Mental Health Psychologist
Be part of building a brand-new inpatient mental health service from the ground up.
Remuneration: $40.57 - $59.38 per hour + super + salary packaging
Employment Type: Permanent Part Time
Position Classification: Psychologist
Location: Tamworth Hospital
Hours Per Week: 24
Requisition ID: REQ641367
Applications Close: Monday, 2nd March 2026
Step into a rare opportunity to help establish a new service from day one.
Where you’ll be working
A new era of mental health care is coming to the New England North West region in 2026.
The brand-new, purpose-built Tamworth Mental Health Unit will feature 37 inpatient beds, including:
- 20 general adult beds
- 5 high acuity beds
- 4 beds for younger people
- 8 beds for older persons
Designed with recovery, safety and therapeutic engagement at its core, the unit will deliver care through a collaborative multidisciplinary team. Medical, psychological, occupational and social interventions are integrated into individualised care plans, ensuring holistic support for every person admitted.
A structured daily therapeutic group program will provide meaningful routine, engagement and skill-building opportunities. Consumers will be supported to strengthen both their mental and physical wellbeing through education, social connection and evidence-based interventions.
This is a rare opportunity to be part of a new service from the ground up - shaping culture, practice and outcomes from day one.
About the role
As a Psychologist within the unit, you will deliver comprehensive assessment and evidence-based psychological interventions to people experiencing a broad range of mental health conditions.
While anxiety and mood disorders are common referrals, you will also work with individuals presenting with complex needs, including psychosis, bipolar disorder and personality disorders.
Your role will include:
- Advanced psychological assessment and formulation
- Individual and group therapy facilitation
- Contribution to multidisciplinary care planning
- Psychoeducation for patients and families
- Supporting recovery-focused discharge planning and transitions to community care
You will be supported by your Line Manager and the Psychology Professional Lead, with access to structured clinical supervision, ongoing education and professional development pathways to support your growth and career progression.
About you
You are a skilled and grounded clinician who thrives in dynamic inpatient environments. You bring:
- Advanced clinical assessment and formulation skills
- Strong capability in evidence-based therapies such as CBT, DBT and ACT
- Confidence in risk assessment, suicide prevention and de-escalation
- The ability to build therapeutic alliances quickly in high-acuity settings
- Clear, compassionate communication and collaborative MDT practice
You approach your work with cultural humility, ethical integrity and strong professional boundaries. You are resilient, reflective and committed to self-care, allowing you to perform effectively in complex environments.
Most importantly, you are person-centred and recovery-oriented - integrating trauma-informed principles, family/carer engagement and advocacy to support meaningful outcomes.
Requirements:
- Current registration as a Psychologist with Australian Health Practitioners Regulation Agency (AHPRA).
- Completion of an Australian Psychology Accreditation Council accredited postgraduate clinical psychology qualification of no less than two years full time duration or recognised equivalent, displayed on the Psychology Board of Australia website.
What we can offer you:
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
- Proximity to shopping and other services
- 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 part time and temporary part time vacancies.
- To be eligible for permanent employment in this position you must be an Australian Citizen, or a permanent resident of Australia, or a New Zealand citizen with a current New Zealand Passport. Employment of a temporary visa holder may only occur if no suitable local candidate is identified for the position; in this instance, you may only be offered employment in line with the conditions and expiry date of your visa.
- We are unable to accommodate visa sponsorship for applicants requiring a visa for this position.
How to apply:
Click apply online, submit your information and resume, and address the criteria listed below providing examples that demonstrate your ability.
- Extensive effective experience in assessment, intervention and evaluation of clinical outcomes with diverse patient and/or consumer populations.
- Demonstrated ability to work independently in the provision of patient/consumer-focused care.
- Extensive contemporary experience and knowledge of psychological practice within health settings.
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 Priscilla Zifodya on Priscilla.Zifodya@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.
