Psychologist - Child Development Centre

• Child Development Centre, Allied Health
• Waikato Hospital
• Permanent – 40 hours per week (1.0 FTE)
• Salary details: as per Employer Collective 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.

About our Service

Allied Health is a department of Te Whatu Ora, Waikato that provides Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy, Speech & Language Therapy, Dietetic, Audiology & Newborn Hearing screening, Social Work, and Psychology services. Staff within these professions are all involved in direct client care and work in a wide range of situations to improve the health and well-being of the people they work with. Allied Health staff work in partnership with individuals and their family/whanau to facilitate relationships and a smooth journey through the healthcare system.

About the Role

We are seeking a NZ-registered psychologist who is passionate about supporting tamariki/children with developmental disabilities and looking to make a positive difference in the lives of them and their whanau.

You will be working alongside a group of dedicated and supportive psychologists and other allied health colleagues as part of a multidisciplinary team within the Child Development Centre (CDC). The CDC provides multi-disciplinary assessment and intervention for tamariki aged 0 – 19 years, with developmental disabilities. The psychologists within CDC carry out diagnostic assessments with children and young adolescents with developmental disabilities.

Part of this role may be to work in a team with paediatricians to provide assessment of children’s health, developmental needs, mental health, trauma, emotional and education needs in our Gateway Service. From the assessment, a multi-agency agreement is decided with health and Oranga Tamariki services.

The position would ideally suit a psychologist with experience in the assessment of Autism Spectrum Disorder, Intellectual Disability and other common neurodevelopmental conditions. Proficiency in the administration and interpretation of psychometric instruments, in particular the WISC-V and the ADOS-2 would be an advantage. Excellent written communication skills are required as assessment report writing is a key part of the role.

Key responsibilities of the role:

• Clinical assessment and diagnosis in MDT Child Development Centre clinics for Autism Spectrum Disorder
• Clinical assessment and diagnosis in MDT Child Development Centre clinics for Intellectual Disability
• Service improvement initiatives through consultation and collaboration with the wider service
• Take an active role in training and supervision

Click here to view the position description.

About you

Skills and experience required to be considered for this role:

• Knowledge and understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
• Registration or eligibility for registration with the NZ Psychologists Board.
• Hold a valid annual practising certificate.
• Hold a post graduate qualification in clinical, educational, child and adolescent or health psychology.
• Have a full New Zealand driver’s licence and the ability to travel.

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.