Manager, Psychological Services

Role Status: Full-time temporary vacancy available until 22 January 2027
Remuneration: AHP5 ($137,075 - $149,922) plus 12% superannuation

Join the Department for Child Protection (DCP) as Manager, Psychological Services and play a key role in strengthening psychological practice across the organisation. Based in Keswick, this senior leadership position provides strategic oversight of psychological practice, supporting the delivery of services that make a meaningful difference for children, young people and families.

Reporting to the Director, Specialist Practice, you will guide the ongoing development of psychological services, policies and systems that support contemporary practice. You will build strong professional partnerships across the sector and provide expert psychological advice to help shape the future direction of services.

This is an opportunity for an experienced leader to influence psychological practice across DCP, while supporting a skilled workforce through strong leadership, supervision, capability development and a commitment to excellence.

Key Responsibilities:

Leadership: Provide strategic oversight of psychological services across DCP, including assessment, consultation, research and teaching.
Evaluation: Support quality assurance and evaluation activities to strengthen psychological practice and improve outcomes.
Strategic Advice: Deliver expert psychological advice to key stakeholders on service delivery and client needs.
Workforce Capability: Lead a supportive environment that enables staff to build capability through effective support structures.
Professional Influence: Build strong sector partnerships and contribute psychological expertise through collaboration.
Service Outcomes: Promote responsive and innovative service delivery that contributes to improved outcomes.

About you:

• You bring strategic leadership experience, with the ability to set direction, influence others and achieve results

• You can strategically plan, implement and evaluate services, resources and practice approaches in a complex environment

• You understand the factors impacting children, young people and families and how psychological practice can support improved outcomes

• You have experience leading teams through clear expectations, constructive feedback and effective performance management

• You are proactive and collaborative, with the ability to build relationships and find effective solutions.

If you’re an experienced psychological leader looking to extend your impact, join DCP and use your expertise to support the services and professionals working to improve outcomes for vulnerable children, young people and families.

Essential Qualifications:

• Master of Clinical, Forensic or Health Psychology degree or equivalent

• Psychology Board of Australia endorsement as a Clinical, Forensic or Health Psychologist or willingness to work towards clinical endorsement

• Registered under the Health Practitioner Regulation National law to practice as a Psychologist.

AHP Entitlements:

+4% child protection allowance
+Professional Development Allowance and the entitlement to claim reimbursement of eligible professional development expenses
+Qualification Allowance may apply if you hold an additional qualification relevant to the role.

What’s in it for you – Perks That Matter:
At DCP, these are just some of the benefits you’ll enjoy:

• A collaborative team environment, working alongside people who are committed to best practice and making a meaningful impact

• Flexible working options with tailored arrangements to help you balance work and life

• Paid Parental and Partner Leave - additional paid time to support you and your growing family

• Recognition and Growth - we celebrate your achievements and open doors to development across DCP

• Salary Packaging - reduce your taxable income with a range of pre-tax benefits

• Health and Fitness Perks - free flu vaccination plus access to more than 1,700 gyms, fitness centres and pools across Australia through our Fitness Passport program for you and your family

• Wellbeing Support - confidential Employee Assistance Program services for you and your family.

See our full list of benefits.

About DCP

The Department for Child Protection (DCP) plays a key role in the protection of children, young people and their families within South Australia. The department provides support to vulnerable children and young people to be safe, strong and connected.

Special Conditions:

• You must have a current Working With Children Check.

For a successful application you will need to respond to all points listed under the your capabilities section of the attached role description. Please also note any special conditions that may be listed.

Want to know more? 

Contact Sarah Bramwell - Director, Specialist Practice for a confidential discussion

Via tel: 0447 256 *** or email: **************@sa.gov.au.

Our workplace reflects the diverse communities we serve, and we welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, experiences, and abilities. This includes women, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with disability, LGBTQIA+ communities, and those from culturally diverse backgrounds. We are committed to fostering an inclusive, safe, and respectful workplace where everyone feels supported.

To apply for this role, please click on the apply button to be redirected to the DCP Career Portal.

Applications close: 26 August 2026, 11:00 PM