Psychologist Drug Health Forensic Team MERIT and Drug Court

⚖️ Work at the intersection of psychology justice and recovery
🧠 Deliver evidence-based treatment for complex forensic clients
🏥 Diverse practice across court and hospital based settings

Assess treat and support forensic clients through MERIT and Drug Court programs building recovery pathways and safer communities

Employment Type: Permanent Full Time
Position Classification: Psychologist
Remuneration: $80,452 - $117,755 per annum
Hours Per Week: 38 (Job share may be considered for part time hours)
Location: Cumberland Hospital

Where you'll be working
You will join the Drug Health Forensic Team within Cumberland Hospitals supporting court diversion programs across Western Sydney. The team works closely with courts health and legal partners to deliver timely high quality care for people with substance use and complex needs.

• Specialist forensic drug health service with strong clinical governance
• Collaborative multidisciplinary team culture
• Close partnerships with Local Courts and Parramatta Drug Court
• Commitment to ethical practice learning and supervision
• Opportunities to work across Cumberland and Mount Druitt Hospital

What you'll be doing 
In this role you will provide specialist psychological services to clients referred through Adult Drug Court and MERIT programs focusing on assessment treatment and recovery focused care.

• Conduct comprehensive assessments and develop targeted treatment plans
• Deliver evidence based counselling in individual and group settings
• Prepare high quality court reports and attend court when required
• Manage complex cases including risk crisis response and stakeholder liaison
• Collaborate within multidisciplinary teams and contribute to broader Drug Health services

Benefits of working for Western Sydney Local Health District 
 

• Paid Allocated Day Off (ADO) every month, in addition to your annual leave (For fulltime staff) 

• Salary Packaging - lowers your taxable income and increases your take-home pay. (Applicable for eligible employees)  http://wslhdintranet.wsahs.nsw.gov.au/salary-packaging-with-smartsalary   

• Fitness Passport - permanent employees and their immediate family members can sign-up for this affordable membership which allows access to an extensive range of gyms, pools and fitness services from multiple providers across NSW, (not available for temp employees- remove if position temporary) 

How to Apply 
Apply online by submitting your resume and addressing the criteria listed below by providing examples that demonstrate your ability before the closing date.   

Essential Criteria

• Qualification: Bachelor Degree in Psychology or related field 

• Registration: Psychologist Registration with APHRA. 

Selection Criteria

1. Experience working in a counselling role with complex populations

2. Experience administering comprehensive assessments and designing targeted treatment plans for substance use issues and/or co-morbid mental health problems

3. Demonstrated skills in providing evidence based treatment for substance use issues and/or comorbid mental health problems

4. Ability to work in court based programs with clients who have engaged in offending behaviour

5. Proven high quality written and verbal communication skills

6. Prior experience or exposure to crisis and risk situations and challenging client behaviours

7. An understanding of the array of psychosocial issues that contribute to substance use problems and capacity to take a holistic approach to treatment

8. Current Drivers Licence valid within Australia and willingness to travel to and work from other sites across Western Sydney Local Health District

Requisition ID:  REQ644293
Applications Close:  9th February 2026

Need more information ?

• Find out more about applying for this position.

• Review the detailed  Position Description for insights into role requirements and criteria.

• Explore the selection process, employment checks, outcomes and notifications. 

• For inquiries about the role, contact Annabel Persson at annabel.persson@health.nsw.gov.au