Did you know?

The mission of the Australian Federal Police is to provide dynamic and effective law enforcement to the people of Australia. It provides policing throughout Australia in relation to the prevention and detection of crimes against the Commonwealth, its laws and integrity, and community police services to the Community of the ACT.

Working for the AFP provides you with a diverse and rewarding career. Whether you immerse yourself in a position on the frontline, or provide critical operational or professional support, the work you do makes a big impact on the people of Australia.

We recognise your contribution to our workforce and offer generous remuneration and conditions including:

• Six weeks (30 days) of paid annual leave per year + additional paid Christmas stand down
• 4 extra days of mandatory rest leave per year
• 18 days of paid personal leave per year
• Generous superannuation of 15.4%
• 18 weeks paid Parental Leave for Primary Caregiver (and 11 weeks for Secondary Caregiver) + additional unpaid leave entitlements for up until 24 months from the child’s date of birth or placement
• Generous salaries and incremental salary progression governed by the AFP Enterprise Agreement
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangement that provides work/life balance
• Health & wellbeing services – with a focus on early intervention, education and prevention
• Access to ongoing training and professional development opportunities

What is the role?

Are you a Psychologist, Social Worker, and/or Mental Health Nurse looking to work within a unique, fast-paced environment? Are you driven by fairness, integrity and service to the community? Are you looking to make a meaningful difference and help keep Australia safe? The AFP is seeking registered Psychologists, Social Workers, Mental Health Nurses and mental health endorsed Occupational Therapists to fill vacancies and establish a merit pool for Canberra and our regional offices in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth.

Applications are sought from suitably qualified applicants wishing to be considered for the role of Mental Health Clinician – SHIELD. Applicants with experience in the following Mental Health Fields are highly desirable:

• Mental Health endorsed Occupational Therapy
• Psychology
• Social Work
• Mental Health Nursing

In this role you will be working collaboratively as part of an integrated team of health professionals to deliver psychological and mental health services to AFP employees from a range of operational areas; from the bomb squad, to the tactical response group to the international and transnational deployment team and unsworn members.

You will gain a greater understanding of the complex and expansive work undertaken at the AFP and have the opportunity to provide your input in how we can best support AFP employees to assist them in performing at the highest level. Successful applicants will be contributing to meaningful and rewarding work by supporting AFP employees who tackle threats to the safety and security of Australia.

The Mental Health Clinician role provides professional mental health support services to AFP employees on both an individual, team and organisational level with the goal of enhancing individual, team and organisational health and wellbeing, therefore optimising operational readiness and success. The role is committed to maintaining a high standard of care and contributes to the delivery of AFP business through the provision of a variety of health initiatives.

You will also be required to contribute to the achievement of outcomes in accordance with the regulatory framework, the AFP Code of Conduct and the AFP Governance Instruments. It is expected that the successful applicant will deliver on the core responsibilities and meet any requirements of the position as outlined below.

What will you do?

• Work collaboratively within the SHIELD multi-disciplinary team to provide a stepped care approach to promoting optimal mental health through engagement in proactive interventions as well as clinical treatment interventions.
• Development and delivery of training and psychoeducation presentations in a variety of wellness-related areas.
• Providing routine mental health assessments and clearances.
• The provision of focused psychological strategies in a short-term counselling/brief intervention framework to AFP members.
• Providing AFP employees referral options for available AFP, Government and community resources.
• Effectively and formally monitor client progress and maintaining all required documents.
• Performing the role of primary practitioner by engaging with, understanding, and supporting high risk business areas, including rapport building, gaining an in-depth knowledge of specific demands, and consulting and liaising with senior management.
• Contributing to the ongoing monitoring, evaluation and development of psychological services being delivered by SHIELD to the AFP.
• Effectively managing critical incident responses and follow-up, including collaborating with commands, SHIELD executive, and external agencies as necessary.
• Conducting pre and post-deployment assessments/debriefs, and providing virtual support to AFP members deployed across the world.
• Active participation and contribution in multidisciplinary team meetings.
• Case coordination and management of clients.
• On call support services as required.

Essential Requirements

• You must be an Australian Citizen at the time of application.
• A Negative Vetting 1 (Secret) security clearance or the ability to obtain one.
• General registration as a psychologist – in Australia this requires a minimum six-year sequence of education and training. This typically includes a four-year Board-approved accredited sequence of study in psychology, followed by one of the below pathways:
• The higher degree pathway, which is an approved postgraduate degree accredited at the fifth and sixth year level (eg. two-year Masters) or higher (eg. three or four year Doctorate)
• The 5+1 internship pathway. This requires you to pass the national psychology exam before applying for general registration.
• 3 or more years’ experience working as an unconditionally registered psychologist, social worker, mental health nurse or mental health endorsed occupational therapist.
• Current registration with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) or Australian Association of Social Workers.
• Ability to travel when required.

Additional Information

• Occupational Therapists must possess a mental health endorsement to be eligible to apply.
• Applicant must be able to undertake regular on call activities as directed/required.
• When applying via the AFP website you will be asked to nominate your preferred location.
• This role is an AFP Band level 7.
• This role is located in Canberra, Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth. Applicants are expected to be based in these regions.

Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion

At the AFP we value the different perspectives, approaches and lived experiences of our people, and recognise that our collective intelligence and diversity is what makes us stronger. As such, we encourage applications from people from all walks of life, including people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, First Nations people, women, the LGBTQIA+ community and people with disability.

Contacts and Closing Information

Contact Officer: Renae Hayward,

Contact Officer Phone: 02 5126 8714, ​

Contact Officer Email: [email protected]

Applications Close: 11:59pm (AEDT) 06/11/2025