Senior School Psychologist | Full-time Permanent

Closes: 29 September 2026

Classification: Senior Psychologist
Salary: $157,421 plus superannuation
Position No: 72119
Directorate: Education
Advertised (Gazettal date): 01 September 2026
Contact Officer: Sally Patrick on Sally.Patrick@act.gov.au or 0466 855 762

Details: This Senior School Psychologist is an identified Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander position within Clinical Practice, Engagement and Wellbeing Support Services. The role provides advanced psychological assessment, intervention, consultation and case management services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, young people and families across ACT public schools. Working autonomously in complex clinical and educational environments, the Senior School Psychologist applies contemporary evidence-based practice to support student learning, wellbeing and engagement outcomes, while ensuring services are culturally safe, responsive and grounded in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives. The role also contributes to critical incident response, professional learning, service development and strategic initiatives across the School Psychology Service.

As a senior clinician, the position provides leadership and specialised cultural expertise to multidisciplinary teams, supporting psychologists and allied health professionals to strengthen culturally responsive practice and improve outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and families. The Senior School Psychologist brings vital cultural knowledge and lived experience into the workforce, influencing service delivery, clinical decision-making, policy development and stakeholder engagement. Through collaboration with schools, community organisations and government partners, the role builds workforce capability, promotes culturally informed approaches to care and contributes to the ongoing development of an inclusive, evidence-based and high-performing school psychology service.

We are committed to creating an inclusive environment where people with diverse thoughts, lived experience, and perspectives can thrive and contribute their unique talents to the ACTPS and ACT community. We encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with disability, people with culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, veterans, younger and older workers, and people with diverse genders, sexes and sexualities to apply.

Eligibility/Other requirements: This is an Identified position in accordance with Section 27(4) of the Public Sector Management Act 1994 and is only open to an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person. Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander lived experience and cultural capability is considered essential and therefore confirmation of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander heritage may be requested. Applicants must demonstrate a strong connection to, and understanding of, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and cultures.

MANDATORY

• Full registration as a Psychologist with the Psychology Board of Australia. For further information refer to https://www.psychologyboard.gov.au/
• Prior to commencing this role, a current registration issued under the Working with Vulnerable People (Background Checking) Act 2011 is required. For further information on Working with Vulnerable People registration refer to - Apply for or renew a WWVP registration - Access Canberra (act.gov.au)

HIGHLY DESIRABLE

• A current Australian driver’s license.
• Minimum of five (5) years’ experience as a fully registered psychologist.
• Experience working with children, young people and families.

Notes: A Merit Pool will be established from this selection process and will be used to fill vacancies over the next 12 months. Selection may be based on application and referee reports only. Relocation reimbursement is available (in line with current workplace agreement) if the successful applicant is located outside the ACT.

How to Apply: In four pages or less your Statement of Claims against the selection criteria should summarise how your skills, personal qualities and experiences would enable you to fulfil the responsibilities of the position. Please also include a copy of your curriculum vitae and contact details for two referees.

Applications should be submitted .

Applicants should note that a Joint Selection Committee (JSC) established in accordance with the collective/enterprise agreement provisions will assess all applications for this position.

Note: Under the ACTPS employment framework you may be placed in another role where required for the efficient administration of the service.

The ACT public service is committed to closing the gap, underpinned by the belief that when Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have a genuine say in the design and delivery of policies, programs and services that affect them, better life outcomes are achieved. More information can be found here ACT Closing the Gap Implementation Plan - ACT Government Transparency Portal.

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Note

This is an Identified position in accordance with Section 27(4) of the Public Sector Management Act 1994 and is only open to an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person. Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander lived experience and cultural capability is considered essential and therefore confirmation of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander heritage may be requested.