The Role

The Australian Defence Force (ADF) offers more than 150 different jobs, some of which are considered particularly complex and/or high risk from a psychological standpoint, including roles in Aviation, Intelligence, Cyber Warfare, Submarine Warfare, and Special Forces. Applicants for these complex roles undergo targeted psychological assessments as part of their selection process.

This position is responsible for managing the ongoing development and publication of the ADF's Psychology Services Manual (PSYMAN). The PSYMAN comprises the policy, guidelines and professional standards which guide Psychologists conducting assessments with applicants seeking to join the ADF, and/or transfer from one ADF job role to another. As an experienced professional team leader, you will lead a small team responsible for stakeholder engagement, communications and general project administration, as well as the development of PSYMAN content, as a core component of the transition to a principles-based approach.

About our Team

The Directorate of Occupational Psychology is responsible for the quality assurance of Occupational Suitability Assessments (OSA) designed to ensure the 'right' people are selected for the Australian Defence Force (ADF). We provide guidance to psychologists responsible for conducting the OSA, via the Psychology Services Manual (PSYMAN). This function is integral to the ADF's ability to optimise its human capability through effective recruitment and management, by (a) ensuring those we recruit are a good 'fit' with both the ADF and their preferred occupation, and (b) contributing to the ADF's ability to manage the mental health and wellbeing of ADF members appropriately.

The PSYMAN is currently undergoing a comprehensive structural and content review to ensure it remains contemporary, current and generally fit for purpose in meeting the needs of a constantly evolving Defence Force. Recent and current events, including the Royal Commission into ADF and Veterans Suicide, have raised the profile of mental health within the ADF, meaning that the importance of making sure the right person gets selected and trained has perhaps never been more recognised. The Psychology Policy & Governance team is dedicated to ensuring that psychological assessments underpinning the OSA process are reliable, valid, and consistent with relevant legal, ethical and organisational requirements.

Our Ideal Candidate

Our ideal candidate will have a tertiary qualification and background in psychology or a related discipline. You will be able to demonstrate prior success developing health or HR-related policy and/or managing in a similar policy development role, and will have a sound understanding of the policy cycle. Skills and experience in digital content management would also be an advantage.

You will also be required to demonstrate a sound understanding of project management principles and practices, including the ability to successfully manage sometimes conflicting inputs from multiple stakeholders representing different perspectives (eg, single-Service Psychology elements; personnel policy; health policy). As a result, the successful applicant will require strong consultation and stakeholder management skills, strong written and oral communication skills, and the ability to manage multiple ongoing tasks. A demonstrated ability to effectively lead a small closely knit team is also essential.

Application Closing Date: Sunday 1 June 2025

For further information please review the job information pack, reference DPG/03893/25 on https://defencecareers.nga.net.au/?jati=7BF12808-5E36-4821-C427-E3D545F1CF3E