Psychologist IWS

New Zealand Government; Gisborne; On-site; NZD 86,000 - 127,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

KiwiSaver

Job summary

New Zealand Government in Gisborne/Tairawhiti or Whakatane invites applications for Te Kahu Toi Psychologist. Join a multidisciplinary team delivering Intensive Wraparound Services to akonga aged 5-14 with high and complex needs.

Travel regionally as required. You will conduct tailored psychological assessments, deliver interventions, support teachers and caregivers, and lead data-informed practice with supervision and growth opportunities.

Qualifications

• Be a New Zealand Registered Psychologist with a current practising certificate.
• Experience with intensive wraparound services is preferred.
• Willing to travel regionally as required for the role.

Responsibilities

• Work intensely with tamariki and whanau to understand underlying needs.
• Develop and deliver tailored psychological assessments and interventions.
• Support educators, caregivers and specialists to implement change.
• Lead data-informed practice and review impact with supervision.

Skills

NZ Registered Psychologist

Driver's licence

Interdisciplinary collaboration

Cultural responsiveness

Education

NZ Registered Psychologist certification

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 turangaPermanent, full-timeBased in either Gisborne/Tairawhiti or Whakatane, Bay of Plenty (preferred) or Hawke's BayFleet vehicle supplied for regional travel requirementsAs a Te Kahu Toi Psychologist, you'll join a passionate, multidisciplinary team dedicated to creating change for akonga with the highest and most complex needs - often those for whom traditional supports have not been enough. These young people may be disengaged from education, isolated from peers, and struggling in both home and community settings. The challenges are big, but the impact you'll have is even bigger.Through Te Kahu Toi, our Intensive Wraparound Service (IWS), we walk alongside some of the most vulnerable and high-needs tamariki and their whanau - those navigating a complex mix of behavioural, emotional, social, and learning challenges.This is not your average psychologist role. You won't just be assessing or observing - you'll be transforming lives.Using a highly individualised, whanau-centred and strength-based approach, you will:Work intensively with tamariki and whanau to understand the deep underlying needs beneath behaviour and learning difficulties.Develop and deliver tailored psychological assessments and dynamic, evidence-informed interventions.Support the people surrounding each child - including teachers, caregivers and specialists - to implement change and build sustainable, wraparound support.Lead data-informed practice and regularly review impact, adapting as needed.You'll become part of a highly supportive and connected wraparound service with regular supervision, peer support, and ongoing opportunities for growth and development in wraparound theory and practice.This role provides Intensive Wraparound Services for the Gisborne/Tairawhiti/East Cape region and the ability to travel and deliver services to these areas as needed is a requirement for this role. The ability to travel and deliver services to these areas as needed is a requirement for this role. While it is preferable that this role is based at either our Gisborne or Whakatane Office, candidates can be based in the Hawke's Bay area (Napier Office).Salary range: $85,916 - $126,500 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 Job Description here.About you | Mohou akeWe're looking for psychologists with a heart for justice, and a commitment to walking alongside tamariki and whanau through complexity, crisis, and change.You'll thrive in this role if you:are a New Zealand Registered Psychologist with a current practicing certificateare passionate about working holistically and intensively with tamariki and whanau experiencing high levels of need and challengebring deep empathy, clinical curiosity, cultural responsiveness, and a solutions-focused mindsetare confident working across education, health, and social sectors, and can lead collaborative, transdisciplinary responsesare committed to upholding Te Tiriti o Waitangi and honouring tangata whenuatangahave a full, clean driver's licence, clear police checks and a right to work in New Zealandthe ability and willingness to adhere to the Public Service Standards of Integrity and Conduct.About our group and team | Matau ropu akeTe Kahu Toi, the Intensive Wraparound Service, is a national, specialist service that delivers intensive supports across domains to akonga aged 5-14 with the highest level of need. These are tamariki with significant and often multiple challenges - emotional, behavioural, developmental - who need more than a one-size-fits-all response.This role is your opportunity to make a profound difference where it matters most - for tamariki who are at risk of being left behind, and for whanau who need hope, support, and partnership.Our team members say:\"The work is hard - but the gains, even the small ones, are life-changing.\"\"I value the strong professional support. It keeps me grounded and connected.\"\"This is the first time I've truly seen systems change because of my input.\"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.If you need any further information, please contact Mary Curran, Service Manager for Te Kahu Toi | Intensive Wraparound Service at 07 376 1871 and/or email [e-mail] close at midnight on Wednesday, 04 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.