Clinical Psychologist - Whanganui & Palmerston North

About this role

• Work with complex presentations that will challenge and grow your assessment, formulation, and intervention skills
• Use your expertise to influence care, risk management, and wellbeing across the wider correctional environment
• Join a multidisciplinary team with strong clinical and cultural supervision and ongoing professional development

Mō te tūnga | About the role

We have two clinical psychology roles available across the Manawatū‑Whanganui-Taranaki region, developing services supporting the remand population in Manawatū and Whanganui prisons. One position is within the clinical mental health team, and the other is within the correctional psychology team. In these roles you will have the exciting opportunity to be part of the development of this new service within our region. While it is envisaged that these roles involve some autonomy, you will be part of supportive psychological or multi-disciplinary teams and working with a variety of people with a range of presentations.

Enjoy the culturally rich, welcoming riverside city of Whanganui, which offers affordable living, strong community connections, and a vibrant creative environment. Palmerston North is an affordable, well connected regional city with strong links to education, research, and social services. With easy commutes and excellent access to outdoor recreation, it offers a balanced and dynamic lifestyle.

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience

These professional teams call for someone who:

• Is reliable with strong communication skills.
• Has experience in clinical and/or correctional psychological assessment.
• Has a current full registration with the New Zealand Psychologists Board.
• Can demonstrate and commit to culturally responsive ways of working.
• Is an excellent problem solver.
• Works well in a collaborative professional environment.
• Can demonstrate an understanding of Te Ao Māori/Tikanga Māori and bi-cultural practice.
• Has commitment to contributing to the outcomes of Hōkai Rangi.

In return our services can offer you:

• Vibrant supportive team cultures.
• Career-long professional development and supervision.
• An environment in which psychology informs organisational practices.
• A competitive salary and structured advancement opportunities.
• World class criminal justice psychology training and mentoring.

If this sounds like you, visit our website and apply now.

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. We may also offer flexible and/or part-time options for working hours. 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)

Mō mātou | About us

Join Ara Poutama Aotearoa - Department of Corrections, 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.

Tono ināianei | Apply Now

To submit an application and view the position description, click the apply 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 and a cover letter describing your motivation for joining the department highlighting relevant skills and experience and the alignment to our work.

Applications close on: Friday, 13th November

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.