Psychologist / Specialist Psychologist

Organisation / Entity: Department of Communities and Justice

Job category: Health - Allied | Psychologist

Job location: Sydney Region / Sydney - East

Job reference number: 79736-43923582

Work type: Full-Time

Closing date: 22/02/2026 - 11:59 PM

Psychologist / Specialist Psychologist

VOTP Metropolitan Special Programs Centre (MSPC), Long Bay Correctional Complex
Corrective Services NSW

Location: Matraville, NSW
Employment type: Ongoing and temporary roles available; full time or part time (minimum 3 days)

Salary:

• Psychologist: $79,592 – $118,316pa.
• Specialist Psychologist: $114,016 - $139,824pa

Plus employer's contribution to superannuation and annual leave loading

Make a Difference in Therapeutic Interventions at MSPC

Are you ready to take on a rewarding challenge in 2026, making a direct impact on rehabilitation and change? Join the Metropolitan Special Programs Centre (MSPC) team, where you will be at the forefront of delivering therapeutic interventions within the Violent Offenders Therapeutic Program (VOTP). This role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to reducing reoffending and supporting the reintegration of individuals convicted of violent crimes.

“Working at the VOTP as an early career psychologist has been an incredibly rewarding experience. You gain hands-on exposure to running therapeutic groups, delivering individual interventions, and conducting assessments. The client-facing work is highly diverse, offering opportunities to engage with a broad range of presentations and develop strong clinical skills. On top of this, the team culture is exceptionally supportive, with consistent peer collaboration and supervision, that fosters significant growth as a clinician.”
— Current VOTP Psychologist in 1st year of employment, Corrective Services NSW

“I’m part of a supportive and passionate team of clinicians who are committed to learning and making a real difference. I have the privilege of working closely with clients, who are often sharing their life story for the first time to others. This therapeutic community not only allows us to witness their progress but also to build meaningful, therapeutic connections. The role continually challenges me and offers opportunities for both professional and personal growth”
— Current VOTP Psychologist in 6th year of employment, Corrective Services NSW

Your role

As a psychologist within the Violent Offenders Therapeutic Program (VOTP) at MSPC, you will primarily provide psychological assessment and intervention to offenders currently participating in or currently waiting to participate in therapeutic programs. You will also offer expert consultation to staff and statutory authorities on the management of high-risk individuals, ensuring evidence-based practices are consistently applied.

What you’ll do

• Complete psychological assessments, including criminogenic risk assessment and responsivity needs assessments.
• Facilitate group-based and adjunct individual-based psychological intervention to participants in either the VOTP or Self-Regulation Program for Violent Offenders (SRP:VO) whom have a cognitive impairment.
• Provide individual-based psychological intervention to individuals housed in the wing as pre-positioned placements (i.e., those who are waitlisted but not currently suitable to be provided an offer to participate in the VOTP or SRP:VO).
• In addition to addressing violent offending, individual-based psychological intervention may be for a range of psychological issues relating to substance use, transitioning, coping and adjustment, cognitive functioning and mental health.
• Provide expert consultation to staff regarding offender mental health and risk management (including sexual and violent offender assessment).
• Assist in the formulation of behaviour management plans and case plans for those in custody, as part of a multi-disciplinary team.
• Maintain accurate and compliant documentation on the Offender Integrated. Management System (OIMS) and psychology files for all individuals receiving psychological services.
• Prepare reports and provide consultation to statutory authorities, including the State Parole Authority (SPA), High Risk Offender (HRO) Committees, Serious Offenders Review Council (SORC), and Mental Health Review Tribunal (MHRT).

What we’re looking for

• A motivated and passionate psychologist to provide an ethical and effective psychology service in a dynamic therapeutic community environment, with challenging clients and in the context of limited or scarce professional resources.
• Demonstrated expertise in assessment and group-based treatment in the area of forensic psychology including mental health issues, cognitive impairment, and with respect to behaviour management.
• Demonstrated knowledge of contemporary correctional principles related to psychological assessments and interventions, including criminogenic risk assessment.

Essential Requirements

• Current AHPRA registration with the Psychology Board of Australia as a Psychologist with General Registration at least

For Specialist Psychologist Considerations

If you would like to be considered for the Specialist Psychologist role, you must also meet the additional capabilities and experience as outlined in the Crown Employees Psychologists Award. Click here to view the criteria.

Download the role description.

Why Join Corrective Services NSW?

• Meaningful Impact: Work directly with individuals convicted of violent crimes and help facilitate lasting behavioural change.
• Grow Your Career: Access paid training, professional supervision, and structured career development pathways.
• Collaborative Environment: Join a multi-disciplinary team committed to offender rehabilitation and reducing recidivism.
• Work-Life Balance: Enjoy flexible full-time or part-time opportunities to suit your lifestyle.
• Staff Health Resources: free access to on-site gym, squash court and sauna facilities as well as eligibility to obtain a Fitness Passport for discounted membership to selected local gyms, pools and fitness centres in NSW or nationwide.

Are you ready to join us?

Click apply, attach a cover letter (maximum 2 pages) outlining how you meet the requirements of the role as well as an up-to-date résumé (maximum 5 pages).

This is your chance to take the next step in your psychology career and be part of meaningful change.

Applications close23/02/2026 at 11:59pm AEST.

Got a question?

For role-specific questions:

Adam Booth – 9289 2374 or via adam.booth@correctiveservices.nsw.gov.au

For application assistance or recruitment adjustments:

Divya Soni on 02 9765 1987 or via divya.soni@dcj.nsw.gov.au

Visit Recruitment adjustments on the DCJ website to learn more.

Inclusion and Diversity lies at the heart of how we recruit

We continue to hire great people with a wide variety of skills, experience and backgrounds. This includes people with disability, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People, women, people identifying as LGBTIQ+, culturally and linguistically diverse people, carers and other diversity groups.

To find out what DCJ are doing to build an inclusive and diverse workforce, visit Inclusion and diversity on the DCJ website.

Other Information

A talent pool may be created for future ongoing and temporary roles and is valid for a period of up to 18 months.

For more information visit Applying for DCJ jobs on the DCJ website.

Thank you for your interest in this role. We look forward to receiving your application.