Psychologist, Children's Court Clinic

About us:

The Children's Court Clinic (CCC) of Victoria is a state-wide, independent service that conducts assessments for the Family and Criminal Divisions of the Children's Court of Victoria (ChCV) that involve children, adolescents and their families.

The CCC comprises a dynamic, supportive, highly skilled and multi-disciplinary team of clinicians who assess a variety of clinical, neuropsychological and forensic presentations before the court. Child maltreatment, adult and youth mental illness, complex trauma, substance abuse, personality difficulties, family violence and other adult and youth problem behaviours, in addition to intellectual disability, developmental delay and difficult family dynamics are typical features in cases referred to the Clinic.

The CCC also provides ongoing professional development and supervision of staff, in addition to opportunities for staff to be involved in the supervision of Doctoral psychology students undergoing placements at the Clinic, and the possibility of providing treatment interventions for a small number of cases.

About the role:

The current VPS-5 psychology role involves the provision of independent clinical/forensic assessments for judicial officers presiding over matters in predominantly the Criminal and Family Divisions of the ChCV. Such assessments typically involve interviewing children, adolescents and parents presenting with a myriad of clinical and/or forensic presentations, in addition to risk assessments of young people facing criminal charges, or families whereby safety concerns pertaining to vulnerable children have been raised.

 In addition to individual interviews, family functioning is also considered, in addition to parent's functioning relating to different domains of parenting in some cases. There is also scope to provide court-ordered treatment in a small number of cases, as required.

In Criminal Division cases, Clinic assessments are completed with the aim of assisting magistrates in their decision-making regarding a young person's culpability and fitness, informing them of the presence of any mental health or cognitive difficulties, their strengths, the context of their offending, and intervention required to assist in reducing their vulnerability to re-offending. 

The psychology role also involves participation in planning, supervision, consultancy and education as required.

How to apply:

To apply, please click the ‘Apply Now' button, ensuring you include the following documents in your application:

• resume 
• a short covering letter

For further information on the position, please see the attached position description. 

Other information

Court Services Victoria (CSV) is the employer of staff at all Victorian courts and tribunals, the Judicial College of Victoria, and the Judicial Commission of Victoria. CSV offers a wide range of legal and non-legal career options as well as attractive employee benefits.

CSV is committed to building a diverse workforce and inclusive culture. We strongly encourage people of all abilities to apply, particularly people of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander heritage, and those who may experience diversity or disability related barriers in securing employment.