Clinical Psychologist - Mental Health, Auckland at Ara Poutama Aotearoa (Department of Corrections), Auckland (Tāmaki Makaurau)

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
• Full-time permanent position at Auckland Prison, Albany

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. 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. This role offers ample room for professional growth and development, with opportunities for ongoing training and advancement. 

Auckland Prison's Intervention and Support Practice (ISP) team is seeking an experienced and forward-thinking Clinical Psychologist to help shape the future of mental health care in the custodial environment. This role offers the chance to make a tangible difference for some of the most vulnerable people in our care, working within a skilled and supportive multi-disciplinary team.

This is an opportunity to bring your specialist skills, cultural competence, and passion for evidence-based practice into a setting where innovation, leadership, and collaboration can directly influence better outcomes for tāngata whaiora. 

Mōu | About you

We are looking for a passionate, experienced 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 the 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 tāngata 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 this role is $83,286–$133,370 per annum, with appointment and remuneration based on clinical competency, skills, and experience.

Frontline Psychologists may also access additional allowances, professional development funding, flexible working arrangements, and a range of benefits including:

• 5 weeks annual leave, increasing to 6 weeks
• Annual Departmental Day
• National psychology training and development opportunities
• Te Reo Māori and Tikanga allowance
• APC reimbursement and Professional Indemnity Insurance contribution
• Expert Witness Allowance (where applicable)
• Health, wellbeing, and EAP support

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 30th August

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.