Psychologist Mental Health - Invercargill Prison

About this role

• Contribute to positive change and make a real impact in a fulfilling role.
• Professional development opportunities to enhance your skills and stay updated on best practices in mental health service provision.
• Thrive in a vibrant team culture that values individual growth and collaboration.
• Full time position.

Mō te tūnga | About the role

We are looking for a psychologist to join our multi-disciplinary mental health team at Invercargill Prison. Your role will encompass providing a full range of secondary mental health psychological services including triage, assessment, and treatment based on best practice psychological service delivery. We are especially committed to providing evidence-based, culturally responsive interventions. Our team strives for excellence in clinical practice, and we offer ongoing professional development opportunities and clinical and cultural supervision. Additional benefits of joining our team include flexible working conditions, including the opportunity for hybrid and work from home arrangements. Join us in a vibrant and supportive team culture where your growth is valued.

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

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience

Join our mental health team 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.

Ngā painga | The benefits

The full salary range is $83,286 - $133,370 per annum. Appointment and remuneration will reflect clinical competency, skills, and experience relevant to the role. Frontline Psychologists also can work towards additional allowances and allocated professional development funding. Our additional benefits include:

• Generous annual leave – 5 weeks, increasing up to 6 weeks (depending on role and tenure)
• Departmental Day – one additional paid day each year to support team wellbeing and connection
• Professional development support – an annual professional development fund
• National psychology training forum – annual national forum for all psychologists to connect, learn, and share best practice
• Te Reo Māori and Tikanga allowance – support and recognition for cultural capability, particularly for Māori practitioners
• Professional Indemnity Insurance – employer contribution included
• Annual Practising Certificate (APC) – reimbursement provided
• Expert Witness Allowance – where applicable to role responsibilities
• Wellbeing supports, including:
• Eye examinations and eyewear subsidy
• Health and wellbeing appointments
• Access to Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)

International Relocation Package

Ara Poutama has relocation packages available for candidates relocating from overseas. For international applicants, please confirm your eligibility to register as a psychologist in New Zealand.

• Freight forward of $10,000.
• Airfares for candidates and travelling family.
• 4-weeks accommodation.
• 4-weeks rental vehicle hire.
• Airport transfers of up to $300 and any stop-over accommodation.

Mō mātou | About us

Ara Poutama Aotearoa (Department of Corrections) Pae Ora leads the delivery of patient-focused primary health and mental health care services to tangata within corrections facilities across Aotearoa.

Join Ara Poutama Aotearoa, where your work will contribute to improving public safety, reducing re-offending, and address the overrepresentation of Māori in correctional facilities. As a values-led organisation, we use the principles of rangatira (leadership), manaaki (respect), wairua (spirituality), kaitiaki (guardianship), and whānau (relationships) to guide our work and achieve the goals of our Hōkai Rangi strategy.

We value inclusion and diversity in our workforce, and as a Public Service organisation we are committed to building a workforce that reflects the public we serve. We strive to make our recruitment process fair, and we encourage you to discuss reasonable accommodations with us if required.

You can find out more about us here.

Tono ināianei | Apply Now

Applications Close: Tuesday, 13th October

To apply and view the position description, click the application link. All applications must be submitted through our careers site to ensure transparency. Applications received via email will not be considered.

When applying, submit a tailored CV/Resume and Cover Letter describing your motivation for joining our department highlighting relevant skills and experience and the alignment to our work.

If you have any questions or want to learn more about a career with us, contact sarah.rostron@corrections.govt.nz, or visit careers.corrections.govt.nz.