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Psychologist job in New Zealand

Position: Psychologist
Industry: Justice
Service: Sex Offender Rehabilitation
Contract: Permanent Full Time
Location: New Zealand
Job #: 247

These prison located roles suit psychologists interested in working in a purpose-built therapeutic unit, which provides intensive cognitive behavioural programmes and promotes a community of change environment.  The group therapy is designed to help men understand why they have sexually offended, increase awareness of victim harm, develop meaningful life goals and practice new thinking and behavioural skills that will lead them away from further offending. By focusing on evidence-based practice and targeted psychological treatment favourable results are obtained with this high-risk group of offenders.

In this role, you will use your training, skills and experience to provide high-quality treatment. The work includes all the various aspects of treatment delivery, ranging from risk assessment to group therapy, and preparing offenders to reintegrate into society by working closely with community-based support networks.

Expressions of interest are welcomed by psychologists of all experience levels. Senior level psychologists will provide training and supervision to other staff, including trainees and may have the prospect to undertake managerial tasks, when required.

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. 

To be considered  you will need to:

  • Be a fully qualified clinical or forensic or counselling psychologist.
  • Have a grounding in cognitive behavioural theory.
  • Be able to develop risk and clinical assessment skills.
  • Demonstrate an ability to work with prisoners.
  • Possess an understanding of the dynamics of individual and group behaviour.
  • Be an active verbal communicator with strong relationship management skills.
  • Have excellent English 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.

Click the button below to check our preliminary short-listing criteria and then register your interest

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

Psychologists wishing to proceed to an application will receive guidance in the job 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 are available for qualifying 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."