Kaimātai Hinengaro

Psychologist

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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

Moving to Aotearoa New Zealand

If you’re considering moving to New Zealand to join our team, we can offer support.

Why New Zealand?

New Zealand is a country like no other. We’re different down here, in our little corner of the world.

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Why New Zealand?

New Zealand is a country like no other. We’re different down here, in our little corner of the world. There are endless reasons why people travel near and far to make Aotearoa home.

We have 4 regional offices, 100+ community sites and 18 prisons across the motu — from Te Tai Tokeau in the north to the southern end of Te Wai Pounamu.

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Making the move easy

Moving to the other side of the world can feel overwhelming, which is why we do everything we can to make the transition as smooth as possible.

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Making the move easy

Moving to the other side of the world can feel overwhelming, which is why we do everything we can to make the transition as smooth as possible.

  • We are an Accredited employer and we’re able to support your visa application
  • We offer a relocation package with accommodation, car hire, and reimbursement for travel and relocation expenses
  • Freight Forward: Assistance for the relocation of personal effects from your home to the Auckland, New Zealand to a maximum value of NZD$10,000 including GST);
  • Airfares: A one-way economy travel fare from your origin to New Zealand for yourself, your partner, and children under the age of 19 who live with you and are travelling with you on the same flight(s). This includes one night's accommodation enroute if travel requires transit in another country and one flight is longer than 12 hours duration;
  • Airport Transfer: Airport transfer from arrival airport to your accommodation up to a maximum value of NZD$300;
  • Accommodation: Up to 4 weeks accommodation upon arrival in New Zealand; and
  • Rental Vehicle: Up to 4 weeks use of a rental vehicle to a maximum value of NZD$5,000 if required. Please note fuel costs are not included.

Where to start

Ready to make the move? Here's the first three steps.

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Where to start

  1. Explore your immigration options
  2. Check how to gain registration in New Zealand 
  3. Explore locations and our current vacancies

Apply now, change tomorrow

View our current vacancies and apply now.

Still thinking it over?

 Join our community! Sign up to our newsletter to keep up to date with news, events and information about different careers across Corrections.

Our stories

Watch and read stories from our Psychology team.

Tai Aroha

Tai Aroha is a residential therapeutic programme based in Hamilton. Watch our chief psychologist, as well as a resident of Tai Aroha, share their thoughts and experiences with the programme. 

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.