychologist, A job like no other.

    (Aerial view of a correctional centre.)

What is it like to work here?

"The diversity and variability of our roles and the people we work with is key for me. I also have amazing colleagues who are just as dedicated and passionate about our purpose, which is so important for job satisfaction."

- Berindah, Statewide Manager Specific Needs (Psychology)

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