Psychologist Team Leader at Oranga Tamariki—Ministry for Children, Gisborne

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

This is a rewarding opportunity for a psychologist team lead to be a part of developing a newl and dynamic team in Ikaroa-Rawhiti/East Coast Region which services Gisborne, Wairoa, Hawkes Bay, Central Hawkes Bay, Tararua and Wairarapa. In this role, you will be developing new, culturally responsive services and providing clinical guidance and assistance to our tamariki and whānau, providing best practice models of assessment and intervention, whilst working from a Te Ao Māori framework.

Mō te tūnga | About the role

As a regional service we are involved in work that services the needs of our children and whanau in various areas around the motu. 

You will provide psychological and therapeutic assessments including psychological parenting assessments and individual assessments, as well as specialist interventions (e.g. DBT) to tamariki and whanau who have experienced trauma.  You will create an atmosphere for tamariki and rangatahi to help them heal, by putting them first and ensuring their voice is heard. You will also be supported in your professional development and have the opportunity to be part of developing and delivering culturally responsive services such as Tai Ki Uta (a Dialectical Behaviour Therapy skills group) across the Region.

In your role you would work alongside other psychologists, therapists, specialist child witness interviewers, and other partners to assure positive outcomes for tamariki and rangatahi, who have experienced trauma associated with abuse and neglect, support and provide consultations to social workers and other professionals.  You will work alongside other government and community services and whanau to do what's best for tamariki and rangatahi.

The team:

The Clinical Services team are a small team of psychologists, therapists, specialist child witness interviewers and administration who work closely together to provide the best for our children and families, as well as to each other. The work we do is broad, varied and interesting. There are no two cases the same. The diversity in this role provides the flexibility in the use of evidence-based therapy models and intervention tools to achieve positive outcomes for tamariki Māori and their whanau. We are committed to services that are culturally appropriate. We recognise and have a commitment to the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi.

Ngā pūmanawatanga ōu | What you will bring

Key requirements of the role include: 

• Be a registered psychologist with the New Zealand Psychologists Board with a current annual practicing certificate
• Proven work experience as a psychologist with tamariki and rangatahi would be an advantage
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to adapt to your audience
• Strong engagement and relationship building skills
• Cultural competence and responsiveness
• Empathy, patience and ability to see past what someone may be struggling with
• Sound judgement and organisational skills
• Ability to discern and unpack complex situations
• Be a contributing team member with skills and attributes to be an autonomous practitioner at times when required. 

Nōu te rourou | What's in it for you

• Be part of a supportive and knowledgeable Clinical Services Team as well as a key member of the Ikaroa-Rawhiti East Coast Regional team.
• Peer support, cultural and external supervision, case reviews and triage
• Opportunity to create a place to run therapy session
• Flexible working hours and IT setup to ensure a consistent work/life balance
• Rewarding and challenging work that truly makes a difference
• Opportunities for further professional development and "on the job" training
• Opportunities to work alongside various groups, build your network and strengthen community relationships

Me pēhea te tuku tono  | How to Apply

Apply online with your CV and Covering Letter. If you are an Oranga Tamariki employee already, please ensure you apply with a log in using your Oranga Tamariki email address. If you have any questions about role, please contact Info_recruit@ot.govt.nz

If you are interested in any of our vacancies, please ensure that you make yourself familiar with our code of conduct as it sets out our expectations for our kaimahi and requires you to present at work free from the influences of both drugs and alcohol.

Applications for this role close 25 September 2023.