Clinical Psychologist – Forensic Inpatient Services

Location: Ratonga Rua o Porirua 

Contract: Permanent, Full time or Part time

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is firmly grounded in the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and is committed to building a health system that serves all New Zealanders.

About the Role 

The forensic inpatient services are seeking a clinical psychologist to work with adult offenders, to provide psychological assessments to the MDT and make recommendations for intervention for adult offenders in our care in our mixed gender inpatient unit. You will be working as part of a  multidisciplinary team to assess and diagnose people experiencing a range of issues including coexisting mental health and addiction issues. You will be required to develop sound psychological formulations based on thorough assessments. 

This is an important and rewarding role and a sound knowledge of psychopathology and treatment intervention with adults is required. You will have good opportunities for professional development and have support from senior psychologists and other experienced clinicians. Good supervision will be provided both on an individual basis and as part of the multidisciplinary team review meetings. 

If you are interested in this position but not available to work on a full time basis, consideration may be given to slightly reduced hours. 

About the Team/Service/ Location 

Rangipapa provides treatment, assessment and rehabilitation for patients who are required to undergo psychiatric assessment prior to a court hearing and also for those committed to a mental health facility under the Criminal Procedures (Mentally Impaired Persons) Act 2003 or Mental Health (Compulsory Assessment and Treatment) Act 1992. 

The Rangipapa unit provides mental health services for men and women with a relational security approach. The team is multidisciplinary consisting of Consultant Psychiatrists, Psychologist, House Officer, Administrative, Pharmacist, Social Worker, Occupational Therapists, Cultural workers, Registered Nurses and Mental Health Support Workers.

Effective rehabilitation in the least restrictive environment is considered a core focus for the Rangipapa team. 

The service focuses on recovery and rehabilitation through providing people with the opportunity to learn new skills, as well as gain independence and empowerment for community living. The unit links into other services within Ratonga Rua o Porirua such as the programmes run through Tangaroa, Ruaumoko and Vaka O Le Pasifika, work programmes, and linking with community based resources and organisations. 

About you 

• We are looking for an innovative and committed Psychologist who has a genuine interest or passion for Forensic Mental Health. Minimum of a Master’s Degree in Psychology and Post graduate Diploma in Clinical Psychology or equivalent.
• Registration with NZ Psychologist Board, with Clinical Psychology Vocational Scope of Practice.
• Current annual practising certificate.

Working at Health New Zealand 

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is dedicated to ensuring excellent healthcare for the people of New Zealand. We embrace a workforce that is diverse and inclusive so that we are better positioned to understand and service our community. We welcome applications from our diverse Māori, Pacific, disabled, and rainbow communities. 

How to Apply 

If applying from abroad please check your eligibility for NZPB registration and state the outcome on your cover letter in your application.

To apply please click “apply now.” All applications must be submitted through our online careers’ portal by 13th May If you have any questions about the role, please contact Marianne.Lovgren@tewhatuora.govt.nz

We will review applications as received and may proceed with the recruitment process, before the closing date of this advertisement.