Psychologist

New Zealand Government; Auckland; On-site; NZD 8,500 - 127,000; Full time

Job summary

The New Zealand Government’s Education Services Group is seeking a fixed-term Psychologist for a six-month assignment starting January 2027. You will deliver equitable psychological services to learners with additional needs in schools and early learning settings.

The role emphasizes strengths-based practice, collaboration with whānau and teachers, and developing targeted intervention plans to support student outcomes.

Qualifications

• Experience in a complex organisation.
• Experience building relationships and partnerships to achieve shared outcomes.
• Proven ability to use data and insights to identify trends, risks and opportunities.

Responsibilities

• Provide effective, equitable psychological services to children and young people with additional learning needs.
• Identify learning, wellbeing and behaviour influencing factors using a strengths-based approach.
• Collaborate with schools, teachers and families to develop and monitor intervention plans.

Skills

Relationship building

Counselling & mediation

Data-informed decisions

Communication

Diversity & inclusion

Education

Master's degree in Educational Psychology

Postgraduate Diploma in Educational Psychology

NZ Registered Psychologist with practicing certificate

Job description

Help shape the future of education in New ZealandHelp shape the future of EducationWe work to shape an education system that delivers equitable and excellent outcomesOur organisation is made up of talented and committed people around Aotearoa, from a wide range of backgrounds and cultures. While we work in different groups and on different things, we all strive every day to make the biggest difference we can for our students in our education system.About this role | Mo tenei turangaThis is a fixed term oppotunity for 6 months starting in January 2027.The role of the Psychologist is to provide effective, efficient and equitable psychological services for the benefit of children and young people with additional learning needs in accordance with the goals, objectives and policies of the Ministry of Education.As a Psychologist, you will:Apply a strengths-based approach.Identify patterns or contributing factors that may be influencing learning, wellbeing and behaviour.Enhance inclusive practices in early learning services, schools and other educational settings.Collaboratively support progress with learner goalsProvide professional support and guidance to schools, teacher and parents/caregivers/whanau and in collaboration, support the development and implementation of intervention plans.Assess, analyse, hypothesise, collaboratively plan, support and monitor the implementation of individual (or group) intervention plans for students who have additional learning needs.Salary range: $85,916 - $126,500per annum + KiwiSaver. The successful candidate will be appointed at a salary which reflects individual skills and experience.For more details about the role, you can view the Job Description here.About you | Mohou akeTo be successful in this role you will have the following experience:Experience in a complex organisationExperience in building relationships and partnerships to achieve shared outcomes.Working effectively with children and young people and their families/whanau across a diverse range of settingsProven experience counselling, negotiating, mediation, and contracting.A proven ability to use data and insights to identify trends, risks and opportunities, to influence and guide organisational and system-level decision making.You will also offer:A master's level tertiary qualification and a Postgraduate Diploma in Educational Psychology or equivalent.Be a New Zealand Registered Psychologist under the Health Practitioners Competency Assurance Act and hold a current practicing certificate.The ability to translate specialist knowledge into practical information.The ability to contribute your specialist skills and co-ordinate service provision within multi-agency, trans-disciplinary settings.Excellent communication and interpersonal skills and an ability to work effectively with akonga/learners, whanau/families and kaiako/teachers across a diverse range of settings.The ability to understand and apply the principles of Te Tirirti o Waitangi and tangata whenuatanga.A full driver licence as travel will be required.The ability and willingness to adhere to the Public Service Standards of Integrity and Conduct.About our group and team | Matau ropu akeThe Education Services Group provides well-designed, integrated education services that support the impactful and effective operation of education settings to support student achievement and participation. The services help to remove barriers to participation and learning and provide regulatory advice, support and oversight to early learning providers, schools and kura.The Group has three key priorities for Education Services:Practice Guidance: Managing practice and guidance to improve national coordination and consistency, whilst enabling regional autonomy for education service delivery.Integration Delivery: Providing education support directly to education settings via integrated regional and national services. This includes intervening when necessary to ensure a high standard of operation to support student outcomes and owning key stakeholder relationships to support schooling improvement and stronger outcomes for learners.Monitoring Improvement: Monitoring and advising on improvements to the effectiveness, efficiency and equity of services for achievement and progression, and attendance and participation. This includes monitoring education provider performance against regulations and intervening as required.Are you ready to make a difference? | Kua rite koe mo tenei mahi?If this opportunity interests you, please submit your cover letter and resume by using the `apply' button. In your cover letter we'd like to know about you, your values, or anything else you'd like to share. We're keen to understand your motivations, strengths, transferable skills, and the diverse perspectives you will bring to the role.For further information, please contact Nicole Collings at [e-mail] close Midnight - Friday 20 November 2026.We can offer flexibility around start dates; however, successful applicants must be available to commence employment in January 2027.We want our people to feel valued for their unique qualities and have a sense of belonging. If you require assistance or adjustments to fully participate in the recruitment process, please let us know.