Psychologist, Intensive Wraparound Service

Help shape the future of education in New Zealand


Help shape the future of Education

We work to shape an education system that delivers equitable and excellent outcomes

Our organisation is made up of talented and committed people around Aotearoa, from a wide range of backgrounds and cultures. While we work in different groups and on different things, we all strive every day to make the biggest difference we can for our akonga in our education system.

About this role | Mo tenei turanga

Permanent, full-time
Based in Tauranga, Bay of Plenty
Fleet vehicle supplied for regional travel requirements
As a Te Kahu Toi Psychologist, you'll join a passionate, multidisciplinary team dedicated to creating change for akonga with the highest and most complex needs - often those for whom traditional supports have not been enough. These young people may be disengaged from education, isolated from peers, and struggling in both home and community settings. The challenges are big, but the impact you'll have is even bigger.

Through Te Kahu Toi, our Intensive Wraparound Service (IWS), we walk alongside some of the most vulnerable and high-needs tamariki and their whanau - those navigating a complex mix of behavioural, emotional, social, and learning challenges.

This is not your average psychologist role. You won't just be assessing or observing - you'll be transforming lives.

Using a highly individualised, whanau-centred and strength-based approach, you will:

Work intensively with tamariki and whanau to understand the deep underlying needs beneath behaviour and learning difficulties.
Develop and deliver tailored psychological assessments and dynamic, evidence-informed interventions.
Support the people surrounding each child - including teachers, caregivers and specialists - to implement change and build sustainable, wraparound support.
Lead data-informed practice and regularly review impact, adapting as needed.
You'll become part of a highly supportive and connected wraparound service with regular supervision, peer support, and ongoing opportunities for growth and development in wraparound theory and practice.

This permanent, full-time role is based at our Tauranga Office and provides Intensive Wraparound Services primarily for the Tauranga area. However, flexibility to travel and deliver services to the wider Bay of Plenty region as needed is a requirement for this role.

Salary range: $85,416-$126,000 per annum + 3% KiwiSaver. The successful candidate will be appointed at a salary which reflects individual skills and experience.

For more details about the role, you can view the Job Description here.

About you | Mohou ake

We're looking for psychologists with a heart for justice, and a commitment to walking alongside tamariki and whanau through complexity, crisis, and change.

You'll thrive in this role if you:

are a New Zealand Registered Psychologist with a current practicing certificate (current interns are also welcome to apply).
are passionate about working holistically and intensively with tamariki and whanau experiencing high levels of need and challenge.
bring deep empathy, clinical curiosity, cultural responsiveness, and a solutions-focused mindset.
are confident working across education, health, and social sectors, and can lead collaborative, transdisciplinary responses.
are committed to upholding Te Tiriti o Waitangi and honouring tangata whenua.
have a full, clean driver's licence, clear police checks and a right to work in New Zealand.
the ability and willingness to adhere to the Public Service Standards of Integrity and Conduct.
About our group and team | Matau ropu ake

Te Kahu Toi, the Intensive Wraparound Service, is a national, specialist service that delivers intensive supports across domains to akonga aged 5-14 with the highest level of need. These are tamariki with significant and often multiple challenges - emotional, behavioural, developmental - who need more than a one-size-fits-all response.

This role is your opportunity to make a profound difference where it matters most - for tamariki who are at risk of being left behind, and for whanau who need hope, support, and partnership.

Our team members say:

"The work is hard - but the gains, even the small ones, are life-changing."
"I value the strong professional support. It keeps me grounded and connected."
"This is the first time I've truly seen systems change because of my input."
Are you ready to make a difference? | Kua rite koe mo tenei mahi?

If this opportunity interests you, please submit your cover letter and resume by using the `Apply' button (please do not email your application). In your cover letter, we'd like to know about you, your values, or anything else you'd like to share. We're keen to understand your motivations, strengths, transferable skills, and the diverse perspectives you will bring to the role.

If you need any further information, please contact Liana Gibson, Service Manager/Psychologist for Te Kahu Toi | Intensive Wraparound Service at 027 28+ 38+4 and/or email liana.gibson@education.govt.nz.

Applications close at midnight on Wednesday, 18 June 2025.

We want our people to feel valued for their unique qualities and have a sense of belonging. If you require assistance or adjustments to fully participate in the recruitment process, please let us know.

 
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