Older Persons & Rehabilitation - Psychologist

• Older Persons and Rehabilitation Service
• Waikato Hospital
• Permanent part time position - 16 hours per week (0.4 FTE)
• Salary details: as per Employer Collection Agreement

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.

Do you have a passion for providing psychology services in a health and rehabilitation setting?

Are you interested in working in a supportive multidisciplinary team with exciting opportunities for service development and contemporary service delivery?

About our Service

The Older Persons and Rehabilitation Service at Waikato hospital provide general assessment, treatment and rehabilitation for adults with neurological rehabilitation needs. The majority of whaiora are 65 years plus or close in age, interests and characteristics. The service includes four inpatient wards and a range of outpatient clinics and services provided by multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary teams, as well as individual clinicians.

About the Role

We have an exciting opportunity for a part-time psychologist to join our team working in the Older Persons and Rehabilitation Service based at Waikato Hospital.

This service is focused on delivering assessment and intervention to whaiora and whaanau with neurological conditions. Our clients are older adults who are referred by their GP, specialists, or our allied health colleagues. Presenting concerns include (though are not limited to) mate ikura roro/stroke, mate wareware/dementias, memory or other cognitive decline of unknown origin, and neuropsychological and psychological difficulties arising in response to neurological conditions (e.g. Parkinsons disease, multiple sclerosis, Huntington’s disease (and others) and/or impacting rehabilitation. The work is rewarding, with the opportunity to help facilitate significant improvements in the overall well-being and quality of life of both whaiora and their loved ones.

You will be working alongside and supporting other psychologists, medical doctors, nurses, occupational therapists, physiotherapists, and social workers. You would be providing individual assessments and interventions, with the possibility of group facilitation. There are also opportunities for you to carry out service development initiatives. The work will primarily be outpatient focussed but there may be an opportunity for some inpatient work within the Rehabilitation wards.

There are many opportunities for continuing education including journal clubs, peer group meetings, grand rounds, discipline specific lectures, and Professional Development entitlement as per the Psychologists’ collective agreement.

Key responsibilities of the role:

• Complete comprehensive psychological and/or neuropsychological assessments with tangata whaiora referred for neurological concerns.
• Work collaboratively with clients, whanau, referrers, other members of the OPR service, and other departments as appropriate.
• Provide holistic psychological formulation and feedback to whaiora, whaanau, and relevant team members.
• Provide evidence-based and formulation guided interventions that support whaiora rehabilitation and quality of life.
• Support the broader team to implement a psychologically informed service framework.

Click here to view the position description.

About you

Skills and experience required to be considered for the role:

• New Zealand Psychologists Board (Te Poari Kaimātai Hinengaro o Aotearoa) registration and current annual practising certificate (or in the process of obtaining).
• Experience working within a health or hospital setting is an advantage.
• An ability to work autonomously completing comprehensive clinical assessments.
• A strong team focus, with excellent communication and inter-personal skills.
• A commitment to achieving excellent clinical outcomes based on quality service delivery and patient care.
• A full New Zealand driver’s licence.

About Waikato Hospital - Hamilton

Waikato Hospital is a major regional hospital in Hamilton and is a leading tertiary teaching hospital located in Hamilton, New Zealand, serving as the regional hub for the Midland area, which includes the Waikato, Bay of Plenty, Lakes, Tairawhiti, and Taranaki districts. With around 722 inpatient beds, 22 operating theatres, and a dedicated outpatient clinic and procedure centre, Waikato Hospital provides comprehensive hospital services, including radiology, laboratory, and pharmacy. As a major teaching hospital with affiliations to the University of Auckland, University of Waikato, and Wintec, it offers a dynamic learning environment and access to research opportunities. The hospital is equipped with advanced diagnostic and treatment facilities located on the Waiora Waikato Hospital Campus, with both road and air ambulance support.

Hamilton 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

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 21 September 2025. If you have any questions about the role, please contact Elisa Travailleur at elisa.travailleur@TeWhatuOra.govt.nz

We will review applications as received and may proceed with the recruitment process, before the closing date of this advert.