Step into a rare opportunity to help establish a new service from day one.
Remuneration: $40.57 - $59.38 per hour + super + salary packaging
Employment Type: Permanent Part Time
Position Classification: Psychologist
Location: Tamworth Hospital
Hours Per Week: 24
Requisition ID: REQ647857
Applications Close: Wednesday, 18 March 2026
Where you'll be working
A new era of mental health care is coming to the New England North West region in 2026.
The brand-new, purpose-built Tamworth Mental Health Unit will feature 37 inpatient beds, including:
20 general adult beds5 high acuity beds4 beds for younger people8 beds for older persons
Designed with recovery, safety and therapeutic engagement at its core, the unit will deliver care through a collaborative multidisciplinary team. Medical, psychological, occupational and social interventions are integrated into individualised care plans, ensuring holistic support for every person admitted.
A structured daily therapeutic group program will provide meaningful routine, engagement and skill-building opportunities. Consumers will be supported to strengthen both their mental and physical wellbeing through education, social connection and evidence-based interventions.
This is a rare opportunity to be part of a new service from the ground up - shaping culture, practice and outcomes from day one.
About The Role
As a Psychologist within the unit, you will deliver comprehensive assessment and evidence-based psychological interventions to people experiencing a broad range of mental health conditions.
While anxiety and mood disorders are common referrals, you will also work with individuals presenting with complex needs, including psychosis, bipolar disorder and personality disorders.
Your Role Will Include
Advanced psychological assessment and formulationIndividual and group therapy facilitationContribution to multidisciplinary care planningPsychoeducation for patients and familiesSupporting recovery-focused discharge planning and transitions to community care
You will be supported by your Line Manager and the Psychology Professional Lead, with access to structured clinical supervision, ongoing education and professional development pathways to support your growth and career progression.
About You
You are a skilled and grounded clinician who thrives in dynamic inpatient environments. You bring:
Advanced clinical assessment and formulation skillsStrong capability in evidence-based therapies such as CBT, DBT and ACTConfidence in risk assessment, suicide prevention and de-escalationThe ability to build therapeutic alliances quickly in high-acuity settingsClear, compassionate communication and collaborative MDT practice
You approach your work with cultural humility, ethical integrity and strong professional boundaries. You are resilient, reflective and committed to self-care, allowing you to perform effectively in complex environments.
Most importantly, you are person-centred and recovery-oriented - integrating trauma-informed principles, family/carer engagement and advocacy to support meaningful outcomes.
Requirements
Current registration as a Psychologist with Australian Health Practitioners Regulation Agency (AHPRA).Completion of an Australian Psychology Accreditation Council accredited postgraduate clinical psychology qualification of no less than two years full time duration or recognised equivalent, displayed on the Psychology Board of Australia website.
Additional Information
An eligibility list will be created for future permanent part time and temporary part time vacancies.To be eligible for permanent employment in this position you must be an Australian Citizen, or a permanent resident of Australia, or a New Zealand citizen with a current New Zealand Passport. Employment of a temporary visa holder may only occur if no suitable local candidate is identified for the position; in this instance, you may only be offered employment in line with the conditions and expiry date of your visa.We are unable to accommodate visa sponsorship for applicants requiring a visa for this position.
Need more information?
Click here for the Position Description Find out more about applying for this position
For role related queries or questions contact Priscilla Zifodya on
Information For Applicants
Applicants will be assessed against the essential requirements and selection criteria contained within the position description (link below). For assistance addressing selection criteria visit: https://bit.ly/3vL5fq2
Stepping Up Website is a resource designed to help indigenous job applicants apply for positions in NSW Health. For more information, please visit: https://bit.ly/HNEHealthSteppingUp
This is a Category A position. Recommended applicants will be reviewed for compliance with NSW Health policy directive PD2024_015: Occupational Assessment, Screening and Vaccination against Specified Infectious Diseases for Category A positions prior to offer. All new employees must agree to comply with the requirements outlined in the policy.
Hunter New England Health is dedicated to fostering a child-safe environment that respects and upholds the rights of children and young people, aligned with NSW Health's commitment to implementing the Child Safe Standards. We aim to ensure that children and young people feel safe, supported, and included in their care. All current and prospective staff are expected to prioritise the safety, welfare, and well-being of children and young people, actively working to protect them from harm and abuse.
At Hunter New England Local Health District, we are an inclusive employer dedicated to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and welcoming workplace. Our commitment to a workforce that reflects the community we care for is essential for delivering the highest quality healthcare to our community. We encourage people with diverse lived experiences to apply. If you require any accommodations or adjustments to the recruitment process please let us know when you apply or at any stage of the process. We will work with you to meet your needs and create the best possible experience. Please contact for confidential support.