Clinical Psychologist, Mental Health - Waikeria Prison

• Contribute to positive change and make a real impact in a fulfilling role.
• Thrive in a vibrant team culture that values individual growth and collaboration.
• Enhance your skills with ongoing professional development while supporting a new groundbreaking mental health initiative.

Nga kawenga | About the role

Hikitia - "To lift up and support, raise up, carry in one's arms, and take away the troubles that overwhelm a person"

We are looking for a passionate psychologist to join our multi-disciplinary mental health team at Waikeria. This role offers opportunities to work across the entire Waikeria site including, in the pre-existing units, the new build units and in Te Wai o Pure, the new purpose-built mental health facility once they have been completed.

As part of the team, you will provide a full range of secondary mental health psychological services, including triage, assessment, and treatment, all grounded in evidence-based and culturally responsive practices. Hikitia, aligned with Ara Poutama Aotearoa's Hokai Rangi strategy, is the first initiative of its kind in Aotearoa's prison system, designed to support tane in a culturally appropriate environment.

You will also have the opportunity to work in our broader mental health services, gaining diverse experience across different settings while contributing to a team dedicated to excellence in clinical practice.

Our team offers ongoing professional development opportunities, clinical and cultural supervision, and flexible working conditions, with part-time and full-time options available. Join us in a vibrant and supportive environment where your growth and expertise are highly valued.

You can find out more about being a psychologist at the Department of Corrections (Ara Poutama Aotearoa) here.

He korero mou | About you

Join the newly established mental health team at Waikeria as a psychologist, where your resilience and creativity make a real impact. We're seeking someone with strong relational skills, adaptability, and the ability to balance multiple perspectives. Navigate complex environments, collaborate with custodial staff, and contribute to positive change. Be proactive and reflective in a fulfilling role that combines expertise with making a difference. If you're ready for a transformative opportunity, consider joining our team.

Utu a-tau | Salary

The full salary range is $83,286 - $133,370 per annum. Frontline Psychologists also have the ability to work towards additional allowances and allocated professional development funding. We may also offer flexible and/or part-time options for working hours. Appointment and remuneration will reflect skills and experience relevant to the role.

Ko wai matou | About us

Ara Poutama Aotearoa is a name that has been gifted to us and is our commitment to improving the oranga and safety of the people, whanau, and that of the communities we serve across the motu.

As a values-led organisation, we use the principles of rangatira (leadership), manaaki (respect), wairua (spirituality), kaitiaki (guardianship) and whanau (relationships) to shape how we work and deliver the outcomes in our strategy - Hokai Rangi.

It is an exciting time to join us, and we continue to seek out talented individuals who are committed to an inclusive, vibrant workplace. We recognise and celebrate the uniqueness of individuals, and that of the collective talent in our whanau. We strive to make our recruitment process fair and inclusive, and we encourage applicants to discuss reasonable accommodation with us if required at careers@corrections.govt.nz.

Tono inaianei | Apply Now

If you have any questions please contact: Tom.Nicholas@corrections.govt.nz

To view the job description, click 'apply' and you will be taken through to our careers site, where you can view this.

To apply, please submit a tailored CV and a cover letter describing your motivation for joining the department highlighting relevant skills and experience. Alignment to our kaupapa is critical to our success - we ask that you provide examples which reflect and demonstrate our organisation values.

Applications close on: Sunday 2nd March

All applications must be submitted through our careers site to ensure transparency. Applications received via email will not be considered.

If you want to find out more about a career with us, visit careers.corrections.govt.nz or email our team at careers@corrections.govt.nz.

He aha te kai o te rangatira? He Korero, he korero, he korero

What is the food of the leader? It is knowledge. It is communication.