Clinical Psychologist - Te Whare Manaaki

• Hillmorton Hospital, Christchurch
• Fixed term, full-time 1FTE position covering parental leave until 20^th November 2026
• NZ Registered Clinical Psychologist with adult mental health experience

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

Specialist Mental Health Services are an interdisciplinary team that forms part of Te Whatu Ora - Waitaha (Canterbury). We are committed to working and partnering with tāngata whaiora and their whānau. Constantly striving to work within our philosophy; we develop therapeutic, supportive and empowering relationships with our tāngata whaiora, enabling them to achieve their personal goals and aspirations.

Te Whare Manaaki is a 15-bed medium secure forensic mental health inpatient unit at Hillmorton Hospital, providing specialist assessment, treatment, and recovery-focused care for people whose mental health has led to offending and who present with complex, high-risk needs. As part of our tight-knit, multidisciplinary team, you’ll contribute to a collaborative and supportive environment, bringing a whānau-focused, systemic approach to care from referral through to community reintegration.

We are currently recruiting a clinical Psychologist to join our team of dedicated health professionals striving to provide the best quality care to tangata whaiora and their whanau. This is a 1.0 fte fixed term position.

About You

This is an exciting opportunity for a Clinical Psychologist to become a key member of the Canterbury Regional Forensic Mental Health Service, a secure forensic inpatient admission unit providing assessment and rehabilitation of referred consumers/Tangata Whaiora. Our team consists of experienced and enthusiastic multi-disciplinary professionals who are passionate about knowledge sharing within the team and wider service to ensure the best outcomes. Our service also has a strong emphasis on encouraging its workforce with professional development opportunities.

About you

You will be a NZ registered clinical psychologist with experience working with adults who have a range of mental health issues including, psychosis and trauma, with the aim of supporting recovery and decreasing the impacts on tāngata whaiora, their whanau, caregivers, and the community.  Central to your success and enjoyment in this role will be your excellent communication skills and an ability to build rapport with clients and health providers. As an experienced clinical psychologist, you will bring skills in diagnostic assessment, psychological formulation, and delivering individual and group based Cognitive Behavioural Therapy. This would be an ideal opportunity for a clinical psychologist who is interested in furthering their knowledge including, the legal frameworks and risk assessment requirements that are an integral aspect of forensic mental health settings. Training in the provision of Court reports will also be provided via supervision and support will be provided by a senior clinical psychologist within the team.

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 Monday 22nd September. If you have any questions about the role, please contact Natalie Gaunt at natalie.gaunt@TeWhatuOra.govt.nz

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