Required qualifications and eligibility

Psychologists

• Master's degree in Clinical or Counselling Psychology
• Or 10 years clinical experience as a psychologist in a relevant area/s is required
• Evidence of current full registration with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA)
• Optional but recommended membership of the APS Clinical or Counselling College or membership of ACPA.

Psychiatrists

• Completed specialist training in psychiatry (5 years) with Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP)
• Fellow of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (FRANZCP)
• Registered with the Medical Board of Australia (MBA) through the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA).

Social workers

• Undergraduate Social Work degree (4 years) in an appropriate area from a recognised University and
• Ten years clinical experience as a social worker in a relevant area
• Or Master’s degree in Social Work followed by two years full time (or part time equivalent) relevant documented professional practice
• Accredited membership with the Australian Association of Social Workers. 

Relevant documented clinical experience which includes interviewing skills and the capacity to develop a rapport with clients (this should be outlined in your resume). 

The documented clinical experience will have to be at least 2 years post Master's degree or 10 years clinical experience in a relevant professional area/s.

Demonstrated experience in the assessment of children, young people and families, which includes knowledge of child development.

It would be advantageous to have experience working with Indigenous Australians or peoples of Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Backgrounds (CLDB) or client situations characterised by disability, domestic violence, abuse, mental health issues or with clients who have alcohol or other drugs issues.

Demonstrated ability to prepare high-quality assessment reports. Applicants may be asked to provide examples of their written work.

Applicants to become Authorised Clinicians are expected to maintain the professional development requirements of their profession. Please indicate clearly in your resume the way in which you ensure that your professional knowledge remains current.

The references should be current and from professionals who know of your work and are able to speak to the quality of your assessment and report writing ability as well as to testify to your relevant clinical experience.

The references should specifically address these issues. Referees should provide current addresses and contact numbers and not be personally related to the applicant. Referees should be informed that they may be contacted by members of the Professional Advisory Group.

The Agreement to Provide Services is a contract between the Children’s Court Clinic and an individual person. It not transferable to any other person/s or groups such as organisations or firms.

A copy of the Agreement to Provide Services will be sent to successful applicants to sign and then return to the Children’s Court Clinic. The Agreement becomes binding only after the Director of the Children’s Court Clinic executes the Agreement on behalf of the state of New South Wales, at which time the applicant becomes an Authorised Clinician.

The Statement of Fitness to Undertake Assessments and Write Reports form is attached to the Agreement to Provide Services and should be declared and signed before a Justice of the Peace.

It is an offence under the NSW Child Protection (Prohibited Employment) Act 1998 for a person convicted of a serious sex offence to apply for this position.

When applying you must complete the Prohibited Employment Declaration. The Working with Children Check is a screening process which includes relevant criminal history, Apprehended Violence Orders and prior employment checks, including relevant disciplinary proceedings. The Working with Children Check will be conducted on all recommended applicants.

Note: It is an offence under the NSW Child Protection (Prohibited Employment) Act 1998 for a person convicted of a serious sex offence to apply for this position and Relevant Criminal History, Apprehended Violence Orders, and prior employment checks, including relevant disciplinary proceedings, will be conducted on all applicants.

Note: The Children’s Court Clinic Professional Advisory Group (PAG) has determined that it is a conflict of interest to be employed in any capacity by the Department of Community Services and provide assessments and reports for the Children’s Court Clinic. Providing assessments and reports for both agencies on a fee for service contract basis is permitted.