Psychologist - Cancer Psychological & Social Support Service at Te Whatu Ora - Health New Zealand Waikato, Waikato

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

Where you’ll be working: Waikato Hospital, Allied Health – Cancer Psychological and Social Support Service (CPSSS)

The details: Permanent – Up to 36 hours per week (0.5 - 0.9 FTE)

Te whiwhinga mahi | The Opportunity

An opportunity has arisen for an experienced psychologist to join the Cancer Psychological & Social Support Service (CPSSS). The successful applicant will be someone who demonstrates manaakitanga and whakamana in their work with patients and their whānau. You will work alongside psychologists, social workers, oncology specialists and registrars, clinical nurse specialists, nurses, radiation therapists, and other staff working in cancer teams.

The role would be undertaking assessments and providing therapy for patients and their whānau, including but not limited to anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation, post-traumatic stress disorder, body image concerns, sexuality concerns, relationship difficulties and physical symptoms. The role will primarily be outpatient focused, and does include inpatient work, community clinics and home visits. There is the opportunity for continuing education with a professional development fund, journal clubs, physical health psychology education sessions, grand round, and regional hui. Supervision can be provided locally, regionally within Te Manawa Taki, or nationally with CPSSS teams.

Click here to view the position description.

(Please note position descriptions can only be viewed on the Te Whatu Ora - Waikato website.)

Mō tātou Ratonga | About our Service

The CPSSS is a national initiative that sits within the Faster Cancer Treatment programme. The CPSSS team is based at Waikato Hospital and the service provides psychological and social support to patients who have been diagnosed with and/or are undergoing treatment for cancer.

The target is patients and whānau with complex psychological and social issues associated with cancer, with a focus on health equity for Māori, people with socio-economic disadvantage, remote and rural populations and people with co-existing physical, social or mental health issues. The patients are adults from the age of 18 years.

Mōu | About you

Required skills & experience you will need to be considered for this role:

• Registration with NZ Psychology Board

• A full NZ driver’s license and the ability to travel

• At least 3 years’ experience with health and disability, mental health, cancer and/or hospital experience

• Excellent assessment and intervention skills

• Self-motivated and able to work independently

• Work effectively within a team

• Ability to work effectively with Māori whanau and apply the Treaty of Waitangi principles to practice. Able to establish relationships with local iwi and Māori interest groups. Ongoing commitment to personal development of cultural safety and competence, particularly in working with Māori and Pasifika.

• Experience working within interdisciplinary teams and in medical settings with individuals and families under stress would be preferential.

• Willingness to engage in service development, and address equity concerns.

Ko wai mātou | Our Organisation

Te iwi Ngakaunui – People at Heart

• Whakamana – Give and earn respect

• Whakaronga – Listen to me; Talk to me

• Mauri Pai – Fair play

• Whakapakari – Growing the good

• Kotahitanga – Stronger together

It is not very often something happens that is big; like, really big. Big to the point that it will touch the lives of every single person in the country. That is what we are talking about here. The provision of Health in Aotearoa New Zealand, and how its run is about to change in a big way.

Te Whatu Ora - Health New Zealand and Te Aka Whai Ora - Māori Health Authority will together shape the delivery of Health services in Aotearoa New Zealand for generations to come, and will form the core of a modern and integrated service looking after the needs of all our Whānau. We are dedicated to achieving health equity for Māori and other priority populations. We are a Crown entity and an active partner in Te Tiriti o Waitangi. Te Whatu Ora – Health New Zealand is guided by Te Tiriti o Waitangi and is committed to upholding the articles.

Here at Te Whatu Ora – Health New Zealand, Waikato we have a team of 8,000 working across the Waikato where everyone plays a vital role in the care of our patients – directly or non-directly. Our vision is Healthy People. Excellent Care.

We are a values-based and inclusive organisation that is committed to deliver the best health outcomes for our total population. Reflecting the population we serve is an important part of the care we deliver to the community. We strongly encourage applicants from all backgrounds with the necessary capability and who share our values to apply. We proactively develop pathways that maximise opportunity for Māori and encourage Māori to apply.

Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to apply

Please apply directly online, applications are not able to be accepted via email.

For any queries about the role please contact Kendal.Dutton@waikatodhb.health.nz

Closing date: 11 December 2023