Psychologist, Mental Health - ARWCF

About this role

• Provide specialist psychological assessment and treatment for women with complex mental health needs.

• Work as part of a multidisciplinary team supporting women at risk of self-harm and suicide.

• Access regular professional development, clinical supervision, and opportunities to contribute to service improvement.

Mō te tūnga | About the role

As a Psychologist at Auckland Region Women's Corrections Facility, you'll provide a range of secondary mental health services including triage, psychological assessment, formulation, and evidence-based treatment. You'll work alongside a multidisciplinary team to support women with complex mental health presentations, often involving significant histories of trauma, substance use, and other co-existing challenges. A key part of the role is supporting the care of women at risk of self-harm or suicide, both within the Intervention and Support Unit and across the wider prison environment. This includes contributing to assessment, treatment planning, risk management, and ongoing clinical support. You'll help promote high standards of psychological practice while working closely with health, custodial, and other specialist staff. Depending on your experience, you may also provide clinical guidance, support service development, and contribute to the oversight and evaluation of psychological care delivered by others. We are committed to culturally responsive practice that recognises the diverse experiences of the women in our care and supports positive outcomes for Māori and all those accessing our services.

Mōu | About you

We're looking for a psychologist who is confident working with complex mental health presentations and able to build effective relationships across a range of settings. You'll bring sound clinical judgement, strong communication skills, and the ability to work collaboratively with both health and custodial staff. You'll be comfortable balancing clinical priorities, managing risk, and adapting your approach to different situations. You'll also have:

• Registration (or eligibility for registration) with the New Zealand Psychologists Board.

• Experience in psychological assessment, formulation, and treatment.

• The ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team.

• An understanding of, or willingness to develop, culturally responsive practice and knowledge of Te Tiriti o Waitangi.

• A reflective approach to practice and a commitment to ongoing professional development.

Ngā painga | The benefits

The salary range for this role is $83,286–$133,370 per annum, with appointment and remuneration based on clinical competency, skills, and experience.

Frontline Psychologists may also access additional allowances, professional development funding, flexible working arrangements, and a range of benefits including:

• 5 weeks annual leave, increasing to 6 weeks

• Annual Departmental Day

• National psychology training and development opportunities

• Te Reo Māori and Tikanga allowance

• APC reimbursement and Professional Indemnity Insurance contribution

• Expert Witness Allowance (where applicable)

• Health, wellbeing, and EAP support

Mō mātou | About us

Join Ara Poutama Aotearoa - Department of Corrections, where your work will contribute to improving public safety, reducing re-offending, and address the overrepresentation of Māori in correctional facilities. As a values-led organisation, we use the principles of rangatira (leadership), manaaki (respect), wairua (spirituality), kaitiaki (guardianship), and whānau (relationships) to guide our work and achieve the goals of our Hōkai 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 ināianei | Apply Now

To 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 29th November

If you have any questions or want to learn more about a career with us, contact Tom.Nicholas@corrections.govt.nz, or visit careers.corrections.govt.nz.