Psychologist ISP - Rimutaka Prison

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

As a Psychologist in the Intervention and Support Practice team at Rimutaka Prison, you'll work with people experiencing significant mental health challenges who require specialist assessment, formulation, and intervention.

A large part of your role will involve completing psychological assessments, developing treatment and support plans, and providing individual and group interventions. You'll work with people presenting with a range of mental health needs, including trauma-related difficulties, personality concerns, emotional distress, self-harm risk, and other complex presentations.

You'll work closely with health staff, custodial teams, case managers, and external providers to support effective care and risk management. This includes providing psychological advice and recommendations that help staff respond to mental health concerns and support people safely within the prison environment.

The role offers a balance of direct clinical work, consultation, case planning, and multidisciplinary collaboration. You'll be supported through regular clinical and cultural supervision, ongoing professional development, and a team committed to high-quality practice.

To find out more about being a psychologist at Ara Poutama Aotearoa, Department of Corrections, click here (will add).

Mōu | About you

You'll be a registered psychologist who enjoys working with complex presentations and values the opportunity to apply your assessment, formulation, and intervention skills in a meaningful way. You're comfortable working as part of a multidisciplinary team and can build effective relationships with a wide range of people.

You'll be motivated by challenging and rewarding casework, where thorough assessment, formulation, and intervention can make a meaningful contribution to an individual's wellbeing. You'll enjoy contributing to multidisciplinary decision-making and working in an environment where psychological expertise is valued.

This role will suit someone who is curious, reflective, and committed to ongoing professional growth. In return, you'll have the opportunity to work alongside experienced colleagues, access regular clinical and cultural supervision, and continue developing your practice through diverse and engaging work.

We welcome applications from psychologists across a range of scopes of practice, including Clinical, Counselling, and other registered psychologist scopes.

Ngā painga | The benefits

The salary range for this role is $83,286–$133,370 per annum, with appointment and remuneration based on clinical competency, skills, and experience.

Frontline Psychologists may also access additional allowances, professional development funding, flexible working arrangements, and a range of benefits including:

• 5 weeks annual leave, increasing to 6 weeks
• Annual Departmental Day
• National psychology training and development opportunities
• Te Reo Māori and Tikanga allowance
• APC reimbursement and Professional Indemnity Insurance contribution
• Expert Witness Allowance (where applicable)
• Health, wellbeing, and EAP support

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: Sunday 25th October (We will respond to applications as they are submitted)

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