Intern Psychologist - Waikato at Ara Poutama Aotearoa (Department of Corrections), Waikato

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

• Twelve-month fixed-term Clinical Psychology Internship position (commencing January 2027)
• Positions would be based at multiple sites, including the Hamilton South Psychology office (Hamilton Hub), Karaka STU (Waikeria Prison), Puna Tatari STU (Spring Hill Prison), Waiariki Psychology Office (Tauranga), and Tai Aroha Residential Community STU (Hamilton).
• Open to Students currently studying PGDip Psych (Clin) or equivalent at New Zealand Universities

Mō te tūnga | About the role

There are opportunities for Intern Psychologists to work at Ara Poutama Aotearoa (Department of Corrections) in the Waikato area. Reporting to the Manager Psychological Services you will assist Psychology teams to achieve positive outcomes. Embracing the scientist-practitioner framework, the teams provide specialist clinical services focused on assisting individuals who have offended (some with complex mental health needs as well) to develop the awareness and skills to reduce re-offending. Our teams undertake clinical assessment and treatment (individual and group treatment), provide supervision, advice, and training within Ara Poutama Aotearoa and allied agencies, provide specialist risk assessment to the NZ Parole Board and the Courts, and participate in a range of service initiatives including research projects. Our work across Ara Poutama Aotearoa sites give these roles ongoing clinical and professional variety, and a range of development opportunities.

As an Intern Psychologist you will be:

• Responsible for providing high-quality psychological services including clinical assessment, treatment, and referral to appropriate agencies where necessary
• Developing working relationships with other services, agencies and groups
• Reliable and committed to best practice approaches
• Able to demonstrate strong problem solving and communication skills (verbal and written)
• Working in a collaborative professional environment
• Committed to beginning or progressing you career in a development focused service

 In return we can offer you:

• A vibrant supportive team culture (comprised of other Psychologists)
• Career-long professional development and supervision
• An environment in which psychology informs organisational practices
• A competitive salary and structured advancement opportunities
• World class highly specialised criminal justice psychology training, mentoring and supervision
• A chance to work in culturally diverse region

Ngā painga | The benefits

The position is salaried for $79,751 per annum.

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: Wednesday 16^th September

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.