Psychologist | Whaikaha

• Permanent 1.0 FTE (40 hours per week) position
• Able to work well both autonomously and part of a cohesive multidisciplinary team
• Registration as a Clinical Psychologist with a current APC
• Primarily based in Whaikaha Secure ID Unit, however there will be opportunities to work across Intellectually Disabled Persons Health (IDPH) and Forensic Mental Health Services

Mō te tūnga - About the Role

The Whaikaha Unit is a four-bed in-patient Intellectual Disability (ID) unit at Hillmorton Hospital. We provide specific regional clinical assessment and treatment to our individuals under care and their family who present with challenging behaviour and, if subject to the Intellectual Disability Compulsory Care and Rehabilitation Act (IDCC & R Act 2003), will have forensic considerations in their support plans.

Our aim is to enable our staff to make a real difference in the lives of people across the South Island. The work is fast paced, varied and valued with the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the development of a model of care and building a new high care unit within our current facilities. We are committed to becoming a centre for excellence for ID services.

This role is for a Clinical Psychologist with experience working with ID individuals under care and their family and in Mental health and/or forensic services. We also welcome applications from Clinical Psychologists who are interested in a career in Intellectual Disability.

Ko wai koe - About You

In this role you will play several important functions. Your professional expertise will be utilised to guide through risk assessments, diagnoses, and to critically deliver various interventions to an intricate but fascinating group of adult patients - to support those individuals to build a meaningful life.

Your professionalism and dedication to providing high-quality patient care will ensure your success in this role, and your communication and time management skills will enable you to function well as a member of the larger multidisciplinary team.

We aim to be a leader in New Zealand for the delivery of intellectual disability inpatient services. We have career opportunities for applicants keen to work in an innovative and best-practice environment.

You must be a Clinical Psychologist who is registered in this scope with the New Zealand Psychologists Board. With recent, relevant, experience in a intellectual disability context is crucial, and expertise in intellectual disability and Positive Behaviour Support is desirable.

Mō mātou - About Us

Specialist Mental Health Services at Hillmorton Hospital is based in Christchurch forming part of Health NZ - Te Whatu Ora - Canterbury. We are committed to working and partnering with tāngata whaiora (consumers) and their whanau (family). 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.

Christchurch is a great base for exploring the outdoors with an array of mountains, lakes, beaches, and wilderness nearby, as well as offering some great choices when it comes to restaurants and shopping in the city.

Tono ināianei - Apply Now

Please submit your most recent resume along with a cover letter stating why you believe that you are the ideal candidate for the role highlighting any skills you have gained along the way. Applications are only accepted online so please visit our website to complete an application. Click here to submit an application.

Contact Shannon Le Roux - Recruitment Partner on Shannon.LeRoux@cdhb.health.nz for additional information.