Mental Health Allied Health Department Head - Psychology

Shape the future of inpatient psychology services.

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
 

Are you an experienced and dynamic Psychologist ready to step into a senior leadership role?
Are you passionate about building services, leading people, and making a lasting impact on consumer care?

This is a rare opportunity to lead and continue building the district’s first inpatient Psychology Department. The position is based across the Mater Mental Health Centre, Waratah and the Intermediate Stay Mental Health Unit (ISMHU), James Fletcher site Newcastle.

Where you'll be working:
You will be based at the Mater Mental Health Centre and ISMHU, and will work to ensure consistent, high-quality psychology services are provided for consumers with complex mental health needs. You will join a committed multidisciplinary environment where psychology is valued, leadership is visible, and innovation is encouraged.

Our culture:
Our workplace culture is collaborative, values-driven and consumer-focused. We are proud of a leadership team that works closely together, supports professional autonomy, and champions excellence in care. You will be empowered to lead with influence, contribute to strategic decisions, and shape a psychology service that is respected across the organisation.

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

This role offers a unique blend of hands-on clinical practice and strategic leadership, with the opportunity to genuinely shape how inpatient psychology services are delivered now and into the future.

How you'll be supported:
You will be well supported to succeed in this role. The successful applicant will:

• Be supported by the Senior Nurse Manager Operations and an Administrative Leadership Team Assistant
• Be an integral member of a collaborative Senior Leadership Team
• Receive a comprehensive orientation tailored to both the clinical and leadership aspects of the role
• Have access to ongoing professional development, leadership training and education opportunities
• Be encouraged and supported to continue developing as both a clinician and a leader

What we can offer:

At Hunter New England Health, enjoy a career where you're challenged by interesting work and surrounded by spectacular locations. You'll contribute to the team enriching health in millions of ways every day. On top of this we also offer:

• 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.
This position is full time; however, part time/job share arrangements may also be considered.
We are unable to accommodate visa sponsorship for applicants requiring a visa for this position.

Need more information? 
  1) Click here for the Position Description 
  2) Find out more about applying for this position
For role related queries or questions contact Nicole Asimus - Nicole.Asimus@health.nsw.gov.au 

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 visit: https://bit.ly/3vL5fq2 
 
Stepping Up Website is a resource designed to help indigenous job applicants apply for positions in NSW Health. For more information, please visit: https://bit.ly/HNEHealthSteppingUp 
 
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. We aim to ensure that children and young people feel safe, supported, and included in their care. 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. We encourage people with diverse lived experiences 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. We will work with you to meet your needs and create the best possible experience. Please contact HNELHD-Diversity@health.nsw.gov.au for confidential support.