Clinical Psychologist jobs

Mo te tunga | About the role

The Youth Development Unit (YDU) is responsible for the NZDF's provision of training to selected elements of New Zealand's youth, these being Limited Services Volunteer (LSV), and Youth Life Skills (YLS) Schemes. YDU is a NZDF Unit with staff from Navy, Army, Air Force and Defence Civilians.

YDU and its programmes are distinct from the Oranga-Tamariki Military-Style Academy ("boot camp") programme. The Limited Service Volunteer (LSV) programme is a unique partnership between the Youth Development Unit (YDU). New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) and Ministry of Social Development.

LSV is a voluntary, employment and training-focused course designed to uplift, support, and empower young people, helping them realise their potential and create positive employment, education and training pathways for their future.

The YDU Clinical Psychologist provides organisation-wide psychological leadership across YDU, overseeing psychosocial support services, advising on complex mental health and risk matters, developing staff capability, strengthening organisational systems, and contributing to the design and evaluation of youth development programmes.

The position works closely with social workers, training staff, community agencies, and external stakeholders to ensure safe and effective outcomes for trainees.

Key skills required to be successful in this role:

• Expert knowledge of youth mental health assessment, intervention, and risk management.
• Strong understanding of evidence-based psychological practice and current psychological literature.
• Advanced psychological assessment and report-writing skills, including risk and treatment reports.
• Ability to provide clinical consultation, leadership, coaching, and training to multidisciplinary teams.
• Excellent communication, relationship-building, and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Strong facilitation and presentation skills, particularly in group settings.
• Ability to analyse complex situations, develop practical solutions, and guide policy and programme development.
• High levels of resilience, professional judgement, adaptability, and self-awareness.
• Commitment to bicultural practice, Treaty of Waitangi principles, and working effectively with diverse communities.

The salary for this role ranges from $150,473 to $166,542, inclusive of a 4% superannuation contribution. Appointments within this range are based on skills and experience.

Nga pukenga me nga wheako | Skills and Experience

A highly experienced Clinical Psychologist with a passion for youth development, strong clinical leadership capability, and a proven ability to support vulnerable young people through evidence-based practice. They will be skilled at influencing others, building effective partnerships, developing staff capability, and contributing strategically to programme improvement while maintaining the highest standards of professionalism and integrity.

Essential Experience

• Extensive experience in youth mental health, including behavioural and emotional difficulties.
• Minimum five years' post-qualification clinical practice experience.
• Significant experience conducting complex risk assessments and developing risk management plans.
• Experience working with young people who may have criminal histories or high-risk presentations.
• Experience delivering training, facilitation, and reflective practice programmes.
• Experience in programme development, evaluation, and continuous improvement.
• Proven ability to work collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders across health, education, community, and government sectors.
• Experience supervising, mentoring, or providing professional guidance to other practitioners is highly desirable.

Qualifications

• Master's Degree or Doctorate in Psychology.
• Postgraduate Clinical Psychology qualification.
• Current registration and practising certificate as a Psychologist in New Zealand.
• Membership of the New Zealand College of Clinical Psychologists and/or New Zealand Psychological Society.
• Ongoing professional supervision and continuing competency requirements.

Nou te rourou | What's in it for you

Safeguard your loved ones with a fully funded life cover of up to $300,000 and critical illness protection. Other benefits include discounted additional insurances, free will services and savings schemes for the Defence community. Get expert financial guidance and mortgage broker services. Find all our benefits and more on the Force 4 Families website.

NZDF champions diversity and inclusivity, valuing every member and fuelling their success. We embrace uniqueness, understanding that diverse teams drive creativity, innovation, and excellence. With an open door to all - irrespective of gender, ethnicity, ability, age, or family dynamics - NZDF offers a flexible, empowering work environment. Join us in shaping a brighter future, where everyone thrives.

Me pehea te tuku tono | How to Apply

Applications close on Thursday 5 November 2026.

Use the links on this page where you'll be directed to the Defence Careers website.

Please Note:

• All applications must be made online, via the Defence Careers website. Each listing contains the Position Description.
• Your cover letter will be a key part of our selection process, so please highlight how your experience relates to the key activities outlined in the Advert and Position Description.
• Applicants will be required to undergo a pre-employment drug-screening test prior to any offer of employment being made.

NZDF Employees/Members - please apply internally via the HR Toolkit; this will ensure that you are visible as an internal candidate.

NZDF Contractors - please apply via the Defence Careers website.

NZDF Reserves - please apply via the Defence Careers website if you cannot access the HR Toolkit.

Please Note:

To be eligible for the required level of government security clearance with the NZ Defence Force, you need to meet certain citizenship and residency criteria. Here's what you need to know:

Low Level Security Clearance

• You must be a New Zealand citizen or you must hold New Zealand Permanent Residence or have a current New Zealand Residency Class Visa.
• At minimum, you must hold New Zealand Permanent Residence or have a current New Zealand Residency Class Visa, and you must be a citizen of and have lived in Australia, Canada, United Kingdom, United States of America or New Zealand continuously for the last five (5) years.
• You must have a five (5) year background history that can be verified and assessed appropriately by the NZ Security Intelligence Service (NZSIS) to determine if you are suitable for a security clearance at this level.

If you do not meet the minimum criteria, unfortunately, your application will not be accepted. We do welcome your application at a time when you will meet the requirements.