Kotahi anō te kaupapa, ko te oranga o te iwi'  –  ‘There is only one purpose to our work:  the wellness and wellbeing of our people.'

Ara Poutama Aotearoa is committed to providing high quality psychological approaches to the people in our management.  Humanising and healing is one of the key principles of Hōkai Rangi, our over-arching strategic direction. 

There are different opportunities for Corrections Psychologists in the Hamilton area. Reporting to the Manager Psychological Services you will assist the team to achieve positive outcomes. Embracing the scientist-practitioner framework, we provide specialist clinical services focused on assisting individuals who have offended to develop the awareness and skills to reduce re-offending. Our team undertakes clinical assessment and treatment, group treatment, provides supervision, advice, and training within Corrections and allied agencies, provides specialist risk assessment to the NZ Parole Board and the Courts, and participates in a range of service initiatives including research projects. Our work across Corrections sites both in Prisons and the Community gives this role ongoing clinical and professional variety, and a range of development opportunities.

You will be part of a professional team which calls for someone who:

• Is reliable with strong communication skills
• Is able to demonstrate and commit to culturally responsive ways of working
• Is an excellent problem solver with strong communication skills
• Works well in a collaborative professional environment
• Can demonstrate an understanding of Te Ao Māori/Tikanga Māori and bi-cultural practice
• Has commitment to contributing to the outcomes of Hōkai Rangi
• Wants to begin or progress their career in a development focused service.
• Has a minimum of a Masters degree in Psychology (Clinical or Forensic Psychology and registration with the NZ Psychologist Board in the clinical/counselling and general scope of practice)

In return we can offer you:

• A vibrant supportive team culture (comprised of other Psychologists)
• Regular and frequent individual supervision
• Career-long professional development and supervision
• An environment in which psychology informs organisational practices
• Cultural supervision to increase familiarity and comfort in Te Ao Maori
• A competitive salary and structured advancement opportunities, and
• World class criminal justice psychology training, mentoring and supervision.
• Flexible working

The position is salaried from $76,860-$117,300 depending on the experience and competency level of the successful applicants.

If you want to work for a service committed to using psychological approaches to achieve positive social outcomes that make our communities safer, visit our website and apply now.

Please note that applicants must hold registration with the New Zealand Psychologists Board and will be required to complete a full disclosure criminal history check and pre-employment drug tests. 

Overseas applications are welcome from Psychologists who are able eligible to Register with the New Zealand Psychologists Board, a relocation package is available to successful applicants who relocate from overseas.  

COVID-19 vaccination requirements

All people working inside prisons will be required to be fully vaccinated as part of the COVID-19 Public Health Response (Vaccinations) Order 2021. People in prison are some of the most vulnerable to COVID-19 and due to the ease of transmission, extending the Vaccination Order supports the safety and wellbeing of our staff and people in prison.

Mō mātou | About us

Ara Poutama Aotearoa is a name that has been gifted to us and is our commitment to improving the oranga and safety of the people, whānau, and that of the communities we serve across the motu. 

As a values-led organisation, we use the principles of rangatira (leadership), manaaki (respect), wairua (spirituality), kaitiaki (guardianship) and whānau (relationships) to shape how we work and deliver the outcomes in our strategy - Hōkai Rangi (https://arapoutama.nz/hokairangi).

Tono ināianei | Apply Now

To apply, please submit a tailored CV and a cover letter describing your motivation for joining the department highlighting relevant skills and experience. Alignment to our kaupapa is critical to our success - we ask that you provide examples which reflect and demonstrate our organisation values. 

It is an exciting time to join us and we continue to seek out talented individuals who are committed to an inclusive, vibrant workplace. We recognise and celebrate the uniqueness of individuals, and that of the collective talent in our whānau.  All applications must be submitted through our careers site to ensure transparency. Applications received via email will not be considered. 

If you want to find out more about a career with us, visit careers.corrections.govt.nz or email our team at careers@corrections.govt.nz.