Manager Psychological Services - Te Puna Tatari at Ara Poutama Aotearoa (Department of Corrections), Waikato

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

• Lead a high-performing team of psychologists in a rewarding environment
• Make an impact by improving the psychological service delivery for people in our care
• Become the inspiring force behind team success

Mō te tūnga | About the role

Puna Tatari is a well‑established Community of Change, operating since 2008 at Spring Hill Corrections Facility. The unit combines a Special Treatment Unit for repeat offenders with an integrated drug and alcohol treatment unit, providing a structured therapeutic environment to support the rehabilitation of people with complex needs and histories of high‑risk offending. Puna Tatari delivers evidence‑based psychological programmes and works alongside Saili Matagi, a group‑based programme delivered in the Pacific Focus Unit for men of Pasifika descent with a medium risk of re‑offending.

As Manager Psychological Services, you will lead a team providing high‑quality assessments, interventions, and risk management services across custodial settings, ensuring the delivery of effective psychological services.

You will provide professional leadership and clinical expertise, ensuring service quality, effective resource allocation, and adherence to best practice. You will also manage a budget to ensure financial efficiency, oversee standards of practice, support staff development, and ensure the effective implementation of policies. Working closely with internal and external stakeholders, you will contribute to the continuous improvement of psychological services within Corrections while building and sustaining a strong, high‑performing team.

Mōu | About you

We're looking for a motivated and experienced psychologist ready to take on a leadership role that makes a real impact. You'll bring expertise in a correctional setting, along with the ability to inspire, guide, and develop a team. Your leadership and clinical expertise will be key in shaping service delivery, ensuring high standards, and driving innovation in psychological practice. If you thrive in a dynamic environment, value professional integrity, and are committed to continuous improvement, this is an opportunity to step up and lead a team that's making a difference every day.

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience

• Extensive experience applying clinical expertise in assessment, treatment, and supervision within a criminal justice setting.
• Proven ability to provide training and guidance to correctional staff, enhancing psychological service delivery.
• Group work, research and evaluation skills, with the ability to assess interventions and contribute to evidence-based practice.
• Experience within a therapeutic community would be preferable.
• Deep understanding of professional practice standards, with a commitment to The Treaty / Te Tiriti o Waitangi and the principles of Hōkai Rangi.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams and stakeholders to improve psychological services.

Ngā painga | The benefits

The full salary range for this position is $157,030 - $181,838 per annum. Appointment and remuneration will reflect skills and experience relevant to the role.

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.

Applications close on: Thursday 14^th May

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.

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.