Psychologist - Tai Aroha, Hamilton at Ara Poutama Aotearoa (Department of Corrections), Waikato

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

Tai Aroha – Community-based Special Treatment Unit, Hamilton

Ehara taku toa I te toa takitahi engari he toa takitini – my strength is not the strength of my own, but the strength of many

Mō te tūnga | About the role

Mōu | About you

We're looking for a skilled treatment provider capable of developing meaningful therapeutic alliances with men that have often been entrenched in the criminal world and had few safe relationships in their lives, who will work collaboratively with colleagues to maintain an environment that allows these men to let down their defences so real change can occur. It is essential that all staff have strong professional boundaries and understand the importance of proactively navigating transference issues to keep our residents and staff safe.

This is a chance to be proactive and reflective, combining your expertise with the satisfaction of making a real difference in the lives of those we serve. To be considered for this role you must be registered with the New Zealand Psychologists' Board and hold a current Annual Practicing Certificate. Applicants must also be a New Zealand citizen, New Zealand Resident Permit holder, Australian citizen or an Australian resident who holds a current Australian Resident Return Visa.

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience

We are seeking a Registered Psychologist with the New Zealand Psychologists' Board who:

• Has knowledge of, or shows a willingness to learn, about Māori culture and protocols
• Has experience in delivering therapeutic interventions, ideally group therapy with people who have a high-risk of violence
• Has life experience that means they can work effectively with people from diverse backgrounds and ethnic groups
• Is comfortable having their practice viewed and are receptive of regular feedback on their practice
• Has experience with report writing

Ngā painga | The benefits

The full salary range is $83,286 - $133,370. Appointment and remuneration will reflect clinical competency, skills, and experience relevant to the role. Frontline Psychologists also can work towards additional allowances and allocated professional development funding. We may also offer flexible and/or part-time options for working hours. Our additional benefits include:

• Generous annual leave – 5 weeks, increasing up to 6 weeks (depending on role and tenure)
• Departmental Day – one additional paid day each year to support team wellbeing and connection
• Professional development support – an annual professional development fund
• National psychology training forum – annual national forum for all psychologists to connect, learn, and share best practice
• Te Reo Māori and Tikanga allowance – support and recognition for cultural capability, particularly for Māori practitioners
• Professional Indemnity Insurance – employer contribution included
• Annual Practising Certificate (APC) – reimbursement provided
• Expert Witness Allowance – where applicable to role responsibilities
• Wellbeing supports, including:
• Eye examinations and eyewear subsidy
• Health and wellbeing appointments
• Access to Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)

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 21st June

If you have any questions or want to learn more about a career with us, contact Tom.Nicholas@corrections.govt.nz, or visit careers.corrections.govt.nz.