Head of Department – Psychology
Employment Type: Permanent Full Time
Position Classification: Senior Clinical Psychologist
Remuneration: $144,702 - $152,992 per annum + superannuation + salary packaging
Hours Per Week: 38
Requisition ID: REQ657639
Location: Mater Mental Health Centre, Waratah and James Fletcher, Newcastle
Applications Close: 04 May 2026
About the Role
As Head of Department – Psychology, you will provide both clinical leadership and operational management of psychology services across inpatient wards.
A Typical Week Will See You
* Leading and supporting a team of psychologists to deliver high-quality, evidence-based care
* Managing workforce functions including recruitment, induction, rostering, leave, performance reviews and professional development
* Providing expert psychological assessment, formulation and treatment to consumers (individual and group-based)
* Representing psychology at senior forums and advising on psychological matters at all organisational levels
* Ensuring professional standards, qualifications, supervision and grading are maintained across the department
* Managing departmental resources across multiple sites to meet service delivery and budget targets
* Contributing to service evaluation, clinical outcome monitoring, education and training initiatives
* Supervising postgraduate provisional psychologists where appropriate
* Working closely within a multidisciplinary team to deliver integrated, person-centred care
How You'll Be Supported
* Supported by the Senior Nurse Manager Operations and an Administrative Leadership Team Assistant
* Integral member of a collaborative Senior Leadership Team
* Receive a comprehensive orientation tailored to both the clinical and leadership aspects of the role
* Access to ongoing professional development, leadership training and education opportunities
* Encouraged and supported to continue developing as both a clinician and a leader
Benefits
* Sustainable Healthcare: Together towards zero
* Monthly Allocated Days Off (for full-time employees)
* 4 weeks annual leave (pro-rata for part time employees)
* Paid parental leave (for eligible employees) – giving you the opportunity for true Worklife balance
* Salary packaging options – up to $11,600 plus novated leasing
* Fitness Passport for health and well-being – discounted gym options for you and your family
* Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for staff and family members
Additional Information
An eligibility list will be created for future permanent full or part time and temporary full or part time vacancies.
Position is full time; however, part time/job share arrangements may also be considered.
Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
Information for Applicants
Applicants will be assessed against the essential requirements and selection criteria contained within the position description.
Information regarding indigenous applicants can be found on the Stepping Up Website.
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. 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. Individuals with diverse lived experiences are encouraged 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. Confidential support is available via HNELHD-Diversity@health.nsw.gov.au.
#J-18808-Ljbffr