Intern Clinical Psychologist - Forensic Mental Health and Addictions Service

• Waikato Hospital
• Fixed term – 02 February 2026 to 02 February 2027 – full time – 80 hours per fortnight
• Have a wide range of experience working with people across the lifespan
• Be an active member of multi-disciplinary teams working towards the wellbeing of Whaiora and Whaanau
• Be part of a hub of other supportive interns where a culture of learning is fostered

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

The Forensic Psychology Intern Hub is a new pilot hub funded to provide a well-rounded training programme for people in their internship year of a Psychology Training Programme at a University in Aotearoa. By providing a stable base for the interns, we can ensure they can become part of the multi-disciplinary team (MDT) environment and have ready access to other psychologists and team members for consultation, support and social connection. The interns in the hub will have a variety of clients from across the lifespan, based within our Forensic service that provides multiple opportunities for learning from assessment, 1-1 and group therapy in inpatient community and prison settings and our community rehabilitation programmes.

Opportunities include training experiences within these specialised services and will join training opportunities with our established Community Psychology Intern hub including cultural supervision. You will be joining a large psychology community across Waikato district that will offer multiple learning and mentoring opportunities. such as eating disorders, DBT, perinatal and inpatient services, substance abuse and personality disorders. 

Click here to view the position description.

About the Service

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora, Waikato is home to one of the largest base hospitals in Australasia and provides MHAS across the expansive Te Manawa Taki region.  We are a Regional Forensic Service for Te Manawa Taki and as such provide multiple services to many people, including the prisons in our area. 

We can provide interns with ample opportunities to observe and work alongside consultant and senior clinical psychologists, Takawaenga, medical and allied health staff.  Interns will be able to gain experience in assessment, individual, parenting, group and whānau therapies with tangata whaiora experiences experiencing the spectrum of mental health disorders. Interns will experience how we are working towards embedding partnership, participation, and sovereignty according to our responsibilities and obligations to honour Te Tiriti o Waitangi.

About Hamilton

Hamilton, where Waikato Hospital is situated, is a vibrant city nestled alongside the scenic Waikato River, offering a perfect mix of nature and culture. Explore the stunning Hamilton Gardens, home to themed gardens from Italy to Asia, or visit the Waikato Museum to delve into the region's rich history. The city also boasts the Hamilton Zoo, where you can walk through an aviary filled with native birds. Hamilton is a lively hub, with a variety of cafes, restaurants, and bars, along with events like rugby, cricket, and the famous National Agricultural Fieldays and Balloons over Waikato festival. With its vibrant atmosphere and proximity to outdoor adventures, Hamilton is an ideal place to live and work.

For more information on living and working in Waikato click here

About you

Required skills & experience you will need to be considered for this role:

• Enrolled in the final year of PG Dip Psychology in Aotearoa.
• Masters (or handed in final version of masters) or higher qualification.
• Registered with professional body within the Intern scope of practice.
• Demonstrates clinical skills commensurate with training.
• Is able to use clinical psychometric and neuropsychological assessment tools.
• Takes responsibility for learning including effective utilisation of supervision.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the significance of and obligations under Te Tiriti o Waitangi, including how to apply Te Tiriti principles in a meaningful way in your role.
• Current full driver’s license.

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 online” or apply via our Waikato Careers website by clicking here.

All applications must be submitted through our online careers’ portal before 11:59 pm on 20 November 2025. If you have any questions about the role, please contact Dr Kirsty Dempster-Rivett, Kirsty.Dempster-Rivett@waikatodhb.health.nz