Forensic Psychiatrist | Part time or Full Time

Health New Zealand - Te Whatu Ora Waitaha Canterbury; Christchurch; On-site; NZD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working arrangements

Access to career development opportunities

Job summary

Health New Zealand - Te Whatu Ora - Waitaha Canterbury is seeking a Forensic Psychiatrist in Christchurch. This full-time permanent position involves working with a multidisciplinary team to provide comprehensive mental health services. The role is supportive of career development with flexible working arrangements. Candidates with or without previous forensic experience are encouraged to apply. As a diverse and inclusive employer, they emphasize respect and integrity within their work culture.

Qualifications

• Eligible for registration with the Medical Council of New Zealand.
• Previous forensic experience valued but not essential.

Responsibilities

• Provide comprehensive assessment, diagnosis, and treatment.
• Work in multidisciplinary context with other Forensic Psychiatrists.
• Support activities in hospital and outpatient settings, Courts, and Corrections.

Job description

Forensic Psychiatrist | Part time or Full Time

Health New Zealand – Te Whatu Ora – Waitaha Canterbury – Christchurch, South Island

“Ko ngā tāngata, te mātua mahi – Putting people at the heartof all we do”

Te Whatu Ora, Health New Zealand, leads the day‑to‑dayrunning of our health system across New Zealand, with functions delivered at local, district, regional, and national levels. It weaves the functions of the 20 former District Health Boards into its regional divisions and district offices, ensuring continuity of services in the health system.

The Team

The Canterbury Regional Forensic Mental Health Service provides forensic mental health services to a population of approximately 700,000 within the South Island of New Zealand. A full range of forensic treatment settings are available, including medium secure and rehabilitation inpatient facilities based at Hillmorton Hospital and within the wider community, alongside the Courts, Probation, Department of Corrections, and Outreach Services.

The Regional Forensic Service provides consultation and liaison to Nelson, Marlborough, the West Coast, and South Canterbury. Two secure units and one open rehabilitation unit provide 35 inpatient beds. The Service works closely with a community‑based service which is funded to provide a high level of clinical input and support for people as they transition to the wider community.

Positive Employee Feedback

One of our locum consultants recently shared their positive experience: “I finish here tomorrow after 3 months working in the Forensic Service. The service is well‑resourced with very capable multi‑disciplinary teams who work hard to support our clientele and each other. Because of the level of resourcing, the risks are well‑mitigated which makes it a safe place to work. Even working for just a few months, I find that psychiatrist input is very much appreciated by the teams. There are now good Health Learn resources to help a non‑forensic psychiatrist get started and the teams were very helpful at getting me up to speed as well.”

The Role

We currently have a full‑time, permanent role for a Forensic Psychiatrist. You’ll be working in a multidisciplinary context with five other Forensic Psychiatrists, providing comprehensive assessment, diagnosis, and treatment in a hospital and outpatient setting, the wider community, the Court, and Corrections. We would consider candidates that are looking for Part‑Time hours as well.

Previous forensic experience is valued but not essential. This is a great opportunity to consider a career in Forensic Psychiatry in a supportive environment with supervision in relation to any new areas of practice, including Court work and Legal Issues.

Our Culture: What matters to us

Health is ultimately all about people. What’s important around here is the way we care for and respect others, the responsibility taken for delivering outcomes, and going about our work with integrity.

Belonging Here

Being part of the Te Whatu Ora, Health New Zealand, our people enjoy access to flexible working arrangements and a genuine and ongoing focus on career development.

Te Whatu Ora, Health New Zealand believes that diversity and inclusion are key to ensuring we deliver the best care for our diverse population. As an organisation, we are an inclusive and equal‑opportunity employer that welcomes and respects everyone.

To be considered for this role, you will need to be eligible for registration with the Medical Council of New Z New Zealand. To find out more, please follow this link Medical Council of New Z New Zealand Registration.