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Forensic Psychologist job in New Zealand

Position: Forensic Psychologist
Industry: Justice
Service: Community Safety & Offender Rehabilitation
Contract: Permanent Full Time
Location: New Zealand
Job #: 12

Our client is an internationally recognised leader in offender rehabilitation and community safety. Their goal is to reduce rates of re-offending. They seek psychologists who are passionate about forensic psychology and offer an opportunity to join a highly skilled and valued workforce.   

Prison located roles are within the purpose-built, therapeutic units, which provide intensive cognitive behavioural programmes and promote a community of change environment. The group interventions are designed to help participants understand why they have committed offences, increase awareness of victim harm, develop meaningful life goals and practice new thinking and behavioural skills that will lead them away from future offending. By focusing on evidence-based practice and targeted psychological treatment, positive results are being obtained with this high-risk group of offenders.  

Community-based roles involve completing clinical and risk assessments to the  Courts and Parole Boards, providing offence focused therapy, consultation, advice, training and supervision.  

These jobs offer the ability to further develop your career in a stimulating and professional team environment, with access to a wide range of training and research opportunities. Successful applicants will be encouraged to show initiative and develop clinical skills further through a well-developed competency-based progression system. Good working conditions and competitive salaries are provided.

To be considered you will need to:

  • Have a grounding in cognitive behavioural theory.
  • Be able to complete risk and clinical assessments.  
  • Demonstrate an ability to work with prisoners.
  • Possess an understanding of the dynamics of individual and group behaviour.
  • BE an effective verbal communicator with strong relationship management skills.
  • Have excellent writing skills, including report writing.
  • Evidence a willingness to develop competencies in Tikanga Maori.
  • Be prepared to consent to criminal conviction and substance misuse checks.

Use the button below to check our shortlisting criteria.  You don't have to be currently job seeking to register your interest.  

Suitably matched applicants will receive information about the role, the employer, the locations, an estimate of likely salary and details of any relocation assistance.

Shortlisted psychologists would receive guidance in making application and interview preparation. Job alerts will then be forwarded as roles become available.

Expressions of interest are encouraged from both local and overseas psychologists.  New Zealand immigration visas would be available for qualifying overseas candidates and their families.

Shortlisting Criteria

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Case Study

Liz is an Australian forensic psychologist we placed.  This is what she has to say.

"The work and research done in New Zealand with offenders is world class and I jumped at the chance to be part of it."

As well as the interesting and challenging work, New Zealand offers a laid back lifestyle.

"The people are friendly and welcoming.

Because it is a relatively small country, it's easy to get out and explore the scenery and there are many great things to do and see."

Liz says the best part of her job is seeing offenders make tangible changes.

"Even though the change process is hard, to see people determined to live better lives makes the work we do as psychologists meaningful."

Working with offenders in New Zealand has a unique cultural dimension.

"When I first came to the specialist treatment unit, where I did group work with violent offenders I was welcomed with a full powhiri (traditional welcome).

This was one of the most amazing moments of my life and provided me with a strong sense of connection and belonging."

Liz says ongoing cultural supervision provided by her employer has helped her work with Maori people and therapeutic concepts in a sensitive and informed way.

The camaraderie and support and friendship of her colleagues have added to the richness of her role.

"My experience working in New Zealand has been great; the support and guidance provided makes it a rich environment in which you can develop and foster your skills as a psychologist."