Psychologist

New Zealand Government; Whangarei; On-site; NZD 85,000 - 116,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

KiwiSaver

Job summary

New Zealand Government seeks a Psychologist to join the Learning Support team in Te Tai Tokerau, based in Kaitaia, Kerikeri or Whangārei. You will work with families and educators to develop personalised plans and improve students’ wellbeing and outcomes.

The role requires a Masters-level qualification and NZ Psychologist Board registration, with a current Practising Certificate, and offers a permanent full-time position with KiwiSaver benefits.

Qualifications

• Experience supporting children and young people with severe and challenging behaviours.
• Ability to collaborate with professionals, families and agencies.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Commitment to evidence-based interventions and inclusive education.
• Sensitivity to diversity and Treaty of Waitangi principles.
• Adherence to Public Service Standards of Integrity and Conduct.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with educators, parents, whānau to understand the child and behaviours.
• Develop, implement and monitor a personalised learning plan.
• Help adults adjust the learning environment to manage behaviour safely.
• Support pro-social behaviour, wellbeing and learning outcomes.
• Facilitate access to services (speech and language therapy, local agencies).
• Promote inclusive practices in schools and educational settings.

Skills

Collaborative teamwork

Interpersonal communication

Evidence-based practice

Cultural sensitivity

Partnership with families

Education

Masters-level qualification in Educational or Clinical Psychology

NZ Psychologist Board registration

Practising Certificate

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 ākonga in our education system.

About this role | Mō tēnei tūranga

One permanent, full-time role based in either Kaitaia, Kerikeri or Whangārei, Te Tai Tokerau.As a Psychologist, you will play a critical role in our region's Learning Support team by doing the following:

• Working collaboratively with a team around the child, including educators, parents, caregivers and whānau, to enhance understanding about the child and their behaviours.
• Collaboratively develop, implement, and monitor an effective personalised learning plan.
• Helping the adults around the child to make changes to the learning environment so that their behaviour can be more effectively managed, and the situation can be stabilised/made safer.
• This includes supporting the child to develop more pro-social ways of responding, and improve their participation, wellbeing and learning outcomes.
• Facilitating access to wider services and support, in response to individual needs, for example speech and language therapy and local agencies.
• Enhancing inclusive practices in schools and other educational settings.

Salary range: $85,416 - $116,316 per annum plus 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 | Mōhou ake

To be successful you will need:

• Demonstrable knowledge, experience, and skills in supporting children and young people with severe and challenging behaviours.
• An ability and willingness to work in collaborative partnership with other professionals, agencies, families and the sector.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, including an ability to sustain productive professional relationships.
• A genuine commitment to evidence-based interventions, which demonstrate inclusive education practice and contribute to raising student achievement.
• Masters-level tertiary qualification, Post-graduate Diploma in Educational Psychology or Clinical Psychology (or equivalent), New Zealand Psychologist Board registration, and a current Practicing Certificate.
• Sensitivity to cultural and ethnic diversity and a commitment to the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi.
• 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 | Te Tai Tokerau is a frontline group. Our frontline groups will collectively provide leadership and integrated services to the sector and others. This includes services, such as learning support and education advice and regulation functions for schools and early learning services.Learning Support ensures 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.

Are you ready to make a difference? | Kua rite koe mō tēnei mahi?

For further information, please contact Kate Brazier, Service Manager at [e-mail]

Applications close Midnight - Sunday 23rd August 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.