Psychologist - Upper Hutt

New Zealand Government; Auckland; Hybrid; NZD 83,000 - 133,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Professional development fund

Relocation package

Flexible and/or part-time options

Annual development funding

Job summary

Ara Poutama Aotearoa, Department of Corrections, is seeking a Registered Psychologist to join our Upper Hutt team near Rimutaka Prison. You will bring trauma-informed therapy, risk assessment, and assessment/report writing to support clients in male and female facilities and in community probation.

The role offers supervision, training, and development opportunities with a strong focus on māori tikanga, cultural responsiveness, and collaborative practice within multidisciplinary teams.

Qualifications

• Masters degree in Psychology (Clinical or Forensic) and registration with the NZ Psychologist Board.
• Experience in risk assessment in prison/community settings is desirable.
• Trauma-informed approach with interest in complex/developmental trauma or learning.

Responsibilities

• Complete offence-focussed risk assessment and treatment in prison and community settings.
• Provide group and individual therapy to clients with complex needs.
• Conduct case consultations with prison and community colleagues.
• Participate in multidisciplinary meetings and support whānau involvement.

Skills

Verbal comms

Written comms

Risk assessment

Therapy skills

Cultural responsiveness

Problem solving

Growth mindset

Team collaboration

Te Ao Māori

Ethics knowledge

Education

Master's degree in Psychology (Clinical or Forensic)

NZ Psychologist Board registration

Job description

## Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role**Kotahi anō te kaupapa: ko te oranga o te iwi****‘There is only one purpose to our work: the wellness and wellbeing of people'**Applications are open to psychologists looking to graduate at the end of 2026, as well as those already registered and keen to work in a well supported dynamic setting.**Mō te tūnga | About the role**We are seeking a Registered Psychologist to join our dedicated team at the Upper Hutt Psychologist's Office, located near Rimutaka Prison in Trentham, Upper Hutt. We prioritise a high level of psychological expertise, supported by supervision and, internal and external training opportunities. Work-life balance and well-being are considered key to our success as a supportive team to facilitate our work in Rimutaka (male) and Arohata (female) Prison, as well as Community Probation.Our team's responsibilities include completing offence-focussed risk assessment, group and individual treatment, and case consultation with our prison and community colleagues. We work with individuals identified as high risk for reoffending; often supporting them with complex challenges that require a trauma informed approach, consideration of personality features and neurodiversity. We actively participate in multidisciplinary meetings, support whanau hui, and emphasise collaboration with our clients. Our work means you will develop the skills to have positive and challenging therapeutic conversations and provide empathic yet honest feedback. Engaging in tikanga and Māori oriented practices that best support our clients is encouraged and supported with appropriate Kaupapa Māori supervision.As your career develops you will have opportunities to complete higher Expert Court Reports and provide Expert Witness Testimony. You will also have opportunities explore and develop areas of interest within our work as Ara Poutama Psychologists allowing you the space to become a Subject Matter Expert and provide training.We are presently beginning to support those who are remand-convicted, which is a new area of intervention development across the Department. This is an area where more experienced candidates could further develop their skills and aid in the international understanding of what therapeutic interventions best support people who are remand-convicted to remain offence free in the community.If you want to find out more about being a psychologist at the Department of Corrections (Ara Poutama Aotearoa) click here.**Mōu | About you**Are you a resilient and compassionate psychologist seeking a dynamic role? We're looking for someone passionate about making a difference. Thrive in challenging situations, engaging with individuals facing complex challenges. Your ability to connect with and motivate individuals for positive change is key. Your commitment to continuous growth and collaborative teamwork will flourish in our environment. If this sounds like you, we invite you to consider joining our team at Upper Hutt.If you enjoy both assessment and psychological intervention, as well as report writing, this role can provide a range of these tasks – as well as, supporting you to focus more directly in areas of greater interest.**We are looking for someone who:*** Is reliable with strong verbal and written communication skills* Has experience in risk assessment in a similar setting (desirable but not required)* Has strong therapy skills, and has a knowledge of trauma, specifically complex/developmental trauma or an interest in learning (desirable)* Can demonstrate and commit to culturally responsive ways of working* Is an excellent problem solver* Has a growth mindset, who wants to continue to learn and develop as a psychologist* Works well in a collaborative professional environment* Understands our responsibilities under the Psychology Code of Ethics* Can demonstrate an understanding of Te Ao Māori/Tikanga Māori and bi-cultural practice* Has commitment to contributing to the outcomes of Hōkai Rangi* Wants to begin or progress their career in a development focused service.* Has a minimum of a Masters degree in Psychology (Clinical or Forensic Psychology) and registration with the NZ Psychologist Board in the clinical/counselling and general scope of practice.**Ngā painga | The benefits**The salary range for the role is $83,286 - $133,370 per annum. Frontline Psychologists also have the ability to work towards additional allowances and allocated professional development funding. We may also offer flexible and/or part-time options for working hours. Appointment and remuneration will reflect skills and experience relevant to the role.You will also receive an annual Professional Development fund of $2,500 to $3,000 depending on your level of experience which can accumulate over a two year period. You can use this fund to attend international training and conferences, as well as, local training.**International Relocation Package**Ara Poutama has relocation packages available for candidates relocating from overseas. For international applicants, please confirm your eligibility to register as a psychologist in New Zealand.* Freight forward of $10,000* Airfares for candidates and travelling family* 4-weeks accommodation* 4-weeks rental vehicle hire* Airport transfers of up to $300 and any stop-over accommodation**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**Applications Close: **Monday, 12th October**To apply and view the position description, click the application 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/Resume and Cover Letter describing your motivation for joining our department highlighting relevant skills and experience and the alignment to our work.If you have any questions or want to learn more about a career with us, contact [e-mail], or visit **careers.corrections.govt.nz.**