Senior Clinical Psychologist – Grade 3 – Differences in Sex Development (DSD) Service; Perth Children's Hospital
Salary: HSO Grade 3 $145,205 - $153,431 per annum (plus 11.5% Superannuation)
Location: Perth Children's Hospital, Nedlands
Unit/Division: Department of Psychology and Neuropsychology
Be part of a team that is redefining care for young individuals with DSD VCID No.941603 This is a permanent full time position, part time and job share options may be considered for the right candidate(s). About the Role: We are seeking a Senior Clinical Psychologist to join our multidisciplinary team and contribute to the development of integrated care plans, ensuring the delivery of high-quality, evidence-based clinical care that is responsive to the needs of our patients.
As a Senior Clinical Psychologist, you will work closely with each child and their family to foster the child's well-being and enable a shared decision-making process. This includes addressing the impact of their condition on self-esteem, social relationships, and overall mental health, and empowering families and young patients to feel heard and supported as they navigate their understanding of their bodies, gender identity, and, in some cases, experiences of trauma, grief, and loss.
Drawing on your empathy, personal insights, and professional frameworks, you will respond to individual needs while respecting diverse values, beliefs, and backgrounds. Flexibility in adapting your approach—from being a supportive listener to actively assisting the broader multidisciplinary team—is essential to providing holistic care.
This role is ideal for someone skilled at meeting children and families wherever they are in their journey, building trust and creating a safe space for often complex and sensitive conversations.
Key Responsibilities: Providing essential psychosocial support and education to children and their families to guide positive adaptation and engagement with treatment and help them overcome barriers.Assisting young people and their families in navigating complex healthcare decisions, promoting body positivity, and ensuring continuity of care.Providing compassionate support for challenging discussions around future health implications, self-identity, and relationships, navigating interpersonal dynamics within families and managing discussions to ensure age-appropriate themes for children.Collaborating within the broader multidisciplinary team (MDT), including genetic counsellors, surgeons, and other specialists, to deliver comprehensive, individualised care.Participating in research, quality improvement and service development activities to enhance service delivery and contribute to the growth of the DSD service and engaging in collaborative opportunities with universities and national DSD specialisations.Providing education and training to team members, other Clinical Psychologists, and departments on DSD-related needs and care approaches.Liaising effectively with other health professionals and external agencies, including school and community-based groups.The ideal candidate will have prior experience within a DSD setting, demonstrating leadership and expertise in developing clinical programs and initiatives. A strong commitment to patient-centred care and empowering young individuals throughout their unique journeys is essential for this role.
Please note a Master or Doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology and eligibility for full registration and endorsement in Clinical Psychology with the Psychology Board of Australia is a requirement for this role. Prior health sector experience is preferred but not required. Why Join Us? Be part of a pioneering service that prioritises patient choice and advocates for rights and dignity.Make a significant impact on the lives of young individuals and their families during crucial stages of growth and self-discovery.We have scope for service development including development of audit and quality improvement projects, patient information leaflets, national collaboration, benchmarking, and teaching.About our Team: Based at PCH, the Differences in Sex Development (DSD) Service is a newly established, state-wide program within the Endocrinology Department, for individuals aged 0-18 and their families. We specialise in providing comprehensive assessment, treatment and holistic care for a range of conditions where the child's physical, genetic, or biological sex characteristics do not fit typical male or female patterns, with a focus on patient safety, informed consent and the child's future autonomy.
Our service provides continuity of care, case coordination, education and resources through a child's development to help address the emotional, social, and medical needs of children and adolescents, including newborns through to teenagers navigating complex healthcare decisions, puberty, relationships, and self-identity.
Our multi-disciplinary team work with families to understand the specific diagnosis and support them in making informed choices that prioritise the child's well-being, health, and bodily integrity throughout their healthcare journey. We also equip parents and caregivers to engage in sensitive conversations, advocate for the child's rights, and create a supportive environment at home, school and in the community setting.
We are proud to be setting a new standard for DSD care nationally.
How to Apply: We welcome your application via the 'Apply for Job' button at the bottom of this page. Your application should contain the following:
A current resume which summarises your experience and how you are able to meet the position requirements.A letter/statement responding to the selection criteria listed in the attached job description.The name, email and contact details oftwo refereeswho can be contacted to provide a confidential report (we will contact you and seek your confirmation prior to contacting your listed referees).Selection Criteria: Please see the attached Job Description Form.
Eligibility: Australian citizenship or permanent residency is an essential requirement for applicants to be considered for permanent positions in the public sector.
WA Health is committed to eliminating all forms of discrimination in the provision of our service. We embrace diversity and strongly encourage applications from people from culturally diverse backgrounds and people with disabilities. In addition, we are committed to growing our Aboriginal workforce as part of WA Health Aboriginal Workforce Policy. As a measure to achieve equality, Section 51 of theEqual Opportunity Act 1984 applies to this position and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are encouraged to apply.
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