Psychologist - Upper Hutt at Ara Poutama Aotearoa (Department of Corrections), Wellington (Te Whanganui a Tara)

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

• Make a real impact every day by engaging in diverse interventions with individuals at high risk of reoffending.
• Join our supportive team for professional growth, where dynamic training and collaboration are at the heart of what we do.
• Find a fulfilling balance between personal well-being and professional success with our dedicated support system.

‘Kotahi anō te kaupapa: ko te oranga o te iwi', ‘There is only one purpose to our work: the wellness and wellbeing of people'

Ngā kawenga | About the role

We are seeking a Registered Psychologist to join our dedicated team at the Upper Hutt Psychologist's Office, located near Rimutaka Prison in Trentham, Upper Hutt. We prioritise a high level of psychological expertise, supported by supervision and internal and external training opportunities.  Work-life balance and well-being are considered key to our success as a supportive team to facilitate our work in Rimutaka and Arohata (female) Prison, as well as Community Probation.

Our team's responsibilities include completing offence-focussed risk assessment, group and individual treatment, and case consultation with our prison and community colleagues. We work with individuals identified as high risk for reoffending; often supporting them with complex challenges that require a trauma informed approach, consideration of personality features and neurodiversity. We actively participate in multidisciplinary meetings, support whānau hui, and emphasise collaboration with our clients.  Our work means you will develop the skills to have positive and challenging therapeutic conversations and provide empathic yet honest feedback.  Engaging in tikanga and Māori oriented practices that best support our clients is encouraged and supported with appropriate Kaupapa Māori supervision.

As your career develops you will have opportunities to complete higher Expert Court Reports and provide Expert Witness Testimony. You will also have opportunities to explore and develop areas of interest within our work as Ara Poutama Psychologists allowing you the space to become a Subject Matter Expert and provide training.

If you want to find out more about being a psychologist at the Department of Corrections (Ara Poutama Aotearoa) click here.

He kōrero mōu | About you 

Are you a resilient and compassionate psychologist seeking a dynamic role? We're looking for someone passionate about making a difference. Thrive in challenging situations, engaging with individuals facing complex challenges. Your ability to connect with and motivate individuals for positive change is key. Your commitment to continuous growth and collaborative teamwork will flourish in our environment. If this sounds like you, we invite you to consider joining our team at Upper Hutt. 

Utu ā-tau | Salary

The salary range for the role is $83,286 - $133,370. 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.

International Relocation Package

Ara Poutama has relocation packages available for candidates relocating from overseas. For international applicants, please confirm your eligibility to register as a psychologist in New Zealand.

• Freight forward of $10,000
• Airfares for candidates and travelling family
• 4-weeks accommodation
• 4-weeks rental vehicle hire
• Airport transfers of up to $300 and any stop-over accommodation

Ko wai mātou | About us

Ara Poutama Aotearoa is a name that has been gifted to us and is our commitment to improving the oranga and safety of the people, whānau, and that of the communities we serve across the motu.

As a values-led organisation, we use the principles of rangatira (leadership), manaaki (respect), wairua (spirituality), kaitiaki (guardianship) and whānau (relationships) to shape how we work and deliver the outcomes in our strategy - Hōkai Rangi.

We welcome applications from disabled and neurodiverse communities, all cultures, faiths, and Rainbow communities, as we appreciate the richness of experience that diversity brings to our organisation. We strive to make our recruitment process fair and inclusive, and we encourage applicants to discuss reasonable accommodation with us if required at careers@corrections.govt.nz.

Tono ināianei | Apply Now

If you have any questions please contact: Tom.Nicholas@corrections.govt.nz

To view the job description, click 'apply' and you will be taken through to our careers site, where you can view this.

To apply, please submit a tailored CV and a cover letter describing your motivation for joining the department highlighting relevant skills and experience. Alignment to our kaupapa is critical to our success - we ask that you provide examples which reflect and demonstrate our organisation values. 

Applications close on: Sunday 20th October

All applications must be submitted through our careers site to ensure transparency. Applications received via email will not be considered. 

If you want to find out more about a career with us, visit careers.corrections.govt.nz or email our team at  careers@corrections.govt.nz.