Join as the Mental Health Department Head - Psychology at Hunter New England Local Health District.
Job Details
* Remuneration: $144,702 – $152,992 per annum + super + salary packaging
* Employment type: Permanent, Full‑Time (38 hours per week)
* Class: Senior Clinical Psychologist
* Location: Mater Mental Health Centre, Waratah
* Requisition ID: REQ625670
* Application deadline: Monday, 26th January 2026
Overview
Lead the district’s first inpatient Psychology Department at the Mater Mental Health Centre, Waratah. You will provide both clinical leadership and operational management across inpatient wards, ensuring high‑quality, evidence‑based care for patients with complex mental health needs.
Responsibilities
Lead and support a team of psychologists, delivering high‑quality, evidence‑based care.
* Manage workforce functions including recruitment, induction, rostering, leave, performance reviews and professional development.
* Provide expert psychological assessment, formulation and treatment to consumers individually and in groups.
* Represent psychology at senior forums and advise on psychological matters at all organisational levels.
* Maintain professional standards, qualifications, supervision and grading across the department.
* Manage departmental resources across multiple sites to meet service delivery and budget targets.
* Contribute to service evaluation, clinical outcome monitoring, education and training initiatives.
* Supervise postgraduate provisional psychologists where appropriate.
* Work closely within a multidisciplinary team to deliver integrated, person‑centred care.
About the Role
As Head of Department – Psychology you will oversee clinical leadership and operational management of psychology services across inpatient wards. The role blends hands‑on clinical practice with strategic leadership, giving you the opportunity to shape the future of inpatient psychology services.
Qualifications & Requirements
* Full registration as a psychologist with AHPRA.
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* Masters degree or higher in Clinical Psychology, Clinical Neuropsychology, orastern a recognised clinical area in psychology deemed relevant by the employer.
* Eligibility to drive in NSW.
* Experience in delivering trauma‑informed, culturally competent professional and clinical leadership.
* Operational management experience in mental health care, including managing and supervising staff across multiple sites.
* Capability to lead quality improvement projects using recognised quality improvement tools and processes.
How You’ll Be Supported
* Support from the Senior Nurse Manager – Operations and an Administrative Leadership Team Assistant.
* Integral member of a collaborative Senior Leadership Team.
* Comprehensive orientation tailored to both clinical and leadership aspects.
* Ongoing professional development, leadership training and education opportunities.
* Encouragement and support to develop as both a clinician and a leader.
What We Offer
* Competitive salary: $144,702 – $152,992 per annum + super + salary packaging.
* Permanent full‑time position.
* Monthly allocated days off for full‑time employees, 4 weeks annual leave (pro‑rata for part‑time), paid parental leave.
* Salary packaging options up to $11,600 plus novated leasing.
* Fitness Passport and discounted gym options for you and your family.
* Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
Additional Information
Eligibility will be considered for permanent full or part‑time and temporary positions. To be eligible for permanent employment you must be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or New Zealand citizen with a current New Zealand passport. We do not sponsor visas.
How To Apply
Apply online and provide evidence of the selection criteria listed below:
* Trauma‑informed, culturally competent leadership experience.
* Operational management expertise and staff supervision across multiple sites.
* Lead quality improvement projects using recognised tools.
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: https EMThttps://bit.ly/3vL5fq2.
Job Policy & Safety
Hunter New England Health is an inclusive employer committed to diversity. We comply with NSW Health policy directive PD2024_015 for Category A positions, including Occupational Assessment, Screening and Vaccination against Specified Infectious Diseases. All new employees must agree to comply with the requirements outlined in the policy.
We are committed to fostering a child‑safe environment in line with the Child Safe Standards. All staff are expected to prioritise the safety and welfare of children and young people.
Contact
For role related queries:יאַל Nicole Asimus, Nicole.Asimus@health.nsw.gov.au.
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