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Youth Justice Psychologists

Working for Youth Justice

Youth Justice Psychologists provide a consultancy service to staff regarding the psychological needs of young people within custodial and community locations, including those who sexually offend.

They undertake comprehensive assessments and provide evidence-based, trauma-informed therapeutic intervention Statewide as required. 

Tasks include:

  • assisting in the formulation of individual risk, needs, responsivity based case treatment plans 
  • the development and delivery of training to all staff that supporting young people with mental health problems, intellectual disability, and/or cognitive impairment, childhood trauma, and/or harmful sexual behaviour
  • involvement in practice improvement projects, research and evaluation
  • maintaining confidential documentation
  • preparing reports, advice and consultation to Children’s Courts, the Serious Young Offenders Review Panel, State Parole Authority, and Mental Health Review Tribunal.
  • Psychologists in Youth Justice
    Transcript

    If I can, in some small way, help them towards living a good life, then it makes everything worthwhile. I’ve worked in Youth Justice for just shy of 20 years, and the days are often varied.

    I get to work across a spectrum of psychological interventions that I wouldn’t get to do in private practice, and I just love working with young people, trying to help them live a good life. I really love the work that I do.

What is it like to work here?

"I am very lucky as my role is incredibly unique in the department. I have an amazing manager and supportive team I work alongside. I am provided with lots of opportunities to develop my skills and knowledge in a specialist area. The most fulfilling part of my role is working with vulnerable young people to help the system better understand, support and work with them better to shift their trajectory."

- Sarah, Psychologist, Youth Justice

Role requirements

  • minimum 4 year accredited qualification in psychology with current provisional or full registration with the Psychology Board of Australia
  • demonstrated expertise in the psychological assessment and treatment of adolescents, including mental health issues, cognitive impairment, and with respect to behaviour management
  • demonstrated level of knowledge and understanding of contemporary concepts, principles and practices relevant to the psychological assessment and treatment of young people who offend
  • demonstrated knowledge and ability with regards to risk assessments, including risks related to sex and violent offending and associated interventions
  • sound knowledge and understanding of the psychologist's ethical and legal obligations and professional accountability particularly the Departmental policies and procedures
  • knowledge of and respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture
  • current driver’s licence with ability and willingness to travel throughout NSW.

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