- Positively impact and lead the wellbeing and performance of New Zealand’s elite athletes
- Work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team
High Performance Sport New Zealand (HPSNZ) leads the high performance sport system, working together with National Sporting Organisations (NSOs) to support and empower athletes and coaches to deliver performances on the world stage that inspire the nation and communities, helping to build national identity and promote New Zealand internationally.
Two Sport Psychologist opportunities are now available as follows:
- Psychologist (Canoe Sports) - based at Mairangi Bay, Auckland
- Psychologist (Snow Sports) - based in Wanaka, Otago
Reporting to the Head of Psychology, the Psychologists will work as part of the HPSNZ multidisciplinary Performance Support team based in Auckland or Wanaka and work collaboratively within the established Sport Psychology team across New Zealand. The role will provide mental health assessment and support to Canoe or Snow Sport athletes, as well as supporting the broader HPSNZ mental health strategy, and providing performance enhancement support.
Delivering technical leadership in alignment with Canoe Racing New Zealand (CRNZ) or Snow Sports New Zealand (SSNZ), the role will positively impact and lead the wellbeing and performance of athletes through psychological services (i.e., policy/program development, system wide assessment, prevention work, consultation, individual/group psychotherapy, and crisis triage).
Providing oversight and guidance in a collaborative fashion with CRNZ/SSNZ, athletes, coaches and support staff, there is a focus on integrating the psychology programme into the holistic High Performance culture of the sport with a balance of wellbeing and performance to achieve ambitions in sport and life. The Psychologist will use evidence-driven solutions related to the prevention of states of ill-health and underperformance, while fostering enhanced health, learning, development, motivation, emotional/cognitive abilities, and overall resilience.
To be considered for these roles, you will be a registered or licenced clinical/counseling psychologist, ideally with a sport speciality. A strong background providing psychological services in settings such as community mental health, tertiary education health, hospital settings, and/or private practice is required. Experience supporting elite or professional athletes is preferred.
You are someone who is approachable, genuine, adaptable, with strong communication skills. You are passionate about athlete wellbeing and performance, and you are able to build trust, and apply psychological strategies that enhance both mental health and sport performance outcomes.
Confident working interdependently and within dynamic multidisciplinary team environments across health and human performance, you will possess both clinical skills (including assessment, triage, treatment in disposition) and an understanding of how to enhance human performance.
The nature of the positions will require some domestic travel and limited international travel to attend pinnacle competitions and events (such as World Championships, Olympic Games etc...).
This is your opportunity to play a key role in supporting elite canoe sport or snow sport athletes, enhancing their performance and overall wellbeing as they strive for success on the world stage.
The Psychologist, High Performance Sport New Zealand search and recruitment process is being managed exclusively by Sportspeople Recruitment.
In the first instance general enquiries should be directed to Scott Oakhill on +61 408 258 337, FREECALL NZ 0800 634 388 or +61 2 9555 5000.
