As a Director General in Psychology, you will provide strategic leadership and direction for psychology services and programs within the Department of National Defence. You will oversee the development and implementation of policies, standards, and best practices in clinical psychology, organizational psychology, and research. This senior executive role involves managing multi-disciplinary teams, liaising with senior government officials, and ensuring that psychology services meet the evolving needs of the Canadian Armed Forces and Defence Team. You will be responsible for the overall performance, budget management, and strategic planning of your directorate or equivalent organizational unit. In this position, you will address complex organizational challenges, contribute to evidence-based decision-making at the enterprise level, and champion psychological health and well-being across Defence. The role requires you to balance clinical excellence with administrative leadership, manage competing priorities, and represent Defence psychology expertise to external stakeholders including other federal departments, provinces, and professional organizations.
Key Responsibilities
Provide 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
You will typically have a doctoral degree in psychology (Ph.D. or Psy.D.) with provincial registration or licensure as a psychologist. Advanced education in clinical, organizational, or health psychology is an asset. You should have demonstrated experience in senior leadership roles, strategic planning, and budget management within health care or similar large organizational settings. Professional certifications in your area of psychology specialization are expected. Ongoing professional development is supported through Government of Canada learning opportunities, participation in professional psychology associations, attendance at national and international conferences, and executive-level management training. Many practitioners maintain active involvement in research, supervision of junior psychologists, and mentoring. You may pursue additional credentials in health service administration, organizational leadership, or specialized areas of practice.
Entry Plans
Entry to this Director General level typically occurs through a competitive selection process open to candidates from within the Public Service or externally. Most candidates have progressed through established psychology career streams in the federal government, beginning as psychologists and advancing through intermediate management roles such as Senior Psychologist or Principal positions. Internal candidates often participate in executive development programs and lateral moves across Defence or other federal departments. Specialized recruitment competitions may be held when particular expertise is needed. The Public Service Commission manages these competitions according to merit and Treasury Board policies. Some candidates enter at this level from other provincial or territorial health services, academic institutions, or private sector leadership roles if they meet Treasury Board qualification standards. Successful candidates typically demonstrate substantial experience managing large budgets, leading complex initiatives, and providing direction on matters of significant organizational impact.
Part-Time Options
Director General positions are typically full-time executive roles due to the strategic leadership and decision-making responsibilities involved. However, the Government of Canada supports flexible work arrangements where operationally feasible. This may include modified work schedules or telework options for portions of the work week, particularly for administrative and planning activities. Remote work attendance at certain meetings or events may be negotiated based on Defence operational requirements and directorate needs. Any part-time or flexible arrangements would be determined through discussion with your supervisor and must align with the continuous availability expectations of a senior executive position. Parental leave and other legislated leave entitlements are available to all employees, with provisions for maintaining benefits and seniority. The specific flexibility available will depend on your directorate's operational demands and the nature of your strategic responsibilities.
Related Careers
No related military careers on file for this position.
