As a Director General in Clinical Psychology within the Department of National Defence, you provide senior strategic leadership and clinical direction for psychology services across the organization. You oversee the development, implementation, and evaluation of clinical psychology programs that support the health and well-being of Canadian Armed Forces members and their families. In this executive role, you manage large teams of clinical psychologists, support staff, and budget resources while ensuring the highest standards of clinical care and evidence-based practice. Your work directly impacts the mental health services available to military personnel, contributing to operational readiness and personnel retention. You serve as a subject matter expert on psychological health issues affecting the military population and advise senior Defence leadership on policy, strategic priorities, and organizational needs. The work environment is collaborative, involving coordination with medical professionals, military commanders, other government departments, and external health care partners.
Key Responsibilities
Provide clinical psychology services to clients and patients, Assess needs and develop treatment or service plans, Maintain accurate clinical and case records, Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to deliver care
Education and experience commensurate with the role requirements
Training
Candidates must hold a doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology from an accredited Canadian university or equivalent international qualification recognized by a provincial or territorial regulatory body. You must be registered or eligible for registration as a psychologist with the applicable provincial or territorial regulatory college. Many successful candidates hold additional qualifications such as specialized certifications in trauma, military psychology, or other clinical subspecialties. Professional development is ongoing and includes participation in senior management training programs, participation in Defence leadership development initiatives, and continuing education in clinical psychology practice and health service management. The Government of Canada supports professional memberships in organizations such as the Canadian Psychological Association and access to conferences, workshops, and advanced training opportunities.
Entry Plans
Entry to this Director General level typically occurs through internal advancement within the federal Public Service. Candidates usually progress through intermediate clinical psychology positions (such as Psychologist or Senior Psychologist) within DND or other federal health organizations before competing for Director General roles. Advancement may also occur through lateral moves from other federal departments or provinces with significant clinical psychology experience and demonstrated management capability. The position is staffed through formal Public Service Commission competitions, which are advertised on the Government of Canada Jobs website. Candidates must meet all essential qualifications and demonstrate senior management competencies through the selection process. Appointment is contingent on security clearance and may require relocation to the National Capital Region or other DND locations.
Part-Time Options
Director General positions in the federal Public Service are typically full-time, given the strategic leadership and executive responsibilities involved. However, the Government of Canada is committed to workplace flexibility, and arrangements such as compressed work weeks or flexible scheduling may be negotiated on a case-by-case basis depending on operational requirements. Remote work arrangements may be available for portions of the work week in coordination with your supervisor and organizational needs. As an executive-level appointment, your role requires presence for senior management meetings, strategic planning sessions, and representation at Defence events and briefings. Any flexible work arrangements would be formalized through an agreement with your manager while ensuring continuity of leadership and service delivery.
Related Careers
No related military careers on file for this position.
