Bright Start Behaviour Support is a small, family-run provider of specialist psychological and behaviour support services in the Hunter Valley NSW. We're committed to providing compassionate, evidence-informed, individualised services that support wellbeing, strengthen relationships, and create meaningful improvements in people's everyday lives.

Our work is informed by contemporary evidence, developmental science, collaborative problem-solving, low-arousal approaches, and a strong commitment to human rights and the social model of disability. We're a values-driven, neurodiversity-affirming psychology and behaviour support practice supporting children, young people and young adults aged 0–25, and the people who care for them.

Our work is grounded in relationships. We believe that behaviour makes sense in context, that people do well when they can, and that meaningful change comes from understanding individuals and creating environments where they can thrive.

Just as importantly, we're committed to fostering a workplace where our team members feel supported, respected, and empowered to develop their skills, build rewarding professional relationships, and make a meaningful contribution to their communities.

We're looking for a psychologist who believes that good psychological support starts with connection, curiosity, and a genuine respect for the people we work alongside. We're looking for someone who shares these beliefs and would love the opportunity to bring together psychological assessment, ongoing therapeutic work, and specialist behaviour support in one role.

The opportunity

We're seeking a Provisional or Registered Psychologist to join our Maitland team in a full-time or part-time (at least three days per week) capacity. This is a varied position offering opportunities to work across three complementary areas of practice, within a collaborative team that values professional development, clinical autonomy, and individualised support. The balance of your work across these three areas can be shaped by your experience, interests, professional scope, and the needs of the people we support.

Psychological assessment
Conduct comprehensive psychological assessments and diagnostic evaluations that explore an individual's strengths, experiences, needs, and functioning. You'll use clinical interviews, standardised assessment tools, observations, and team-oriented information gathering to develop meaningful formulations and practical recommendations.

Ongoing psychological support
Provide individualised, evidence-informed psychological therapy that is responsive to each person's goals, preferences, developmental stage, and circumstances. You'll draw on contemporary therapeutic approaches and your developing clinical expertise to support meaningful and sustainable outcomes.

Specialist behaviour support
Work alongside individuals, families, and support teams to understand behaviour in context. You'll undertake functional behaviour assessments, contribute to positive behaviour support plans, and build the capacity of the people and environments surrounding participants,



in accordance with your professional capabilities and NDIS practitioner suitability.

Our approach to behaviour support prioritises quality of life, meaningful participation, emotional safety, co-regulation, and the reduction and elimination of restrictive practices. We don't rely on reward-and-punishment systems or compliance-based approaches.

Key responsibilities

As part of your role, you'll:

- Conduct comprehensive psychological assessments, including diagnostic evaluations, clinical formulation, and the development of practical, individualised recommendations.

- Develop and deliver evidence-informed psychological interventions tailored to each person's strengths, goals, preferences, and circumstances.

- Provide ongoing psychological support, collaboratively reviewing progress and adapting therapeutic approaches as needed.

- Undertake behaviour support assessments and contribute to the development, implementation, and review of positive behaviour support plans, where appropriately authorised and within your scope.

- Maintain comprehensive, accurate, and timely clinical documentation in accordance with professional standards, legislative requirements, and organisational policies.

- Collaborate with families, educators, healthcare professionals, carers, and other support networks to promote coordinated, meaningful support.

- Contribute to the development and refinement of clinical resources, assessment processes, and service delivery approaches.

- Participate meaningfully in team meetings, peer supervision, clinical discussions, and professional development activities.

- Maintain professional competence through reflective practice, continuing professional development, and engagement with contemporary research and evidence.

You'll be supported through appropriate clinical supervision and consultation, while having the autonomy to take ownership of your work and exercise professional judgement.

What we're looking for

We're looking for a thoughtful, curious psychologist who enjoys working with children, young people, families, and their support networks.

You'll bring:

- Provisional or general registration as a psychologist with AHPRA.

- Relevant tertiary qualifications in psychology and eligibility to practise within your registration and supervision requirements.

- Ideally, one to three years of relevant experience, although we welcome applications from those at different stages of their professional development.

- An interest in psychological assessment, diagnosis, ongoing therapy, and specialist behaviour support.

- Knowledge of contemporary psychological and behavioural frameworks, evidence-informed therapeutic approaches, and relevant diagnostic frameworks, including DSM-5-TR and ICD-11.

- A commitment to neurodiversity-affirming,



trauma-informed, person-centred, culturally responsive, and rights-based practice.

- Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build meaningful relationships and collaborate effectively with individuals, families, and multidisciplinary teams.

- Sound clinical reasoning, reflective practice, and a willingness to consider different perspectives.

- Strong organisational and time-management skills, including the ability to manage competing responsibilities, maintain accurate documentation, and honour agreed commitments.

- An ability to work with appropriate skilled independence, take responsibility for your clinical work, and recognise when consultation or additional support is needed.

- A commitment to ethical conduct, professional accountability, and ongoing learning.

It would also be wonderful if you have:

- Experience in psychological assessment, including cognitive, developmental, autism, or ADHD assessments.

- Experience providing psychological therapy to children, adolescents, or young adults.

- An interest in contributing to the development of clinical resources, practice initiatives, and broader community capacity-building activities.

What it's like to work with us

We know that doing meaningful clinical work requires more than a manageable diary and good intentions. Practitioners need time to think, opportunities to learn, people to lean on, and a workplace where their professional judgement is respected.

You'll find:

- A genuinely connected, collaborative team. Connection, collaboration, shared problem-solving, and clinical reflection are woven into how we work every day. We value different perspectives, share knowledge generously, and approach challenges together.

- Autonomy with support. We trust our practitioners to take ownership of their work, exercise professional judgement, and manage their responsibilities independently. You'll have the guidance, supervision, and support you need, without being micromanaged.

- Meaningful supervision and professional development. We're passionate about learning and creating opportunities for practitioners to deepen their knowledge and strengthen their clinical skills.

- A diverse and interesting caseload. Opportunities to develop your practice across assessment, therapy, and behaviour support, while building areas of particular interest.

- Time for quality work. We recognise the importance of assessment, formulation, documentation, preparation, and reflection as essential parts of clinical practice.

- A collaborative approach to complexity. You'll have opportunities to think through challenging situations with colleagues rather than carrying them alone.

- Flexibility and work-life balance. We understand that our practitioners have full lives outside of work, and we want to support sustainable careers. Flexible working arrangements can be considered in line with individual and service needs.

- An opportunity to contribute. We welcome current ideas, thoughtful questions, constructive challenges, and the individual strengths each person brings to our team.

📌 Psychologist (Maitland)
🏢 Bright Start Behaviour Support Pty
📍 Maitland