Posted 25 August, 2026
Clinical Psychologist - CAF Access Team
New Zealand Government
Christchurch, CAN, NZ
Full Time
Reference: 554a50f22a0426fb
Job Description
0.5FTEPermanent opportunity for a NZ Registered Clinical Psychologist (either Child and Family or Clinical)Current Annual Practising Certificate (APC) and experience working within a mental health setting are essentialAbility to work both autonomously and collaboratively within a Multi-Disciplinary TeamHealth New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is firmly grounded in theprinciples of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and is committed to building a health systemthat serves all New Zealanders. About the role About the role The Child, Adolescent and Family(CAF) Access Team receives enquiries and referrals for CAF Specialist MentalHealth Services. The team provides emergency assessment and short-termfollow-up for Tangata Whaiora (young people) experiencing acute mental healthconcerns.This position primarily focuseson supporting Tangata Whaiora who meet the criteria for CAF outpatientfollow-up and would benefit from short-term intervention to support theirreturn to primary care. The role has been established to enhance and expand briefintervention services for young people and their family/whānau.You will work within a fast-paced, dynamic team that delivers high-quality, evidence-based, andperson-centred care. As part o the CAF Access Team, you will receive acomprehensive orientation programme and ongoing support to help you succeed inthe role. We are seeking a clinician who works well under pressure,communicates effectively, and demonstrates strong clinical skills andexperience.Based at Hillmorton Hospital, weare a small but growing multidisciplinary team that works closely together.Your role will include participating in multidisciplinary team meetings,conducting comprehensive mental health assessments, and providing short-termevidence-based interventions. The aim is to support Tangata Whaiora as theytransition either into ongoing specialist care or back to community-basedtreatment providers.This is a permanent 0.5FTEposition. The team works Monday to Friday during business hours; however,specific hours may be negotiated with the successful candidate. About You In this role, you will be responsible for: Providing comprehensive psychological assessments for Tangata Whaiora and family/whānau experiencing acute mental health concerns. Delivering short term, evidence-based, intervention for Tangata Whaiora, family/whanau, colleagues, and external agencies. Contributing a psychological perspective with the multi-disciplinary team. Working collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders to achieve positive health outcomes for Tangata Whaiora and their whānau. Skills and experience Excellent communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively with Tangata Whaiora, family/whanau, colleagues, and external agencies. At least 2 years mental health experience (preferred). Experience working within a Child and Adolescent mental health setting, with a sound understanding of child and adolescent development. Experience delivering evidence-based therapeutic interventions, ideally with children, young people, and their family/whānau. Registration with the New Zealand Psychologists Board as a Clinical Psychologist or Registered Psychologist (Child and Family) and a current Annual Practicing Certificate. A current New Zealand driver's license, as travel is required for this position. Please ensure you include a covering letter to highlight your relevant skillsetand experience. About Us Specialist Mental Health Services are an interdisciplinaryteam that forms part of Te Whatu Ora - Waitaha Canterbury. We are committedtoworking and partnering with tāngata whaiora and their whānau. Constantlystriving to work within our philosophy; we develop therapeutic, supportive andempowering relationships with our consumers, enabling them to achieve theirpersonal goals and aspirations. Working at Health New Zealand Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is dedicated to ensuringexcellent healthcare for the people of New Zealand. We embrace a workforce thatis diverse and inclusive so that we are better positioned to understand andservice our community. We welcome applications from our diverseMāori, Pacific, disabled, and rainbow communities. If you have any questions about the role, please contactRecruitment Partner Lisa Gray on [email protected] will review applications as received and may proceedwith the recruitment process, before the closing date of this advert. Whilst Health New Zealand is undergoing change, affectedemployees will be given preference and priority for this position. #J-18808-Ljbffr