Psychologist

New Zealand Government; Whakatāne; On-site; NZD 85,000 - 126,000; Full time

Job summary

New Zealand Government, Whakatāne, seeks a registered Educational Psychologist to join our Learning Support team. The role focuses on identifying factors affecting learning, wellbeing and behaviour and promoting inclusive practices across early learning settings, schools and other educational environments.

You will provide professional guidance to schools, teachers and families, conduct in-depth assessments, and collaborate in a multi-disciplinary team to support akonga with additional learning

Qualifications

• Master's level qualification and a Postgraduate Diploma in Educational Psychology or equivalent.
• NZ Registered Psychologist under the Health Practitioners Competency Assurance Act with current practicing certificate.
• Ability to translate specialist knowledge into practical information.
• Ability to coordinate service provision within a multi-agency, trans-disciplinary setting.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with akonga/learners, whanau/families and kaiako/teachers.
• Hold a current full driver licence; travel will be required.
• Understanding and applying Te Tiriti o Waitangi principles.

Responsibilities

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

Skills

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Team collaboration

Te Tiriti o Waitangi awareness

Education

Master's in Educational Psychology

Postgraduate Diploma in Educational Psychology

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 akonga in our education system.About this role | Mo tenei turangaFixed term, full-time (Parental Leave cover until August 2027)Whakatane, Bay of PlentyWe are looking for a Psychologist to be part of a close-knit, community-focused team that maximises learning and promotes social inclusion for children and young people with learning support needs.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 behaviourenhancing inclusive practices in early learning services, schools and other educational settingsproviding 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 peopleproviding appropriate in-depth specialist assessment and analysis for collaboratively planned evidence-informed interventionsworking as part of a trans-disciplinary team where a child's needs are complex.This is a fixed term, full-time role providing Parental Leave cover for a 6-month period through to February 2027. This role is based at our Whakatane Office in one of New Zealand's sunniest locations, offering a fantastic lifestyle and work-life balance opportunity. Whakatane is the cultural hub of the Whakatane District which has many local attractions that showcase the rich heritage and history of the area.Applicants who live in Tauranga, Rotorua or the surrounding Bay of Plenty areas and who are willing to commute may also be interested in this role.Salary range: $85,416-$126,000 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 | Mohou akeTo be successful in this role, you will need to have the following capabilities and competencies:a master's level tertiary qualification and a Postgraduate Diploma in Educational Psychology or equivalentbe a New Zealand Registered Psychologist under the Health Practitioners Competency Assurance Act and hold a current practicing certificatethe ability to translate specialist knowledge into practical informationthe ability to contribute your specialist skills and co-ordinate service provision within multi-agency, trans-disciplinary settingsexcellent communication and interpersonal skills and an ability to work effectively with akonga/learners, whanau/families and kaiako/teachers across a diverse range of settingsthe ability to understand and apply the principles of Te Tirirti o Waitangi and tangata whenuatangaa full driver licence as travel will be requiredthe ability and willingness to adhere to the Public Service Standards of Integrity and Conduct.About our group and team | Matau ropu akeTe Mahau | Education Services is a frontline group that collectively provides leadership and integrated services to the sector and others.Learning Support is a critical part of Te Mahau | Education Services in the Ministry. We are charged with leading the education sector in ensuring that children and young people with additional learning needs are supported to achieve their full potential through education.Our Learning Support specialists work closely with families, whanau, caregivers, schools and early childhood educators in English and Maori medium settings and other agencies to help maximise learning outcomes and promote social inclusion. (Please see the following link: Recruitment within Learning Support - Careers in Education)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 (please do not email your application). 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 Pennie Muldoon at 07 349 7464 and/or email [e-mail] close at midnight on Wednesday, 3 November 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.