Skip to main content
Posted 16 July, 2026

Clinical Psychologist Mental Health - Waikeria Prison

New Zealand Government
Hamilton, WKO, NZ Full Time
Reference: fed91fd65f717a43

Job Description

Make a real difference in the lives of people, their whanau and the community.Thrive in a vibrant team culture that values individual growth and collaboration.Enhance your skills with ongoing professional development while supporting a new groundbreaking mental health initiative.Mo te tunga | About the roleHikitia - "To lift up and support, raise up, carry in one's arms, and take away the troubles that overwhelm a person"Calling Clinical Psychologists - Join Hikitia Mental Health and Addictions Services at Waikeria, a purpose-built facility designed to support people in our care. As the first initiative of its kind within Aotearoa's prison system, Hikitia is aligned with Ara Poutama Aotearoa's Hokai Rangi strategy, providing a culturally appropriate therapeutic environment to improve mental health outcomes.We are seeking two passionate psychologists to be part of a therapeutic community, delivering EMDR and DBT-focused interventions to improve mental health outcomes.We also welcome experienced psychologists interested in joining our Intervention and Support Practice Team (ISPT). ISPT provides specialist mental health assessment and treatment for individuals in prison with moderate to high mental health needs and those requiring support for suicide or self-harm risk. The clinical psychologist plays a key role in our multidisciplinary team (MDT).With either opportunity, you will provide a full range of secondary mental health psychological services, including triage, assessment, and treatment, all grounded in evidence-based and culturally responsive practices.These roles provide an opportunity to be part of designing and shaping a service through subject matter expert input. This provides professional experience development opportunities over and above individual clinical work. You'll gain wider systems exposure and involvement enhancing your professional development and career progression pathways in a unique way.Join us in a vibrant and supportive environment where your growth and expertise are highly valued.Click here to learn more about being a psychologist at Ara Poutama Aotearoa.Mou | About youJoin the mental health team at Waikeria as a psychologist, where your resilience and creativity make a real impact. We're seeking someone with strong relational skills, adaptability, and the ability to balance multiple perspectives. Navigate complex environments and contribute to positive change. Be proactive and reflective in a fulfilling role that combines expertise with making a difference.Nga painga | The benefitsThe full salary range is $83,286 - $133,370. Appointment and remuneration will reflect clinical competency, skills, and experience relevant to the role. Frontline Psychologists also can work towards additional allowances and allocated professional development funding. We may also offer flexible and/or part-time options for working hours. Our additional benefits include:Generous annual leave - 5 weeks, increasing up to 6 weeks (depending on role and tenure)Departmental Day - one additional paid day each year to support team wellbeing and connectionProfessional development support - an annual professional development fundNational psychology training forum - annual national forum for all psychologists to connect, learn, and share best practiceTe Reo Maori and Tikanga allowance - support and recognition for cultural capability, particularly for Maori practitionersProfessional Indemnity Insurance - employer contribution includedAnnual Practising Certificate (APC) - reimbursement providedExpert Witness Allowance - where applicable to role responsibilitiesWellbeing supports, including:Eye examinations and eyewear subsidyHealth and wellbeing appointmentsAccess to Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)Mo matou | About usJoin Ara Poutama Aotearoa - Department of Corrections, where your work will contribute to improving public safety, reducing re-offending, and address the overrepresentation of Maori in correctional facilities. As a values-led organisation, we use the principles of rangatira (leadership), manaaki (respect), wairua (spirituality), kaitiaki (guardianship), and whanau (relationships) to guide our work and achieve the goals of our Hokai 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 inaianei | Apply NowTo 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 26th July (We will respond to applications as they are submitted)If you have any questions or want to learn more about a career with us, contact [email protected], or visit careers.corrections.govt.nz.He aha te kai o te rangatira? He Korero, he korero, he koreroWhat is the food of the leader? It is knowledge. It is communication. #J-18808-Ljbffr

Sign up for Job Alerts