Clinical or Child and Family Psychologist – Youth Forensic Team
- Permanent fulltime (1.0 FTE) 40 hours a week opportunity based at Whakatata House
- Work within an experienced multidisciplinary team and develop your expertise as a Clinical or Child & Family Psychologist
- Provide mental health interventions for vulnerable young people in collaboration with external services
The Team: What we do
This position is in a team that brings together diverse clinical practise, creative therapeutic relationships, intentional professional collaboration, and highly functional team work. Working with adolescents aged 10 to 18 years who are involved with the Youth Justice system, the multidisciplinary Youth Forensic Team provides mental health assessment and interventions for rangatahi to break their offending cycle at a crucial time in their lives. Assertive outreach is key, involving travel to a variety of settings – residential, agencies, communities. The team is based at Whakatata House in central Christchurch and covers Canterbury.
This dynamic team has a range of skills and areas of clinical and cultural expertise. New staff are actively supported and opportunities for professional development are encouraged. The ability to work in close collaboration with rangatahi, and tamariki, their whanau, and other team members is essential.
We are currently looking for an NZ registered Clinical or Child and Family Psychologist to join our team full-time (1.0 FTE) 40 hours a week Monday to Friday on a permanent basis. You will be motivated about wanting to help make meaningful improvements to the lives of disadvantaged and/or vulnerable adolescents.
The Role: Where you fit in
In this role, you will be responsible for:
- Undertaking comprehensive mental health assessments utilising clinical interviewing, diagnostic, behavioural and appropriate psychometric assessment;
- Formulating and delivering appropriate intervention plans, as well as some case management work;
- Presenting assessments and materials to other groups;
- Providing written reports for the Youth court and youth court liaison;
- Providing consultation and interventions into Te Puna Wai o Tuhinapo (Youth Justice residence) and the Youth Wing at Christchurch Men’s prison;
- Liaison with Youth Justice Agencies, Non-Government Organisations (NGO’s) and Regional services.
Your skills will include:
- Excellent assessment skills and a sound knowledge of available treatment options, including alcohol and drug treatment;
- Proven organisational skills combined with excellent communication skills that enable you to work with the various non-clinical stakeholders in this role;
- Clinical experience working in a child or adolescent mental health service;
- Registration with the NZ Psychology Board and current Annual Practicing Certificate is essential;
- Clinical or Child and Family scope of practice is also essential.
- A current Full Driver’s License is required.
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
To apply please click “apply now.” All applications must be submitted through our online careers’ portal by Sunday 3rd May 2026. If you have any questions about the role, please contact Recruitment Partner Lisa Gray on Lisa.Gray2@tewhatuora.govt.nz
We will review applications as received and may proceed with the recruitment process, before the closing date of this advert.
Whilst Health New Zealand is undergoing change, affected employees will be given preference and priority for this position.