Supporting positive outcomes
Psychologists (Kaimātai Hinengaro) assess and treat individuals who have a high risk of re-offending and who often present with complex psychological issues. Working both in the prison and in the community, they assess needs and provide one-on-one or group treatment.
Their work can have significant positive impact not only on individuals themselves, but also on whānau and the wider community.
The role
Diverse opportunities to grow
Our psychologists work on a diverse, complex range of clinical issues. As well as treatment and assessment, there may also be opportunities to help develop rehabilitation programmes, train programme facilitators, give advice and guidance to the field, and conduct research.
Supportive, valued team
As well as peer support from other psychologists within your immediate team, our psychologists receive both general supervision and Kaupapa Māori supervision, so you can reflect and develop your practice with others.
Psychologists have a strong professional identity in the wider department. They report to psychologists and are supported by a National Office team led by our chief psychologist.
Shared purpose
As a psychologist in Corrections, you’ll often work with others who share similar goals in wanting to help people and make a difference for the community. This might include probation officers, case management and prison staff – all of whom bring together different insights.
What you need to know
Time off
5 weeks annual leave, increasing to 6 weeks after 4 years of continuous service
Salary
Salary range $77,428 - $129,485
Hours of work
A 40 hour working week usually Monday to Friday
Supportive of flexible work arrangements, including flexible hours
Career development and training
Comprehensive training in your first year, including in risk measures we use
Ongoing professional development opportunities
Progression opportunities to senior, management or advisory positions
Skills and experience
Critical thinking, cultural responsiveness, interpersonal skills with the ability to motivate others
Minimum of a Masters degree in Psychology and ability to register with the New Zealand Psychologist Board (ideally in Clinical, Forensic or Counselling scope)
Full New Zealand or International Driver Licence
Environment
Working in prisons or with people on community-based sentences
Some of our psychologists work in specific units within a prison (such as Intensive Support Units or Special Treatment Units) or on residential programmes such as Tai Aroha.
Moving to Aotearoa New Zealand
If you’re considering moving to New Zealand to join our team, we can offer support.
Why New Zealand?
New Zealand is a country like no other. We’re different down here, in our little corner of the world.
Why New Zealand?
New Zealand is a country like no other. We’re different down here, in our little corner of the world. There are endless reasons why people travel near and far to make Aotearoa home.
We have 4 regional offices, 100+ community sites and 18 prisons across the motu — from Te Tai Tokeau in the north to the southern end of Te Wai Pounamu.
Making the move easy
Moving to the other side of the world can feel overwhelming, which is why we do everything we can to make the transition as smooth as possible.
Making the move easy
Moving to the other side of the world can feel overwhelming, which is why we do everything we can to make the transition as smooth as possible.
- We are an Accredited employer and we’re able to support your visa application
- We offer a relocation package with accommodation, car hire, and reimbursement for travel and relocation expenses
- Freight Forward: Assistance for the relocation of personal effects from your home to the Auckland, New Zealand to a maximum value of NZD$10,000 including GST);
- Airfares: A one-way economy travel fare from your origin to New Zealand for yourself, your partner, and children under the age of 19 who live with you and are travelling with you on the same flight(s). This includes one night's accommodation enroute if travel requires transit in another country and one flight is longer than 12 hours duration;
- Airport Transfer: Airport transfer from arrival airport to your accommodation up to a maximum value of NZD$300;
- Accommodation: Up to 4 weeks accommodation upon arrival in New Zealand; and
- Rental Vehicle: Up to 4 weeks use of a rental vehicle to a maximum value of NZD$5,000 if required. Please note fuel costs are not included.
Where to start
Ready to make the move? Here's the first three steps.
Where to start
- Explore your immigration options
- Check how to gain registration in New Zealand
- Explore locations and our current vacancies
Still thinking it over?
Join our community! Sign up to our newsletter to keep up to date with news, events, and stories from our team.
Recent stories
A Boy Called Piano documentary
Men in the Matapuna Special Treatment Unit (STU) had a lot to reflect on when watching the journey of Fa’amoana John Luafutu through state care and prison in a special…
Pilot paves positive pathways
A new programme is being piloted to help men to maintain what they have learnt in one of our Special Treatment Units.