Shape specialist psychological care in a brand-new forensic mental health service
Help build an innovative service and model of care from the ground up
Join a multidisciplinary team focused on recovery, rehabilitation and safer outcomes
Assess complex presentations, create evidence-based interventions and deliver specialist psychological care for people with substance use and mental health needs in a forensic setting.
Employment Type: Permanent Part Time
Position Classification: Clinical Psychologist
Remuneration: $59.59 - $72.63 per hour
Hours Per Week: 24
Location: Blacktown
Where you'll be working
Located at Budyari Gilli, Blacktown Hospital, you'll join Western Sydney Local Health District's new 20-bed Low Secure Forensic Mental Health Inpatient Unit, opening 13 October 2026. This contemporary service is being established to provide specialised assessment, treatment and rehabilitation for people whose mental health needs sit within the forensic mental health system.
You'll be joining a service where your expertise can make a genuine impact while helping shape its culture, clinical practice and patient experience from day one.
Be part of a new specialist forensic mental health service within one of Australia's largest and most diverse health districts.
Work alongside the existing Budyari Gamada services as part of an integrated forensic mental health model.
Collaborate with the Justice Health and Forensic Mental Health Network to support continuity of care and patient flow across NSW.
Join a multidisciplinary workforce committed to recovery-oriented, trauma-informed and consumer-centred care.
Contribute to a culture of education, research and innovation that is shaping the future of mental health care in Western Sydney.
What you'll be doing
As a Clinical Psychologist specialising in Substance Use Disorders and Dual Diagnosis, you'll provide specialist psychological assessment and treatment for consumers presenting with substance use issues alongside complex mental health needs. Your expertise will help inform recovery, rehabilitation and positive clinical outcomes in a forensic environment.
Conduct comprehensive psychological and substance use assessments, including assessment of co-occurring mental health conditions.
Develop, implement and evaluate evidence-based psychological interventions for substance use disorders and complex comorbid presentations.
Provide specialist consultation, education and training to forensic mental health clinicians and the broader multidisciplinary team.
Develop therapeutic programs and interventions, contribute to case management and prepare high-quality clinical and court reports.
Work collaboratively with consumers, families, carers, clinicians and external agencies while contributing to clinical governance, quality improvement and professional supervision.
Make a difference with NSW Health
This is more than an opportunity to join a new service — it's a chance to help build the future of forensic mental health care.
Bring your clinical expertise, curiosity and commitment to recovery and join a team where your contribution will be valued from day one.
How to Apply
Apply online by submitting your resume and addressing the criteria listed below by providing examples that demonstrate your ability before the closing date.
Essential Requirements:
Qualification: Completion of a recognised Master’s or Doctorial Degree in Clinical or Forensic Psychology
Registration: Current full registration with AHPRA, Psychology Board of Australia
Selection Criteria:
A four year degree in Psychology, being a three year degree with a fourth year honours in Psychology, and a post-graduate degree at the masters level or higher in Clinical or Forensic Psychology from a recognised university.
Experience administering comprehensive assessments and designing targeted treatment plans for substance use issues and comorbid mental health problems in a forensic mental health setting.
Demonstrated skills in providing evidence based psychological treatment for substance use issues and co-morbid mental health problems including delivering brief interventions and harm reduction programmes
Ability to work in a forensic mental health setting with patients/consumers who have engaged in offending behaviour
Proven high quality written and verbal communication skills
Prior experience or exposure managing challenging patient/consumer behaviours
An understanding of the array of psychosocial issues that contribute to substance use problems and capacity to take a holistic approach to treatment
Requisition ID: REQ690635
Applications Close: 15th September 2026
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about applying for this position.
Review the detailed Position Description for insights into role requirements and criteria.
Explore the selection process, employment checks, outcomes and notifications.
People with disabilities who meet the selection criteria are encouraged to apply; and where required, WSLHD will implement reasonable adjustment consistent with industry standard.
Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people are encouraged to apply. Stepping Up aims to assist Aboriginal job applicants by providing information about applying for roles in NSW Health organisations. For more information, please visit https://www.steppingup.health.nsw.gov.au/ .
Blacktown hospital car parking allocation model is changing. There is a managed waitlist for parking for new staff commencing at Blacktown Hospital. This does not apply to staff with a disability parking permit.
Please note: To be eligible for permanent appointment to a position in NSW Health, you must have an Australian citizenship or permanent Australian residency.
