The key duties of the position include:
The Role
As the Senior Security Psychologist, you will join an innovative, multidisciplinary team within the Australian Government Security Vetting Agency (AGSVA). In this key leadership role, you will provide specialist psychological expertise to support the assessment process for Whole of Government security clearances, contributing directly to the protection of Australia's national security.
You will apply advanced professional judgement in conducting, consulting on, and advising about complex psychological assessments and analyses. As part of an integrated workforce, you will work closely with internal and external stakeholders to ensure high quality; evidence based psychological input into vetting decisions.
This role offers significant additional remuneration above the standard EL1 salary range (15%–40%, subject to qualifications and approval), recognising the specialist skills and responsibilities involved. You will also receive funded AHPRA registration, APS membership(s), and paid professional development opportunities. The position provides scope for a high level of professional autonomy and the ability to influence national level security outcomes.
This role is eligible for an additional remuneration benefit known in Defence as a Building Defence Capability Payment (BDCP). This enables Defence to provide a premium, in addition to the base salary otherwise payable under the Defence Enterprise Collective Agreement (DECA), for positions in occupational disciplines/classifications that are critical to Defence capability. For further information, please contact the contact officer.
About our Team
AGSVA's Psychological Services team is a small, cohesive unit operating in a highly dynamic and fast paced environment. We deliver a high volume of psychological assessments and specialist advice in support of the Whole of Government personnel security vetting process. Our work is critical to ensuring the integrity, reliability, and security of Australia's national security workforce.
Our Ideal Candidate
We are seeking an individual with deep expertise in professional psychological practice, including ethical, legal and professional standards, and the capability to apply this knowledge within a contracted workforce. You will operate within complex legislative frameworks and government decision-making processes, while supporting Defence's mission, policy objectives, and organisational priorities.
In this role, you will lead the development, implementation, monitoring and review of policies and procedures relevant to psychological services. You will be responsible for very complex problem solving, issues management, and the coordination and delivery of sensitive projects that meet Defence's business requirements.
You will demonstrate a proven ability to identify stakeholder concerns and expectations, and to proactively manage relationships with a diverse range of internal and external partners to achieve successful outcomes. You will also strengthen team capability through effective supervision, constructive feedback, and the ongoing review of work quality across the broader workforce.
Eligibility
Security Clearance:
Positive Vetting: Prior to commencement, successful applicants will be required to undergo a psychological assessment and an extensive security clearance process. As a Positive Vetting clearance is required, applicants must be Australian Citizens; be able to account for their personal background for their whole life; and be able to demonstrate suitability to work in a high security intelligence environment
Mandatory Qualifications:
Masters of Psychology (or equivalent experience); Full registration with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency; - Eligibility for full or associate membership of the Australian Psychological Society.
Getting to know the Department of Defence
The Department of Defence employs around 18,000 Australian Public Service (APS) employees. Defence APS employees work in a wide variety of critical roles, Australia wide, enabling our three services Navy, Army and Air Force, to do their job. Defence has a range of Australian Public Service (APS) career opportunities that offer interesting, challenging, and unique work. Our workforce includes administrative support, accountants, intelligence analysts, engineers, policy advisors, graphic designers, lawyers, social workers, IT specialists and contract managers to name a few. We offer a rewarding career that includes professional development, work-life balance, recognition, a flexible and supportive work environment and a diverse workforce. To find out more about a career with Defence please visit https://www.defence.gov.au/jobs-careers