Psychologist Trauma Focus - Rimutaka Prison

About this role

• Drive positive change through meaningful work.
• Work collaboratively with a vibrant and supportive team of professionals to ensure comprehensive care for clients.
• Experience ongoing professional development opportunities to enhance your skills and stay updated on best practices in mental health service provision.

Mō te tūnga | About the role

We offer a fulfilling opportunity make a positive impact on the well-being of individuals under our management. This is a full-time permanent role located at Rimutaka Prison in Trentham, Upper Hutt. We also welcome applications from candidates interested in part-time positions. You will have an exciting chance to work within the newly formed mental health team at Rimutaka Prison, where you can contribute to enhancing the overall wellness of the individuals in our care. Additionally, we provide professional development opportunities to support your growth and advancement. By joining our expanding team of psychologists in the Intervention and Support Practice team at Rimutaka, you will be part of a dynamic environment focused on providing effective interventions and support.

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

Mōu | About you

We are looking for a passionate psychologist to join our mental health team located at Rimutaka Prison. This presents an exciting opportunity for you to play a significant role in shaping the future of mental health services provided by Department of Corrections (Ara Poutama Aotearoa). As a psychologist, you will be an integral part of the Intervention and Support Practice team, focused on delivering exceptional mental health support and treatment to our most vulnerable individuals in custody. Your responsibilities within the broader multi-disciplinary team will involve providing psychological services that enhance the mental well-being of those under our care. Your expertise in clinical caseload management will involve conducting psychological triage, assessments, and evidence-informed treatments in accordance with the best practices of mental health service provision. A crucial aspect of your role will be promoting holistic and recovery-oriented health services throughout the prison environment. Our teams are dedicated to modelling expert clinical practices and prioritise Humanising and Healing principles, which involve honouring the human dignity and inherent mana of all individuals in our care and their families.

Ngā painga | The benefits

The salary range for the role is $83,286 - $133,370 per annum. 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.

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

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, 11th January 2026

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.