SENIOR PSYCHOLOGIST, YOUNG OFFENDER PROGRAM (YPO)
Reference 1L236F21
External Vacancy – Open to Everyone
Division: Community and Aboriginal Partnerships
Location: Cavan, Kurlana Tapa Youth Justice Centre
Salary Range: 108,347-116,216
Classification: AHP3
Engagement Type: Term Contract
Closing Date: 13 Feb 2026
Role Highlights
* Provide intervention to young people to desist from offending behaviour
* Support young people to strengthen their engagement in community
* Work collaboratively and engage with stakeholders
Here at the Department of Human Services (DHS), we strive to deliver modern programs, services and policy that strengthen communities and enable South Australians to actively participate in community life. With people at the heart of what we do and a commitment to child safety, ageing well and supporting people with disability, we work to increase inclusion, independence and decision‐making, and help our communities when it matters most.
Our Community and Aboriginal Partnerships Division helps to build community safety and wellbeing by providing support and services to children, young people and families, including those involved with the youth justice system, remote Aboriginal communities, and people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. The division also leads the department's Closing the Gap work.
An exciting opportunity exists to join a newly established Young Offender Program (YOP) clinical team. Closely working with the YOP Cultural Team, this role supports young people and their families through individualised, clinically sound and culturally informed assessment and intervention. The position plays a key role in reducing youth offending and promoting positive change.
The Senior Psychologist, YOP is a role within Youth Justice and Inclusion Support and is accountable to the Clinical Manager, YOP for:
* Delivering high‐quality psychological assessment, case formulation, and intervention planning for young people identified through the YOP process
* Contributing to reducing young offender re‐offending, by addressing the complex needs of young people through trauma‐informed, developmentally appropriate and culturally responsive practice and supporting access to the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)
* Providing clinical leadership within the multidisciplinary team, supporting the implementation of best practice models, and contributing to service development and innovation
Special Conditions
Prior to being employed, the successful applicant will be required to obtain a National Police Check if new to the Department and a satisfactory Employment‐related Screening Check where this is required for the role.
Successful applicant will be required to hold a Department of Human Services (DHS) Working with Children Check (WWCC) prior to being employed and maintain a DHS WWCC during employment.
Successful applicant will be required to provide evidence of completion of the Child Safe Environments for Children and Young People full‐day training course or evidence of enrolment.
Must hold a current Australian issued Driver's Licence (equivalent to minimum class 'C' – South Australian), which must be maintained. Incumbent must be willing and able to drive all government vehicles within their licence classification during the course of their duties.
Some out of hours work may be required. Intrastate and interstate travel involving overnight absences will be required.
Duration: Term up to eighteen (18) months.
Essential Qualifications
Incumbent must hold a Masters' level qualification in Clinical, Forensic or other Applied Psychology and registration with the Psychology Board of Australia to practice as a psychologist as well as Psychology Board of Australia status as a Board Approved Supervisor.
DHS is committed to making our services and workplaces safe and for all people and ensuring the full diversity of the communities we serve are represented in our workforce, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with disability and/or neurodivergence, young people, older people, culturally and linguistically diverse people, LGBTIQA+ and gender diverse people.
We are committed to making reasonable adjustments to provide a positive, barrier‐free recruitment process. If you require assistance with this process, please contact us at dhsrecruitment@sa.gov.au and a member of the team will get back to you.
The South Australian public sector promotes diversity and flexible ways of working, including part time. Applicants are encouraged to discuss flexible working arrangements for this role.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are encouraged to apply. We also celebrate the many strengths and skills people with disability and/or neurodivergent people bring to our workplace and acknowledge our role in ensuring a supportive work environment for people with disability and/or neurodivergent people to thrive in.
Application Instructions
Resume and Cover Letter
You are required to submit a cover letter, up to a maximum of two pages, addressing how your skills, attributes and experience meet the role specific capabilities and attach your current resume via online application form. For more information about applying, refer to our Job Application Guide.
Screening Checks
If you are new to the department and are invited to an interview, you will be required to produce a National Police Check, which has been issued within six months of your application for the role. National Police Checks can be applied for via the South Australia Police or through an Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission accredited body.
If the role you are applying for also requires an Employment‐related Screening Check, you will be required to undergo such assessment as is advised by DHS, including periodic assessment during your employment.
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