Psychologist

We have 2 permanent fulltime opportunities for psychologists to become part of the Clinical Services teams with vacancies in Otago / Southland (x2 roles, could be based in any of the main centres in this Region). We would also consider applications for part time roles. Clinical Services is the Oranga Tamariki internal psychological and therapeutic services. We currently have 50+ clinicians within 11 teams nationwide.

He aha te mea nui o te ao. He tāngata, he tāngata, he tāngata

What is the most important thing in the world? It is people, it is people, it is people

In this role, you will be providing clinical guidance and assistance to some of our most vulnerable and high needs tamariki and rangatahi, and their whānau, providing best practice models of assessment and intervention.

Mō te tūnga | About the role

This is a diverse and varied role that provides flexibility in the use of evidence-based assessment and intervention tools to achieve positive outcomes for tamariki, rangatahi and their whānau. Reporting to the Psychologist Team Leader, the successful candidate will gain exposure to assessments of children with complex care and protection histories, neuro-diverse challenges, exposure to trauma, and care insecurity. This can involve consultations, conducting psychological assessments, therapeutic needs assessments, caregiver support and intervention, supporting care transitions, comprehensive specialist parenting assessment work, therapeutic interventions as required and inter-disciplinary consultation.

Experience working with children in care and protection, clinical or residential settings and / or experience in mental health, disability, neurodivergence and complex behaviours would be an advantage.

Clinical Services are part of the new Health and Clinical Services Group which includes the High Needs Services and High and Complex Needs interagency teams. We currently are creating our clinical governance framework and are enhancing the clinical leadership and support for psychologists within Oranga Tamariki.

Ngā pūmanawatanga ōu | What you will bring

Key requirements of the role include :

• Applicants must be registered with the New Zealand Psychologists Board to be considered
• Preferably have postgraduate qualifications in Clinical, Child and Family, Counselling or Educational Psychology
• A passion for working with tamariki, rangatahi and whānau and the networks that support them.
• A genuine desire to make a difference to the lives of tamariki and whanau facing adversity
• Have proven practical experience in a wide range of applied psychology, including assessment, intervention, consultation, training and evaluation with tamariki, rangatahi, and whānau
• Sound knowledge of psychological models and theories and their application in relation to the trauma and abuse population
• Experience in administration and interpretation of psychometric tests and instruments, alongside clinical ability to assess developmental functioning, trauma, behavioural concerns, risk, relationships and other domains in tamariki and rangatahi populations
• Experience working directly with tamariki and rangatahi.
• Cultural competence working with Māori, within the context of Te Tiriti o Waitangi; understanding and respecting Te O Māori
• Strong engagement and relationship building skills with internal and external stakeholders
• The ability to manage risk in the context of complex situations
• Some understanding of the Oranga Tamariki Act 1989

Nōu te rourou | What's in it for you

Oranga Tamariki offer a step-based remuneration package, that offers progression annually for experience through tenure. Please contact us if you would like more information about the Oranga Tamariki remuneration framework. These roles start at $106,416 per annum and appointment on step is in line with skills and experience.

We offer a vibrant and supportive team, flexible work options and a genuine commitment to wellbeing. We offer significant training and professional development so that you can thrive and grow. We welcome diversity and are committed to working in an inclusive and respectful way. The opportunity to make a positive impact in an organisation that works to ensure all tamariki and rangatahi are in loving whanau and communities.

Consideration may be given to applicants seeking to work part time to support work in a private practice as well as Internal, external and peer clinical case supervision and supportive practice systems

Additional Information :

Some benefits, such as professional development funding, external supervision reimbursement, and coverage of professional fees, may be available under the terms of a collective agreement. These benefits are accessible to employees who choose to join a union covered by the agreement. Terms and eligibility may vary depending on union membership. Please note that these benefits are not universally applied and are specific to certain union arrangements. Oranga Tamariki does not endorse or show preference for any union where multiple unions cover the role.