Psychologist - Wellington

About this role

• Opportunity to make a significant difference in the lives of people.
• Enjoy a competitive salary with clear pathways for professional advancement.
• Collaborate closely with supportive colleagues within an exciting, dynamic work environment.
• 12-month fixed term opportunity starting 1^st March 2027, with the potential for flexibility.

'Kotahi anō te kaupapa, ko te oranga o te iwi' – ‘There is only one purpose to our work: the wellness and wellbeing of our people'

Mō te tūnga | About the role

Working as Psychologist in the Wellington office team, you will be exposed to a variety of work, both in a group and individual therapeutic environment, across Community Probation and Prison Services. Our psychologists undertake clinical assessments and treatment in prison and in the community, provide supervision, advice and training within Corrections and allied agencies, monitor the integrity of rehabilitation programmes and participate in service and research initiatives. Treatment provision includes group programmes for both sexual and violent offences. Our more experienced Psychologists complete assessments for the New Zealand Parole Board and the Court and could be asked to act as an Expert Witness.

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

Mōu | About you

Are you a psychologist with excellent communication skills who enjoys a mix of working both independently and collaboratively? Join our vibrant team for competitive salary, advancement opportunities, diverse offender-focused work, and a commitment to your professional growth through training and mentoring. Elevate your career with us, where every skill meets endless possibilities. If you are passionate about using psychological approaches to achieve positive social outcomes that make our communities safer, apply now. 

Ngā painga | The benefits

The salary range for the role 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.

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.

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, 8th 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.

We are not accepting applications via recruitment agencies for this role. Unsolicited CVs submitted by agencies will not be accepted and no agency fees will apply.