Psychologist - Upper Hutt

Department of Corrections NZ; Auckland; Hybrid; NZD 83,000 - 133,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual PD fund $2,500–$3,000

Relocation package for international/ó

Flexible/part-time options

Job summary

Department of Corrections NZ in Wellington (Upper Hutt) seeks a Registered Psychologist to contribute to offender rehabilitation across Rimutaka (male) and Arohata (female) facilities and the community. The role emphasizes risk assessment, individual and group therapy, and collaboration with prison colleagues.

Applicants should hold a Masters in Psychology and NZ Psychologist Board registration, with a commitment to culturally responsive practice and ongoing professional development.

Qualifications

• Masters-level psychologist with registration in NZ Psychologist Board (clinical/counselling/general scope).
• Experience in risk assessment and trauma-informed care desirable.
• Ability to work in a multi-disciplinary, culturally responsive environment.

Responsibilities

• Conduct offence-focused risk assessments and provide group and individual therapy.
• Engage in case consultation with prison and community colleagues and contribute to treatment plans.
• Participate in multidisciplinary meetings and provide expert input on complex cases.
• Support clients with high risk of reoffending using trauma-informed and kaupapa Māori approaches.

Skills

Risk assessment

Trauma-informed practice

Therapy skills

Culturally responsive practice

Te Ao Māori knowledge

Collaboration and teamwork

Growth mindset

Strong communication

Education

Masters degree in Psychology (Clinical or Forensic)

Job description

## 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.****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/1947343 || Location: | Wellington (Te Whanganui a Tara) || Date posted: | 22-Sep-2026 || Application close date: | 12-Oct-2026 || Attachments: | Psychologist\\_Senior Psychologist JD.pdf (PDF, 444KB)Position Description |