Clinical Psychologist (Intellectual Disability)

New Zealand Government; Porirua; On-site; NZD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora invites a psychologist to join the Forensic Intellectual Disability Service in Porirua. You will engage in clinical assessment, formulation and both individual and group treatments for adults, youths, and secure services within a multidisciplinary team.

You will collaborate with other health professionals to design evidence‑based care aligned with the Model of Care, and contribute to ongoing service development across regional and national units.

Qualifications

• Post-graduate diploma in clinical psychology (or equivalent).
• Masters or Doctoral level degree in Psychology.
• Annual practising certificate and registration with the clinical scope of practice.

Responsibilities

• Provide psychological assessment, formulation, and individual and group treatment.
• Collaborate with other health professionals to design and deliver evidence‑based care.
• Contribute to service improvement within the Intellectual Disability Service.

Job description

Location

Porirua

Contract

Permanent, Full Time & Part Time (Please state your preference on your cover letter)

About the role

You will work across our Regional and National Intellectual Disability Secure Services, including:

• Haumietiketike – a regional intellectual disability adult secure forensic unit with 11 beds.
• Step‑Down Rehabilitative Cottages for adults – two buildings, each with four beds.
• HikitiaTeWairua – the National intellectual disability secure forensic unit for young people.
• Manawai – a National facility for adults with intellectual disability and/or mental illness, providing long‑term hospital level care.

You will be part of a supportive and experienced multidisciplinary team providing specialist care to people with intellectual disability within secure services. Your expertise in psychological assessment, formulation, individual and group treatment will be welcomed. You will collaborate with other health professionals to design and deliver evidence‑based care consistent with the Model of Care, which draws on the Good Lives Model of Offender Rehabilitation and Positive Behaviour Support.

In addition to direct clinical work you will have opportunities to contribute to service improvement. The Intellectual Disability Service is growing, and psychological knowledge, theory and process are encouraged. The successful applicant will receive support from the broader MHAIDS network of clinical psychologists.

About the Team / Service / Location

The Forensic Intellectual Disability Service is part of the Mental Health Addiction and Intellectual Disability Services, offering adult, youth and community services. The secure service is a dynamic, supportive workplace where autonomous practice, research and professional development are valued.

About you

You will have completed a post‑graduate diploma in clinical psychology (or equivalent) and hold a Masters or Doctoral level degree in Psychology. You hold an annual practising certificate and are registered with the clinical scope of practice.

EEO Statement

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is firmly grounded in the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and is dedicated to serving all NewZealanders. We embrace diversity and welcome applications from all people, including all gender identities, ages, ethnicities, sexual orientations and disability. A diverse and inclusive workforce is essential to better understand and serve our community.

How to Apply

If you are applying from abroad, please check your eligibility for NZPB registration and state the outcome in your cover letter. To apply, click 'apply now' and submit your application through our online careers portal. For further questions, contact [e-mail].