Clinical Psychologist - CAF Access Team

JobSpace; Christchurch; On-site; NZD 60,000 - 90,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Orientation programme

Supportive MDT

Job summary

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora in Christchurch seeks a permanent 0.5 FTE NZ Registered Clinical Psychologist (Child and Family or Clinical) to join the CAF Access Team at Hillmorton Hospital. The role focuses on urgent assessment and short-term follow-up for Tangata Whaiora in acute mental health care.

You will work within a multidisciplinary team, conduct comprehensive assessments, deliver brief evidence-based interventions, and support transitions to ongoing care or community services.

Qualifications

• Must hold APC and NZ Psychologists Board registration.
• 2+ years mental health experience preferred.
• Experience with Child & Adolescent mental health development.
• Driver's license required as travel is required for this position.

Responsibilities

• Provide comprehensive psychological assessments for Tangata Whaiora and family/whānau.
• Deliver short-term, evidence-based interventions for Tangata Whaiora and family/whānau.
• Contribute a psychological perspective within the multidisciplinary team.
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to achieve positive health outcomes.

Skills

Excellent communication

Collaborative teamwork

Stakeholder engagement

Clinical judgment

Education

NZ Registered Psychologist or Clinical Psychologist (Child & Family)

Job description

Jora New Zealand will close on 9th September 2026. Thank you for being with us, we are cheering you on as you continue your career journey.

Permanent opportunity for a NZ Registered Clinical Psychologist (either Child and Family or Clinical)

Current Annual Practising Certificate (APC) and experience working within a mental health setting are essential

Ability to work both autonomously and collaboratively within a Multi-Disciplinary Team

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is firmly grounded in the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and is committed to building a health system that serves all New Zealanders.

About the role

The Child, Adolescent and Family (CAF) Access Team receives enquiries and referrals for CAF Specialist Mental Health Services. The team provides emergency assessment and short-term follow-up for Tangata Whaiora (young people) experiencing acute mental health concerns.

This position primarily focuses on supporting Tangata Whaiora who meet the criteria for CAF outpatient follow-up and would benefit from short-term intervention to support their return to primary care. The role has been established to enhance and expand brief intervention services for young people and their family/whānau.

You will work within a fast-paced, dynamic team that delivers high-quality, evidence-based, and person-centred care. As part of the CAF Access Team, you will receive a comprehensive orientation programme and ongoing support to help you succeed in the role. We are seeking a clinician who works well under pressure, communicates effectively, and demonstrates strong clinical skills and experience.

Based at Hillmorton Hospital, we are a small but growing multidisciplinary team that works closely together. Your role will include participating in multidisciplinary team meetings, conducting comprehensive mental health assessments, and providing short-term evidence-based interventions. The aim is to support Tangata Whaiora as they transition either into ongoing specialist care or back to community-based treatment providers.

This is a permanent 0.5FTE position. The team works Monday to Friday during business hours; however, specific hours may be negotiated with the successful candidate.

About You

In this role, you will be responsible for:

• Providing comprehensive psychological assessments for Tangata Whaiora and family/whānau experiencing acute mental health concerns.
• Delivering short term, evidence-based, intervention for Tangata Whaiora, family/whanau, colleagues, and external agencies.
• Contributing a psychological perspective with the multi-disciplinary team.
• Working collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders to achieve positive health outcomes for Tangata Whaiora and their whānau.

Skills and experience

• Excellent communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively with Tangata Whaiora, family/whanau, colleagues, and external agencies.
• At least 2 years mental health experience (preferred).
• Experience working within a Child and Adolescent mental health setting, with a sound understanding of child and adolescent development.
• Experience delivering evidence-based therapeutic interventions, ideally with children, young people, and their family/whānau.
• Registration with the New Zealand Psychologists Board as a Clinical Psychologist or Registered Psychologist (Child and Family) and a current Annual Practicing Certificate.
• A current New Zealand driver's license, as travel is required for this position.

Please ensure you include a covering letter to highlight your relevant skillset and experience.

About Us

Specialist Mental Health Services are an interdisciplinary team that forms part of Te Whatu Ora - Waitaha Canterbury. We are committed to working and partnering with tāngata whaiora and their whānau. Constantly striving to work within our philosophy; we develop therapeutic, supportive and empowering relationships with our consumers, enabling them to achieve their personal goals and aspirations.

Working at Health New Zealand

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is dedicated to ensuring excellent healthcare for the people of New Zealand. We embrace a workforce that is diverse and inclusive so that we are better positioned to understand and service our community. We welcome applications from our diverse Māori, Pacific, disabled, and rainbow communities.

Whilst Health New Zealand is undergoing change, affected employees will be given preference and priority for this position.