Prison Counsellor (Psychologist/Social Worker)

About the role

The Psychological Health Service within the Justice Health and Wellbeing Service is seeking qualified psychologists or social workers to join as Prison Counsellors. You will work with adult prisoners across regional facilities in Western Australia, providing clinical assessments, risk management and therapeutic interventions to support mental health and rehabilitation.

Key responsibilities

• Conduct evidence‑based clinical risk and psychological assessments for prisoners on remand and sentenced inmates.
• Provide individual counselling and therapeutic interventions for those at acute or chronic risk of self‑harm, suicide, or other mental health concerns.
• Participate in multidisciplinary case management and risk‑management meetings.
• Offer consultation to prison staff on mental‑health matters and contribute to the development of treatment plans.
• Potentially transfer to metropolitan prisons with ongoing clinical and line supervision.

Required profile

• Qualified psychologist or registered social worker with experience in offender services or mental‑health practice.
• Demonstrated ability to work with vulnerable populations in secure environments.
• Commitment to enhancing public safety and supporting offender rehabilitation.
• Willingness to relocate; relocation support is available for interstate, intrastate, and New Zealand applicants.

Required skills

• Clinical assessment and risk‑management expertise.
• Counselling and therapeutic intervention skills.
• Knowledge of mental‑health issues within correctional settings.

What we offer

• Permanent and fixed‑term positions across three regional prisons.
• Relocation assistance for eligible candidates.
• Professional supervision and support from a statewide team.
• Opportunity to make a meaningful impact on prisoner wellbeing and community safety.