Psychologist

Overview

This permanent full-time role based in Porirua, Wellington, involves delivering psychological services aimed at supporting children and young people with additional learning needs. The ministry is committed to a diverse and inclusive work environment focused on equitable education outcomes across New Zealand.

Key Responsibilities

• Utilize a strengths-based approach in psychological assessments and interventions.
• Analyze and identify factors affecting learning, wellbeing, and behavior patterns.
• Offer expert guidance to schools, educators, parents, caregivers, and whānau, collaborating to design and implement targeted intervention plans.
• Jointly support progress toward learner goals.
• Promote inclusive practices across early learning services, schools, and other educational contexts.

Candidate Profile

• Proven experience working effectively with children, young people, and their families across varied environments.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with a talent for collaboration and partnership-building to achieve common goals.
• Background in counseling, negotiation, and mediation techniques.
• Ability to leverage data and insights to detect trends, risks, and opportunities, informing decisions at organizational and system levels.
• Skill in translating specialized psychological knowledge into practical, accessible information.
• Capacity to contribute specialist expertise and coordinate services within multi-agency, multidisciplinary contexts.

Qualifications and Requirements

• Master’s degree and Postgraduate Diploma in Educational Psychology or equivalent qualification.
• Registered Psychologist in New Zealand under the Health Practitioners Competency Assurance Act, holding a current practicing certificate.
• Understanding and application of Te Tiriti o Waitangi principles and tangata whenuatanga.
• Possession of a full New Zealand driver’s license due to travel requirements.
• Commitment to adhere to Public Service Standards regarding integrity and conduct.

About the Team

The Education Services Group supports education settings by providing integrated services designed to remove barriers, ensure regulatory compliance, and enhance student participation and achievement. Their focus areas include managing practice standards, delivering integrated support, and monitoring service effectiveness and equity.

Additional Information

• Salary bracket ranges from $85,416 to $126,000 annually, plus KiwiSaver contributions. The final salary reflects the candidate’s experience and skills.
• Applications close at midnight on 23 September 2026.
• Applicants are encouraged to submit a cover letter detailing their motivations, values, strengths, transferable skills, and unique perspectives.
• Reasonable accommodations are available for the recruitment process to support candidates who require adjustments.