Psychologist

Ministry of Education; Upper Hutt; Hybrid; NZD 86,000 - 127,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

KiwiSaver

Job summary

The Ministry of Education is seeking an Educational Psychologist to join the Learning Support team in the Wellington region. The role involves identifying patterns influencing learning, wellbeing and behaviour, and providing high-level assessment and guidance to schools, teachers and families.

You will work in a trans-disciplinary environment to upskill adults and promote inclusive practices, Te Tiriti principles, and culturally responsive approaches.

Qualifications

• Current NZ Psychologist Board registration.
• Ability to work with diverse cultures, families and kaiako.
• Knowledge of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and te ao Māori.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Experience with children aged 3–15.
• Ability to translate practitioner knowledge into practical information.
• Experience in multi-agency, trans-disciplinary settings.

Responsibilities

• Identify patterns influencing learning, wellbeing and behaviour.
• Enhance inclusive practices in early learning services, schools and other educational settings.
• Provide professional support and guidance to schools, teachers and families and build capacity of those who support learning.
• Provide in-depth specialist assessment and analysis for evidenced informed interventions.
• Work as part of a trans-disciplinary team where a child's needs are complex.

Skills

Communication

Cultural competence

Te Tiriti knowledge

Interdisciplinary teamwork

Stakeholder engagement

Education

NZ Psychologist Board registration

Job description

Help shape the future of education in New ZealandHelp shape the future of EducationWe work toshapeaneducationsystem that deliversequitableandexcellent 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 | Mō tēnei tūranga Permanent, full time Based in the Lower Hutt office but working in Wellington Central, South and EastWe are seeking candidates who have demonstrable knowledge, experience and skills in supporting children and young people with challenging behaviours and complex learning needs.We want to hear from you if you have experience working with children across the 3 to 15-year-old age range.

About this role | Mō tēnei tūranga

As a psychologist you will play a critical role in our region's Learning Support team by:

• Identifying patterns or contributing factors that may be influencing learning, wellbeing and behaviour
• Enhancing inclusive practices in early learning services, schools and other educational settings
• Providing professional support and guidance to schools, teachers and families and building the capacity of those who are best placed to support the learning of children and young people
• Providing appropriate in-depth specialist assessment and analysis for evidenced informed interventions
• Working as part of a trans-disciplinary team where a child's needs are complex.

Salary range: $85,916 - $126,500 per annum + KiwiSaver. The successful candidate will be appointed at a salary which reflects individual skills and experience. Please note: Applications from affected kaimahi | employees will be given priority consideration.

For more details about the role, you can view the job description here.

About you | Mōhou ake

To be successful in this role you must have a current New Zealand Psychologist Board registration. You will also be able to demonstrate:

• The ability to develop and interact effectively with people of other cultures focusing on relationships and recognising their identity, language and culture as a source of strength.
• The ability to understand and apply the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and tangatawhenuatanga.
• Knowledge of, or a willingness to gain an understanding of Te Ao Māori and promote tikanga and Te Reo Māori.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills and an ability to work effectively with ākonga, whānau and Kaiako across a diverse range of settings.
• Ability to translate practitioner knowledge into practical information to upskill the adults around a child.
• Ability to co-ordinate service provision in a multi-agency, trans-disciplinary setting Experience working in Māori-medium settings or the ability to work across Māori informed practice models would be advantageous
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills and an ability to work effectively with children, young people and their families and teachers across a diverse range of settings
• The ability and willingness to adhere to thePublic Service Standards of Integrity and Conduct.

About our group and team | Mātau rōpū ake

The 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 mō tēnei mahi?

For further information, please contact Mae Faafoi Service Manager at [e-mail]

Applications close Midnight - Sunday, 18 October 2026.

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.