• Permanent part time role 0.4FTE (16 hours per week)
• Based at Christchurch Health Campus
• Hours of Work are between Monday and Friday 0800 -1630

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

This role is part of Allied Health and is embedded within the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Team (NICU), which sits within Child Health.

In this role you will:

• To provide psychological support to pēpi, whānau and parent-infant dyad involved with the NICU service.
  
• To support the development and maintenance of an agreed model of service delivery for psychology access for parents in the context of their whānau.
  
• To provide mentorship, consultation, education, and support to NICU staff.
• Maintain high‑quality documentation and contribute to service planning, equity actions, and continuous improvement.

About the Team

The NICU is an acute service providing secondary/tertiary care to newborn babies born prematurely or with surgical/congenital and medical complications following birth. The NICU is currently a 44-bed unit with refurbishment plans underway to increase the capacity to 54 beds.

This role contributes to high quality, evidence based clinical care in a fast-paced tertiary environment, supporting babies, and their whānau during acute episodes of care. Collaboration is central to this role - you will work closely with the multidisciplinary team to optimise adjustment, support and outcomes and ensure services are responsive, culturally safe, and equitable.

About You

You are a compassionate, skilled clinician who brings strong formulation, communication, and collaboration skills to a multidisciplinary environment. You’re motivated by improving outcomes for infants admitted to the NICU, and their parents and whānau, and you are committed to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and equity.

You will bring:

• Registration (or eligibility) as a Psychologist in Aotearoa New Zealand
• A relevant postgraduate Health qualification (Clinical Psychology, or Child & Family / Developmental / Educational scope)
• Good understanding of infant development, the effects of paediatric medical conditions upon the infant/child and family
• Strong understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi, cultural safety, and equitable practice
• Knowledge of the Health Information Privacy Code, CYPF Act, and DSM‑IV/DSM‑5
• Excellent communication, teamwork, and consultation skills
• Initiative, flexibility, and the ability to work both independently and as part of a fast‑paced multidisciplinary service

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 now.” All applications must be submitted through our online careers’ portal by 10th November. If you have any questions about the role, please contact Courtney Bell at