Kaimātai Hinengaro
Psychologist
Supporting positive outcomes
Psychologists (Kaimātai Hinengaro) assess and treat individuals who have a high risk of re-offending and who often present with complex psychological issues. Working both in the prison and in the community, they assess needs and provide one-on-one or group treatment.
Their work can have significant positive impact not only on individuals themselves, but also on whānau and the wider community.
The role
Diverse opportunities to grow
Our psychologists work on a diverse, complex range of clinical issues. As well as treatment and assessment, there may also be opportunities to help develop rehabilitation programmes, train programme facilitators, give advice and guidance to the field, and conduct research.
Supportive, valued team
Our psychologists are part of a large team of other psychologists, creating a collaborative environment to reflect and develop your practice with others. As well as peer support, you will receive both clinical supervision and Kaupapa Māori supervision.
Psychologists have a strong professional identity in the wider department. They report to psychologists and are supported by a National Office team led by our chief psychologist.
Shared purpose
As a psychologist in Corrections, you’ll often work with others who share similar goals in wanting to help people and make a difference for the community. This might include probation officers, case management and prison staff – all of whom bring together different insights.
What you need to know
Time off
5 weeks annual leave, increasing to 6 weeks after 4 years of continuous service
Salary
Salary range $79,751 - $133,370, increasing annually based on a model of automatic progression
Frontline Psychologists and Advisors can also earn up to $8,500 in additional allowances, as well as $2000 for professional development
Hours of work
A 40 hour working week usually Monday to Friday
Supportive of flexible work arrangements, including flexible hours
Career development and training
Comprehensive training in your first year, including in risk measures we use
Ongoing professional development opportunities
National training events
Progression opportunities to senior, management or advisory positions
Skills and experience
Critical thinking, cultural responsiveness, interpersonal skills with the ability to motivate others
Minimum of a Masters degree in Psychology and ability to register with the New Zealand Psychologist Board (ideally in Clinical, Forensic or Counselling scope)
Full New Zealand or International Driver Licence
Environment
Working in prisons or with people on community-based sentences
Some of our psychologists work in specific units within a prison (such as Intensive Support Units or Special Treatment Units) or on residential programmes such as Tai Aroha
What we offer
Pathways for students and aspiring psychologists
Support for international applicants
Pathways for students and aspiring psychologists
If you’re interested in becoming a practising psychologist, we offer a range of pathways.
Support for international applicants
We offer a relocation package to help cover expenses for our psychologist international candidates, plus other guidance and support.
Still thinking it over?
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Our stories
Watch and read stories from our Psychology team.
A Boy Called Piano Documentary
Men in the Matapuna Special Treatment Unit had a lot to reflect on when watching the journey of Fa’amoana John Luafutu through state care and prison, in a special documentary screening.
Pilot paves positive pathways
A new programme is being piloted to help men to maintain what they have learnt in one of our Special Treatment Units.