EXT-2026-0037 APS 6 Clinician
Clinicians (APS 6) work within the Open Arms Division of the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) providing counselling services to current and formerly serving Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel, their partners, and families. They apply extensive knowledge and experience gained from a relevant background in psychology, social work, counselling, occupational therapy, or nursing to build rapport with clients, understand their unique experiences and work with them to identify goals that will enhance mental health and wellbeing.
Clinicians provide evidence-based assessment, formulation, and treatment for a range of psychological conditions, and keep confidential care plans and clinical notes to reflect counselling progress. They may also provide co-facilitation for group programs alongside fellow Open Arms staff or external clinicians. With clients’ consent, Clinicians will liaise with additional treatment providers, family members and/or key Open Arms and DVA stakeholders to enhance therapeutic support.
Reporting to the Assistant Director (EL 1) Clinicians are required to attend regular case reviews and operational supervision to discuss client progress and complex cases with the Assistant Director and other Clinicians. They are required to make decisions, problem solve and navigate complex client issues, whilst adhering to relevant legislation, ethical guidelines, and policies. Critical thinking, communication and interpersonal skills are paramount, and Clinicians must demonstrate high levels of integrity and emotional intelligence.
Bringing knowledge of veterans’ and their families’ experiences to the role, Clinicians will demonstrate respect for all clients and uphold a strong commitment to confidentiality and privacy.
Duties
Please refer to Candidate Information Pack for a list of duties related to this role.
Eligibility
• Under section 22(8) of the Public Service Act 1999, employees must be Australian citizens to be employed in the Australian Public Service (APS).
• All applicants external to DVA offered employment will be required to successfully undergo a pre-engagement screening check, even if they have a security clearance. The screening check is conducted in accordance with the Australian Government Protective Security Policy Framework requirements.
• The successful candidate will be required obtain and maintain a Baseline Vetting (AGSVA) security clearance.
Mandatory Requirements
• Currently hold or ability to obtain a Working with Vulnerable People registration OR
• Currently hold or ability to obtain a Working with Children check.
In addition to the above, one of the following:
• Qualifications as a registered Psychologist / Occupational Therapist / Registered Nurse with full AHPRA registration, OR
• Qualification as a Social Worker with membership of the Australian Association Social Workers (AASW) on commencement, OR
• A Masters-level counselling qualification and registration with PACFA as a Registered Clinical Counsellor or with ACA at Level 3 or Level 4.
Notes
This recruitment process is being used to fill ongoing and/or non-ongoing position/s. For more information about the role, please see the Candidate Information Pack.
A merit pool of suitable applicants may be created which may be used to fill future ongoing and non-ongoing vacancies should they become available over the next 18 months.
Successful applicants engaged into the APS will be subject to a probation period.
We welcome people with diverse skills, experiences and perspectives. DVA is committed to building a workforce that reflects the community we serve and encourages applications from:
* Veterans and former Australian Defence Force members, whose skills and experience are highly valued across the APS
* Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
• People with disability
• People who identify as LGBTQIA+
• People from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds
We are a Veteran Employer of Choice! This means you benefit from a workplace actively supporting veterans and veteran families – one that understands and values military experience. You’re joining an organisation publicly recognised for its commitment to fostering veteran-friendly employment pathways and long-term career success.
RecruitAbility applies to this vacancy. Under the RecruitAbility scheme, you will be invited to participate in further assessment activities for the vacancy if you choose to opt-in to the scheme, declare you have a disability and meet the minimum requirements for the vacancy. All requests for reasonable adjustments will be considered and managed in consultation with you. Further information can be found at https://www.apsc.gov.au/recruitability.
This vacancy has been identified to participate in VetPaths. Support may be available to veterans transitioning to meaningful APS careers through participation in VetPaths, which offers veterans an opportunity to participate in a six month program offering formal learning and development, career mentoring and activities for wellness and peer supports. For more visit: VetPaths – A support pathway for veterans new to the Australian Public Service (APS) | Department of Veterans' Affairs.
This initiative/program is only applicable where the successful applicant will be employed under the Public Service Act 1999. Similar conditions may apply when employed under other Acts. For clarification, please contact the advertising agency.
Contact Officer Details:
For any job-related information required after reading the selection documentation, please contact Aimee Redhead on 07 4723 9*** or *************@dva.gov.au.
Where to lodge Applications:
To apply go to https://dvajobs.nga.net.au/cp/index.cfm?event=jobs.home and complete the online application by 11.30pm AEST Thursday 30 April 2026.