Psychologist

Ministry of Education; Whakatāne; On-site; NZD 85,000 - 126,000; Full time

Job summary

Ministry of Education in Whakatāne is seeking a registered psychologist to join the Learning Support team on a fixed-term, full-time basis for parental leave cover.

You will identify learning, wellbeing and behaviour patterns, provide guidance to schools and families, and deliver specialist assessments to support inclusive practices.

This role offers a collaborative, multi-agency environment and a chance to contribute to equity and excellent outcomes for ākonga.

Qualifications

• Master's level qualification in Educational Psychology or Postgraduate Diploma in Educational Psychology.
• Registered Psychologist with NZ Health Practitioners Competency Assurance Act and current practicing certificate.
• Ability to translate specialist knowledge into practical information for schools and families.
• Ability to co-ordinate service provision within multi-agency, trans-disciplinary settings.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with ākonga/learners, whānau/families and kaiako/teachers.

Responsibilities

• Identify patterns influencing learning, wellbeing and behaviour to enhance inclusive practices.
• Provide professional support and guidance to schools, teachers and families.
• Build capacity of those who support learning in diverse settings.
• Provide in-depth specialist assessments and analysis for collaboratively planned interventions.

Skills

Communication

Collaborative work

Te Tiriti o Waitangi competency

Driver license

Translate knowledge into practice

Education

Master's degree in Educational Psychology or Postgraduate Diploma in Educational Psychology

Job description

Help shape the future of education in New Zealand. Help shape the future of Education. We work to shape an education system that delivers equitable and excellent outcomes. Our 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 ākonga in our education system.

About this role | Mō tēnei tūranga

Fixed term, full-time (Parental Leave cover until August 2027) Whakatāne, Bay of Plenty

We 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 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 collaboratively planned evidence-informed interventions working 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 Whakatāne Office in one of New Zealand's sunniest locations, offering a fantastic lifestyle and work-life balance opportunity. Whakatāne is the cultural hub of the Whakatāne 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

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.

About you | Mōhou ake

Qualifications and Competencies

• 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 ākonga/learners, whānau/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 | Mātau rōpū ake

Te 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, whānau, caregivers, schools and early childhood educators in English and Māori 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)

Application Information

Applications 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.

For further information, please contact Pennie Muldoon at 07 349 7464 and/or email [e-mail].

If you require assistance or adjustments to fully participate in the recruitment process, please let us know.