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Lead Psychologist job in New Zealand

Position: Lead Psychologist
Industry: Justice
Service: Community Safety & Offender Rehabilitation
Contract: Permanent Full Time
Location: New Zealand
Job #: 8

These psychology jobs are suited to those with proven management and leadership skills within forensic psychology services.

Duties include recruitment, performance management, staff development, clinical leadership, reporting, financial management, and ensuring service delivery meets contractual as well as health and safety obligations.  Some roles may have a small component of direct service delivery such as completing clinical and risk assessments.

The successful candidate will be motivated by the desire to make a difference and will be able to commit to the vision and values of our clients, particularly around strategies for building safer communities and developing effective culturally appropriate rehabilitation programmes.  

These positions will provide the opportunity to demonstrate skills, knowledge and experience: in building capacity through strategic development and innovation; of developing and managing relationships through engaging stakeholders; competently communicating directions.

The jobs favour applicants with the intellectual and personal capacities of: conceptual thinking; influencing others; being outcome focused; resilience. 

 Ideal candidates will:

  • have a post graduate qualification in clinical or forensic psychology along with familiarity with the 'risk, need and responsivity model' and the 'what works literature'.
  • be competent in risk and clinical assessments of high risk offenders and have excellent English writing skills, including forensic report writing.
  • be able to demonstrate effective management, clinical leadership and supervisory skills.
  • possess an understanding (or willingness to develop) of transcultural psychology and have the ability to engage with Maori and Pasifica cultures.
  • have good time management and problem solving skills, along with the ability to make sound decisions.
  • be an effective communicator with strong relationship management skills.
  • be prepared to consent to criminal conviction and substance misuse background checks.

If interested then apply in order to be evaluated. You don't have to be an active job seeker to apply. Feedback will be provided.  

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

Short-listed psychologists will receive guidance in making applications 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."