Clinical Psychologist Mental Health - Spring Hill at Ara Poutama Aotearoa (Department of Corrections), Waikato
Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role
- Drive positive change through meaningful work.
- Work collaboratively with a vibrant and supportive team of professionals to ensure comprehensive care for people.
- Experience ongoing professional development opportunities to enhance your skills and stay updated on best practices in mental health service provision.
Mō te tūnga | About the role
As a clinical psychologist in this position, you will find yourself in a dynamic environment within the Intervention and Support Practice team. You will be one of two psychologists, with access to an experienced and supportive team of professionals in a role that balances autonomous practice with strong team support. The team is made up of professionals including, nursing, oranga programmes, and Kairuruku Hinengaro.
Your primary objective will be to contribute to the overall wellness of individuals under our care within the Department of Corrections, Ara Poutama Aotearoa. Working alongside an integrated health service, you will have the opportunity to provide crucial mental health support and treatment, directly impacting the lives of those in our care. Work with different presentations in ISU while managing your case load with flexibility to work with client needs.
This role offers ample room for professional growth and development, with opportunities for ongoing training and advancement. This role is ideal for someone who is here for the learning who has an interest in working with trauma based therapies. You will have opportunities to develop and strengthen clinical and trauma based skills, including DBT and EMDR, with access to supervision and supported training. It is a full-time permanent position situated at Whangamarino Spring Hill, North Waikato, and we are also open to considering applicants seeking part-time opportunities.
Click here to learn more about being a psychologist at Ara Poutama Aotearoa.
Mōu | About you
We are looking for a passionate clinical psychologist to join our established mental health team. This presents an exciting opportunity for you to play a significant role in shaping the future of mental health services provided by Department of Corrections (Ara Poutama Aotearoa). As a clinical psychologist, you will be an integral part of the Intervention and Support Practice team, focused on delivering exceptional evidence-based mental health support and treatment to our most vulnerable individuals in custody.
Your responsibilities within the broader multi-disciplinary team will involve providing psychological services that enhance the mental well-being of those in our care. Given the nature of our tangata whaiora, there will be a large amount of trauma based work, conducting assessments and formulation of complex support plans.
Other crucial aspects of your role include promoting holistic and recovery-oriented health services throughout the prison environment. Our teams are committed to role-modelling expert, evidence-based clinical practices and embodying the Hōkai Rangi strategy through Manaaki, Rangatira, Wairua, Kaitiaki, and Whānau.
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.
In addition to your salary, you will receive a $2,000 annual professional development allowance and become eligible for five weeks of annual leave after one year of service, increasing to six weeks after four years of continuous service.
Mō mātou | About us
Join Ara Poutama Aotearoa - Department of Corrections, 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.
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: Sunday, 26th April
If you have any questions or want to learn more about a career with us, contact sarah.rostron@corrections.govt.nz, or visit careers.corrections.govt.nz.
Ngā taipitopito tūranga mahi | Job details
| Employer: | Ara Poutama Aotearoa (Department of Corrections) |
| Location: | Waikato |
| Position type: | Permanent |
| Category: | Health |
| Date listed: | 26-Mar-2026 |
| Salary range: | 83,286 - 133,370 |
| Closing date: | 26-Apr-2026 |
| Reference: | NZ/1889209B |
| Attachment: | Psychologist Mental Health - Job Description.pdf (PDF, 177KB) Psychologist Mental Health - Job Description.docx (Word, 82KB) |
| File links: | |
| Website: |
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