Cancer psychosocial psychologist, Fixed term

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

• Nelson - Tasman based
• 0.3FTE (24 hours a fortnight) 
• Fixed term part-time

Health NZ is firmly grounded in the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and is dedicated to serving all New Zealanders. Through integration and collaboration, we - re building a health system underpinned by partnership, equity, sustainability, whānau-centred care, and excellence.

About the role

We are seeking a highly skilled and compassionate Cancer Psychosocial Psychologist to join our dedicated Oncology Services team on a fixed-term basis for 12 months to cover leave.

This position offers a unique opportunity to provide psychosocial support to individuals affected by cancer and their whānau (families) within the Nelson Tasman region. As part of a multidisciplinary team, you will help patients navigate the emotional, psychological, and social challenges associated with a cancer diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship. Your work will be integral to improving the quality of life and wellbeing of our patients during their cancer journey.

About the Team/Service/Location

The Oncology Service for the Nelson Tasman region provides comprehensive cancer care to patients across all stages of their cancer journey, from diagnosis to treatment duration. We are a multidisciplinary team committed to delivering high-quality, patient-centred care that prioritises the physical, emotional, and social wellbeing of our patients. Our service includes medical and radiation oncology, cancer nursing, and psychosocial support. We are supported by well-equipped facilities and a network of dedicated health professionals, ensuring an integrated approach to care. The Psychosocial Psychology Support team plays a vital role in helping patients and families navigate the challenges of cancer treatment and recovery.

About you:

The successful candidate will:

• Provide evidence-based psychological assessments and interventions to patients and their families.
• Support patients in coping with emotional distress, grief, anxiety, depression, and adjustment challenges related to their diagnosis and treatment.
• Collaborate closely with oncologists, nurses, social workers, and other members of the multidisciplinary team to ensure holistic care.
• Develop individualised care plans tailored to the needs of patients and their whānau, ensuring cultural safety and responsiveness.
• Contribute to the development and implementation of psychosocial care pathways within the Oncology Service.
• Maintain accurate and confidential clinical documentation in line with professional and organisational standards. 
  

Skills and experience

• Have current registration with the NZ Psychologists Board under the Health Practitioners Competency Assurance Act (2003), a current Annual Practising Certificate, and appropriate experience and competency.
• Demonstrated experience in delivering psychological care within health settings (oncology experience is preferred).
• Familiarity with managing grief, loss, adjustment, and chronic illness in a professional context.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work sensitively with individuals from diverse cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds.
• Competency with te ao Māori, tikanga, and te reo Māori or a commitment to starting your journey and taking ownership of your learning and growth.
• Experience in projects / initiatives which give effect to Te Tiriti principals and frameworks, and the application of Mātauranga Māori and Kaupapa Māori approaches, particularly as they apply in healthcare settings.

Working for Health New Zealand

Health NZ is - the weaving of wellnesses'. We're dedicated to ensuring excellent healthcare for the people of Aotearoa/New Zealand. The Equity Work Programme at Health NZ focuses on helping everyone in the health system think about equity when they do their work. It also promotes the cultural change needed for the whole system to reach equity in health outcomes. 

Our people are at the heart of everything we do. Health New Zealand are committed to being good employers and honouring our equal employment opportunity obligations. 

Our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion 

• We want to see the real you in your application and welcome the real you on board if you come and work with us. Skills are gained across many areas of our life, not just in formal employment. If you can demonstrate the skills listed in the ad, but the experience was gained through whānau life, community or mahi aroha (volunteering) we encourage you to apply and share your story with us in your cover letter. 
• We particularly welcome applications from our diverse Māori, Pacific, disabled, and rainbow communities. 

How to apply

To view the position description and/or apply for the role please click - apply now. - All applications must be submitted through our online career - s portal before 11:59pm on Monday 10 February 2025.

For general application enquiries please contact our recruitment team Athena.Nguyen@nmdhb.govt.nz

For role specific information please contact

-Nicole McHaffie - Associate Director Allied Health nicole.mchaffie@nmdhb.govt.nz or

-Alina Pavlova - Cancer Psychosocial Psychologist alina.pavlova@nmdhb.govt.nz