Technical Leader of Psychological Services

Job Details

EMPLOYMENT TYPE - Ongoing Full time 

LOCATION - ACT; NSW; NT; QLD; SA; TAS; VIC; WA

AFP BAND & SALARY - Band 08 ($121,628.00 - $132,391.00)

JOB REFERENCE NUMBER - 13665

This advertisement is to fill a current vacancy and create a merit pool for future ongoing or non-ongoing vacancies arising over the next 12 months.

Did you know?

The mission of the Australian Federal Police is to provide dynamic and effective law enforcement to the people of Australia. It provides policing throughout Australia in relation to the prevention and detection of crimes against the Commonwealth, its laws and integrity, and community police services to the Community of the ACT.

Working for the AFP provides you with a diverse and rewarding career. Whether you immerse yourself in a position on the frontline, or provide critical operational or professional support, the work you do makes a big impact on the people of Australia. 

We recognise your contribution to our workforce and offer generous remuneration and conditions including:

• Six weeks (30 days) of paid annual leave per year + additional paid Christmas stand down 
• 4 extra mandatory leave rest days per year 
• 18 days of paid personal leave per year
• Generous superannuation of 15.4%
• 16 weeks of paid maternity leave (after 12 months of service) + an additional 36 weeks of maternity leave without pay
• Generous salaries and incremental salary progression governed by the AFP Enterprise Agreement 
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangement that provides work/life balance
• Health & wellbeing services – with a focus on early intervention, education and prevention. 
• Access to ongoing training and professional development opportunities

What is the role?

SHIELD is seeking applications from experienced and motivated mental health clinicians to perform the role of Technical Leader of Psychological Services.

SHIELD is a health capacity that will embed health and wellbeing into the day-to-day operations for AFP employee by providing services across Australia and directly supporting the health of the frontline. SHIELD will propel the AFP to a more preventative, forward leaning, face to face service delivery model in support of performance optimisation.

The Technical Leader of Psychological Services is responsible for providing clinical leadership, technical guidance, and professional support to the mental health workforce across the AFP and works closely with hub leaders across the country. The Technical Leader of Psychological Services reports to the Chief Psychologist and leads a team of AFP Mental Health Clinicians.

What will you do?

Specific duties of the role include but are not limited to:

• Developing and implementing national policies, standards, and frameworks for mental health services delivery in the AFP.
• Effective collaboration and consultation with SHIELD Hub Leaders to support them in service delivery in their Commands.
• Ensuring the quality, consistency, and effectiveness of mental health assessments, interventions, and consultations across the AFP.
• Providing expert advice and support to the Manager SHIELD, Chief Psychologist, Mental Health Clinicians, and other stakeholders on complex and emerging issues related to mental health services.
• Leading and facilitating professional learning, supervision, and mentoring for the mental health workforce in partnership with hub leaders.
• Managing and overseeing national projects, research, and evaluation activities related to mental health services.
• Representing the AFP and the Mental Health Services team at forums, committees, and networks.
• Leading recruitment and procurement activities to ensure there is an accessible pool of mental health clinician talent to bring into the organisation as required.

Essential Requirements

• You must be an Australian Citizen at the time of application.
• A Negative Vetting 1 (Secret) security clearance or the ability to obtain one.
• A relevant qualification in psychology, social work, nursing, or occupational therapy and full registration or accreditation with the relevant professional body.
• A minimum of 5 years of experience in providing mental health services to adults, especially those working in high-risk or high-stress environments.
• Extensive knowledge and skills in mental health assessment, intervention, and consultation, and the ability to apply them to a diverse range of clients and contexts.
• Proven leadership and management skills, including the ability to lead and motivate teams, manage projects and resources, and deliver outcomes within time and budget constraints.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to communicate effectively with a variety of audiences, build and maintain relationships, and resolve conflicts.
• Demonstrated commitment to ethical and professional standards, continuous learning, and evidence-based practice.

Desirable Requirements

• Experience in developing and implementing policies, standards, and frameworks for mental health services.
• Experience in conducting and disseminating research and evaluation related to mental health services.
• Experience and knowledge in the use of psychometric measures.

Selection Criteria

1. Achieve results
2. Contributes to strategic thinking
3. Cultivates productive working relationships
4. Shows personal drive and integrity
5. Communicates with influence

Application

Please submit the following documents via our Jobs portal prior to the closing date and time:

• Resume/CV - This will form the basis for determining your suitability against the position requirements and give the panel a clear outline of your current knowledge and qualifications along with previous experiences. Please include your work history, responsibilities and achievements.
• Applicant pitch (maximum two pages). Ensure your pitch tells us why you are the best fit for the role, with examples that demonstrate your capabilities addressing the selection criteria, role requirements and work level standards for the role.
• Names and contact details of two professional referees who can comment on your suitability for the position.

Only complete applications will be considered. Please review and ensure the uploaded documents are correct for this application after submitting your application.

Employment Suitability

Should you successfully progress from the application stage all applicants must:

• Complete an Employment Suitability Questionnaire (ESQ) and provide a traffic history check and proof of Australian citizenship. This aids in the assessment of your character and your ability to comply with the AFP's professional standards both in an official and private capacity. Please review our AFP Character Standards to ensure that you meet our requirements before you submit your application. Applicants will not receive feedback if they are unsuccessful at this gateway.
• Have your fingerprints taken if an offer of employment is made.
• Undertake mandatory drug testing for illicit drugs. This sample could include; urine, saliva or hair.
• Proof of a minimum of two COVID-19 vaccinations (or one dose if the Janssen vaccine was used) will be required if an offer of employment is made. 
• Satisfactorily undertake a security clearance to the level specified for the position.

Recruitment Process

Applicants who have demonstrated their suitability for employment through their resume and application may be invited to a formal interview. Using the relevant AFP work level standards as a guide, you may be asked a range of questions to demonstrate your skills and abilities. These could include behavioural based scenario questions. Read our guides for applicants to find out how to prepare for you interview.

Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion

At the AFP we value the different perspectives, approaches and lived experiences of our people, and recognise that our collective intelligence and diversity is what makes us stronger. As such, we encourage applications from people from all walks of life, including people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, First Nations people, women, the LGBTQI community and people with a disability.

Contacts and Closing Information

Contact Officer - Tim Grenfell,

Contact Officer Phone: (02)51267530, ​

Contact Officer Email: Timothy.Grenfell@afp.gov.au

Applications Close: 11:59pm (AEST) 24/10/2024

To view our other employment opportunities, please visit our career site.

www.afp.gov.au