Psychologist - Palmerston North

Department of Corrections NZ; Palmerston North; On-site; NZD 83,000 - 133,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

5 weeks annual leave

Professional development funding

Flexible working arrangements

Te Reo Māori and Tikanga allowance

APC reimbursement and ProfessionalInd

Job summary

Ara Poutama Aotearoa (Department of Corrections) in Palmerston North is seeking a part-time psychologist (0.5 FTE) to provide assessment and therapeutic work with high-risk offenders across prison and Community Corrections settings. The role offers professional growth, supervision, and exposure to diverse clinical tasks.

The successful applicant will address complex clinical challenges, engage individuals for positive change, and align with Te Tiriti o Waitangi principles and the Hōkai Rangi

Qualifications

• Registered psychologist with current practicing certificate.
• Experience providing assessment and therapy for high-risk offenders.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a correctional setting.

Responsibilities

• Conduct psychological assessments and formulate treatment plans.
• Provide individual therapy and risk management interventions.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to support client outcomes.
• Contribute to training and supervision as needed.

Skills

Clinical assessment

Therapeutic work

Risk assessment

Engaging with diverse individuals

Education

Registered Psychologist

Tools

Assessment instruments

Job description

# Psychologist - Palmerston North## About this role* Make a real impact every day by engaging in diverse interventions with individuals at high risk of reoffending.* Join our supportive team for professional growth, where dynamic training and collaboration are at the heart of what we do.* Part-time position available (0.5 FTE).**Mō te tūnga | About the role**Located in the heart of Palmerston North, our psychology team operates within the Community Corrections Hub. We primarily work in prison settings in both Manawatu and Whanganui (male prisons), as well as in Community Corrections. There may be an opportunity to work within a youth unit (young men aged 18 to 20) at Manawatu Prison and to contribute towards positive change for these young people. There may be an opportunity to work with men who have been convicted but not yet sentenced for their offending. We would also consider a psychologist who prefers to be based in the Whanganui or Taranaki region.As a psychologist within this team, you will have the opportunity to dive into diverse clinical tasks, specialising in assessment and therapeutic work with high-risk offenders. Your role is crucial in addressing complex challenges; and working with motivated individuals for positive change. Join a team that is committed to your growth, providing training and supervision for excellence in assessment and intervention.**Mōu | About you**Are you a resilient and compassionate psychologist seeking a dynamic role? We're looking for someone passionate about making a difference. You will thrive in challenging situations, engaging with individuals facing complex challenges. Your ability to connect with and motivate individuals for positive change is key. If you are dedicated, adaptable, and excited to contribute to assisting people to make positive changes in their lives, while embracing diversity, join us. A commitment to the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and the Department's strategy Hōkai Rangi is essential for this role. Your commitment to continuous growth and collaborative teamwork will flourish in our Correctional environment.**Ngā painga | The benefits**The salary range for this role is $83,286–$133,370 per annum, with appointment and remuneration based on clinical competency, skills, and experience.Frontline Psychologists may also access additional allowances, professional development funding, flexible working arrangements, and a range of benefits including:* 5 weeks annual leave, increasing to 6 weeks* Annual Departmental Day* National psychology training and development opportunities* Te Reo Māori and Tikanga allowance* APC reimbursement and Professional Indemnity Insurance contribution* Expert Witness Allowance (where applicable)* Health, wellbeing, and EAP support**Mō mātou | About us**Ara Poutama Aotearoa (Department of Corrections) Pae Ora leads the delivery of patient-focused primary health and mental health care services to tangata within corrections facilities across Aotearoa.Join Ara Poutama Aotearoa, where your work will contribute to improving public safety, reducing re-offending, and address the overrepresentation of Māori in correctional facilities. As a values-led organisation, we use the principles of rangatira (leadership), manaaki (respect), wairua (spirituality), kaitiaki (guardianship), and whānau (relationships) to guide our work and achieve the goals of our Hōkai Rangi strategy.We value inclusion and diversity in our workforce, and as a Public Service organisation we are committed to building a workforce that reflects the public we serve. We strive to make our recruitment process fair, and we encourage you to discuss reasonable accommodations with us if required.You can find out more about us here.**Tono ināianei | Apply Now**To submit an application and view the position description, click the apply link. All applications must be submitted through our careers site to ensure transparency – applications received via email will not be considered.When applying, submit a tailored **CV and a cover letter** describing your motivation for joining the department highlighting relevant skills and experience and the alignment to our work.**Applications close on: Thursday, 29th October**If you have any questions or want to learn more about a career with us, contact [e-mail], or visit **careers.corrections.govt.nz.****We are not accepting applications via recruitment agencies for this role. Unsolicited CVs submitted by agencies will not be accepted and no agency fees will apply.**## Job details| | || --- | --- || Job reference: | APA/1954012 || Location: | Manawatu-Whanganui || Date posted: | 23-Oct-2026 || Application close date: | 29-Oct-2026 || Attachments: | Psychologist\\_Senior Psychologist JD.pdf (PDF, 444KB)Position Description |