Clinical Psychologist Mental Health - Waikeria Prison

About this role

• Make a real difference in the lives of people, their whānau and the community.
• Thrive in a vibrant team culture that values individual growth and collaboration.
• Enhance your skills with ongoing professional development while supporting a new groundbreaking mental health initiative.

 

Mō te tūnga | About the role

Hikitia – “To lift up and support, raise up, carry in one's arms, and take away the troubles that overwhelm a person”

Calling Clinical Psychologists – Join Hikitia Mental Health and Addictions Services at Waikeria, a purpose-built facility designed to support people in our care. As the first initiative of its kind within Aotearoa's prison system, Hikitia is aligned with Ara Poutama Aotearoa's Hōkai Rangi strategy, providing a culturally appropriate therapeutic environment to improve mental health outcomes.

We are seeking two passionate psychologists to be part of a therapeutic community, delivering EMDR and DBT-focused interventions to improve mental health outcomes.

We also welcome experienced psychologists interested in joining our Intervention and Support Practice Team (ISPT). ISPT provides specialist mental health assessment and treatment for individuals in prison with moderate to high mental health needs and those requiring support for suicide or self-harm risk. The clinical psychologist plays a key role in our multidisciplinary team (MDT).

With either opportunity, you will provide a full range of secondary mental health psychological services, including triage, assessment, and treatment, all grounded in evidence-based and culturally responsive practices.

These roles provide an opportunity to be part of designing and shaping a service through subject matter expert input. This provides professional experience development opportunities over and above individual clinical work. You'll gain wider systems exposure and involvement enhancing your professional development and career progression pathways in a unique way.

Join us in a vibrant and supportive environment where your growth and expertise are highly valued.

Click here to learn more about being a psychologist at Ara Poutama Aotearoa.

 

He kōrero mōu | About you  

Join the mental health team at Waikeria 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 and contribute to positive change. Be proactive and reflective in a fulfilling role that combines expertise with making a difference.

 

Utu ā-tau | Salary

The full salary range 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.

In addition to your salary, you will receive a $2,000 annual professional development allowance and become eligible for five weeks of annual leave after one year of service, increasing to six weeks after four years of continuous service.

 

Ko wai mātou | About us

Ara Poutama Aotearoa is a name that has been gifted to us and is our commitment to improving the oranga and safety of the people, whānau, and that of the communities we serve across the motu.

As a values-led organisation, we use the principles of rangatira (leadership), manaaki (respect), wairua (spirituality), kaitiaki (guardianship) and whānau (relationships) to shape how we work and deliver the outcomes in our strategy - Hōkai Rangi.

It is an exciting time to join us, and we continue to seek out talented individuals who are committed to an inclusive, vibrant workplace. We recognise and celebrate the uniqueness of individuals, and that of the collective talent in our whānau. We strive to make our recruitment process fair and inclusive, and we encourage applicants to discuss reasonable accommodation with us if required at careers@corrections.govt.nz.

 

Tono ināianei | Apply Now

If you have any questions please contact: Vera.degroot@corrections.govt.nz

To view the job description, click 'apply' and you will be taken through to our careers site, where you can view this.

To apply, please submit a tailored CV and a cover letter describing your motivation for joining the department highlighting relevant skills and experience. Alignment to our kaupapa is critical to our success - we ask that you provide examples which reflect and demonstrate our organisation values. 

Please indicate in your cover letter whether you are more interested in a role with the ISP team or the Therapeutic Community.

Applications close on: Sunday 9th November 2025

All applications must be submitted through our careers site to ensure transparency. Applications received via email will not be considered. 

If you want to find out more about a career with us, visit careers.corrections.govt.nz or email our team at  careers@corrections.govt.nz.

 

He aha te kai ō te rangatira? He Kōrero, he kōrero, he kōrero

What is the food of the leader? It is knowledge. It is communication.