Psychologist

New Zealand Government; Auckland; Hybrid; NZD 96,000 - 117,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Professional development funding

External supervision reimbursement

Coverage of professional fees

Job summary

Oranga Tamariki is seeking a psychologist to join a dynamic team in a fixed-term role (till Oct 2027). The role involves clinical guidance, assessments, and interventions for tamariki and rangatahi in care, with a focus on trauma-informed practice and collaboration with whānau andCaregivers.

The successful candidate will bring robust assessment skills, a strong drive to improve outcomes, and cultural competence to work within Te Tiriti o Waitangi frameworks.

Qualifications

• Must be registered with the New Zealand Psychologists Board.
• Postgraduate qualifications in Clinical/Child & Family/Counselling/Educational Psychology preferred.
• Passion for working with tamariki, rangatahi and whānau and networks supporting them.
• Experience in applied psychology with tamariki, rangatahi and whānau; assessment, intervention, consultation, training and evaluation.
• Knowledge of psychological models/theories related to trauma and abuse; risk assessment.
• Experience with psychometric tests and interpretation; developmental, trauma, behavioural concerns in tamariki/rangatahi.
• Cultural competence with Māori within Te Tiriti o Waitangi; strong stakeholder engagement.
• Ability to manage risk in complex situations; familiarity with Oranga Tamariki Act 1989.

Responsibilities

• Provide clinical guidance and supervision to psychologists and teams.
• Conduct psychological assessments and therapeutic needs assessments.
• Offer caregiver support and interventions; support care transitions.
• Provide inter-disciplinary consultation and training; contribute to governance framework.
• Engage with internal and external stakeholders to achieve positive outcomes for tamariki and whānau.

Skills

Psychology assessment

Therapy/intervention

Consultation

Training

Risk management

Stakeholder engagement

Cultural competence (Māori/Te Tiriti)

Education

Postgraduate qualification in Clinical Psychology

Postgraduate qualification in Child & Family Psychology

Postgraduate qualification in Counselling or Educational Psychology

Job description

## Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this roleWe have a new fixed term (till October 2027) part time (3 days per week) opportunity for a psychologist to be a part of a newly developed and dynamic team in either the Bay of Plenty Region servicing Tauranga Moana, Whakatane, Rotorua, Tokoroa and Taupo.We would also consider applications for full time roles. Clinical Services is the Oranga Tamariki internal psychological and therapeutic services. We currently have 50+ clinicians within 11 teams nationwide.**He aha te mea nui o te ao. He tāngata, he tāngata, he tāngata****What is the most important thing in the world? It is people, it is people, it is people**In this role, you will be providing clinical guidance and assistance to some of our most vulnerable and high needs tamariki and rangatahi, and their whānau, providing best practice models of assessment and intervention.**Mō te tūnga | About the role**This is a diverse and varied role that provides flexibility in the use of evidence-based assessment and intervention tools to achieve positive outcomes for tamariki, rangatahi and their whānau. Reporting to the Psychologist Team Leader, the successful candidate will gain exposure to assessments of children with complex care and protection histories, neuro-diverse challenges, exposure to trauma, and care insecurity. This can involve consultations, conducting psychological assessments, therapeutic needs assessments, caregiver support and intervention, supporting care transitions, comprehensive specialist parenting assessment work, therapeutic interventions as required and inter-disciplinary consultation.Experience working with children in care and protection, clinical or residential settings and/or experience in mental health, disability, neurodivergence and complex behaviours would be an advantage.Clinical Services are part of the new Health and Clinical Services Group which includes the High Needs Services and High and Complex Needs interagency teams. We currently are creating our clinical governance framework and are enhancing the clinical leadership and support for psychologists within Oranga Tamariki.**Ngā pūmanawatanga ōu | What you will bring**Key requirements of the role include:* Applicants must be registered with the New Zealand Psychologists Board to be considered* Preferably have postgraduate qualifications in Clinical, Child and Family, Counselling or Educational Psychology* A passion for working with tamariki, rangatahi and whānau and the networks that support them.* A genuine desire to make a difference to the lives of tamariki and whanau facing adversity* Have proven practical experience in a wide range of applied psychology, including assessment, intervention, consultation, training and evaluation with tamariki, rangatahi, and whānau* Sound knowledge of psychological models and theories and their application in relation to the trauma and abuse population* Experience in administration and interpretation of psychometric tests and instruments, alongside clinical ability to assess developmental functioning, trauma, behavioural concerns, risk, relationships and other domains in tamariki and rangatahi populations* Experience working directly with tamariki and rangatahi.* Cultural competence working with Māori, within the context of Te Tiriti o Waitangi; understanding and respecting Te O Māori* Strong engagement and relationship building skills with internal and external stakeholders* The ability to manage risk in the context of complex situations* Some understanding of the Oranga Tamariki Act 1989**Nōu te rourou | What's in it for you**Oranga Tamariki offer a step-based remuneration package, that offers progression annually for experience through tenure. Please contact us if you would like more information about the Oranga Tamariki remuneration framework. These roles start at $106,416 per annum and appointment on step is in line with skills and experience.We offer a vibrant and supportive team, flexible work options and a genuine commitment to wellbeing. We offer significant training and professional development so that you can thrive and grow. We welcome diversity and are committed to working in an inclusive and respectful way. The opportunity to make a positive impact in an organisation that works to ensure all tamariki and rangatahi are in loving whanau and communities.Consideration may be given to applicants seeking to work part time to support work in a private practice as well as Internal, external and peer clinical case supervision and supportive practice systems**Additional Information**:Some benefits, such as professional development funding, external supervision reimbursement, and coverage of professional fees, may be available under the terms of a collective agreement. These benefits are accessible to employees who choose to join a union covered by the agreement. Terms and eligibility may vary depending on union membership. Please note that these benefits are not universally applied and are specific to certain union arrangements. Oranga Tamariki does not endorse or show preference for any union where multiple unions cover the role.**Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to Apply**Apply online with your CV and Covering Letter. If you are an Oranga Tamariki employee already, please ensure you apply with a log in using your Oranga Tamariki email address. If you would like to discuss the roles or enquire about the remuneration framework, please contact Paul Whitehead at [e-mail]**Applications for this role closes Tuesday 29th September 2026**