Senior Clinical Psychologist

Where you'll be working

The Consultation Liaison (CL) Psychiatry Service provides in-reach across all wards at John Hunter Hospital and also supports Maitland, Belmont and Manning hospitals.

The team provides assessment and intervention for patients with a broad range of presentations, including psychiatric or psychological concerns related to medical illness, primary mental health conditions with co-existing medical or surgical issues, somatoform disorders, presentations following suicide attempts, and patients experiencing delirium, dementia or behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD). The service also provides advice to hospital staff regarding consent for treatment and anxiety management, while supporting patients, families and multidisciplinary teams through education and consultation.

Working within the CL team offers a diverse and clinically rewarding caseload, allowing you to utilise your specialist skills while continuing to grow professionally. The team is committed to delivering high-quality, comprehensive clinical care through a collaborative approach, timely support for referrers and a strong, supportive team culture.

About the role

As the Senior Clinical Psychologist within the Consultation Liaison team, you will provide inpatient psychological assessment and brief interventions, along with short- to medium-term outpatient therapy for hospital patients. The role offers an excellent balance of autonomy and teamwork, with opportunities to build strong relationships across medical and surgical specialties while supporting patients with complex needs.

You will also contribute to staff wellbeing by working alongside a range of professional groups to support the delivery of complex and, at times, emotionally challenging clinical care. The role includes liaison with specialist services including Cystic Fibrosis, the Young People's Diabetes Team, cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation, perioperative services and post-stroke services.

You will be supported by the Area Director of Liaison Psychiatry, the CL Service Manager and the Psychology Head of Discipline. Ongoing professional development is encouraged through monthly Clinical Review meetings, Journal Club and regular professional supervision. During your orientation, supernumerary shifts with the Greater Newcastle Mental Health Service CL team can be arranged to provide opportunities to shadow experienced clinicians and become familiar with the role and service.

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:

Supportive and collaborative team environment

Ongoing professional development opportunities across the administrative network

Career progression opportunities within NSW Health

Annual leave and paid parental leave for eligible employees

Salary packaging options to increase take-home pay

Fitness Passport and Employee Assistance Program (EAP) to support wellbeing
 

Essential Requirements:

• 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.

If this sounds like you, we would love you to apply:

• You are a Senior Clinical or Health Psychologist who is passionate about delivering evidence-based psychological care to people with co-existing psychiatric and medical conditions within a general hospital setting.
• You are eager to learn, comfortable working both independently and collaboratively, and able to communicate clearly and concisely to support safe, effective clinical care. Most importantly, you value teamwork and are committed to fostering a positive workplace culture that contributes to a high-performing, supportive and engaged team.

Bring your dedication, professionalism, and heart for healthcare to our team - we can’t wait to hear from you!

Additional Information:

• An eligibility list will be created for future permanent part time and temporary part time vacancies.
• 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.  
• To be eligible for employment in this position you must be an Australian Citizen, or permanent resident of Australia, or a New Zealand citizen with a current New Zealand Passport, or hold an appropriate visa that allows you to live and work in Australia. Employment of a temporary visa holder will only be offered 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. 

  Demonstrated ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary team to accomplish service goals and improved patient and/or consumer care and outcomes. 

Need more information? 

• Click here for the Position Description 
• Find out more about applying for this position

For role related queries or questions contact Danielle Sander on Danielle.Sander@health.nsw.gov.au