Psychologist | Whaikaha - Intellectual Disability

About the Company At Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora, we are committed to the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and dedicated to serving the diverse needs of all New Zealanders. Our mission is to create a health system characterized by partnership, equity, sustainability, and excellence in whanau-centered care. We believe that through collaboration and integration, we can build a better health landscape for everyone. About the Role We are currently seeking a Clinical Psychologist to join our Whaikaha Unit, a specialized 4-bed inpatient unit for individuals with Intellectual Disabilities (ID) at Hillmorton Hospital in Christchurch. This position is a permanent opportunity, with the potential for full-time hours. In the Whaikaha Unit, we provide targeted clinical assessment and treatment for tangata whaiora who present with challenging behaviors. Our approach takes into account those who may be subject to the Intellectual Disability Compulsory Care and Rehabilitation Act (IDCCRA) of 2003, ensuring that forensic considerations are included in their support plans. Our goal is to empower our staff to make a significant difference in the lives of individuals across the South Island. The work environment is fast-paced and varied, offering the chance to contribute meaningfully to the development of a new model of care and the establishment of a high-care unit within our existing facilities. We are determined to become a center of excellence for ID services. Requirements To be successful in this role, you will need to be a registered Clinical Psychologist with a current Annual Practicing Certificate from the New Zealand Psychologists Board. We are looking for candidates with recent, relevant experience in the intellectual disability field, as well as expertise in Positive Behaviour Support. Familiarity with te ao Maori, tikanga, and te reo Maori is desirable, along with a commitment to ongoing learning and cultural competence. Your professional skills will be essential in conducting risk assessments, making diagnoses, and delivering various interventions to a complex but rewarding patient group. Strong communication and time management abilities will be critical as you work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team. We encourage applicants who are passionate about innovating and implementing best practices in the field of intellectual disability services. Benefits At Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora, we prioritize the well-being of our employees and are committed to being equitable employers. Our Equity Work Programme emphasizes the importance of considering equity in all aspects of our work, fostering a cultural shift towards improved health outcomes for everyone. We value diversity and inclusion and welcome applications from individuals from all backgrounds, particularly those from Maori, Pacific, disabled, and rainbow communities. We believe that skills can be developed in various contexts, so if you possess the required abilities and have gained experience through community engagement or voluntary work, we encourage you to share your story with us in your application. How to Apply To apply for this role or view the position description, please visit our online careers portal. If you have any questions about the position, feel free to reach out to Natalie Gaunt at Natalie.Gaunt@TeWhatuOra.govt.nz. We will evaluate applications as they are received and may proceed with the recruitment process before the official closing date.