Principal Clinical Advisor

• Senior position in the Health and Clinical Services leadership team.
• Influential clinical advisory role that changes lives for tamariki and rangatahi.
• Permanent role, with location flexibility.

Are you a registered clinician who is a recognised clinical specialist and passionate about improving health and wellbeing outcomes for tamariki in care? Oranga Tamariki is seeking a highly skilled

Principal Clinical Advisor to provide expert clinical advice and guidance as part of the Health and Clinical Services leadership team.

Mō mātou | About us

Oranga Tamariki—Ministry for Children has a commitment to putting tamariki and rangatahi at the heart of what we do. In our work, we aim to demonstrate these values:

• We put Tamariki first
• We believe Aroha is vital
• We respect the Mana of people
• We are Tika and Pono
• We value Whakapapa
• We recognise that Oranga is a journey

We are committed to ensuring that New Zealand is the best place in the world to be a child. We are also committed to ensuring Oranga Tamariki partners with hapū, iwi and Māori organisations to find appropriate solutions for tamariki in need.

Mō te tūnga | About the role

The Health and Clinical Services group provides specialised assessments, care, and support to tamariki in care as a part of the wider Tamariki and Whānau Services business unit. As part of the Health and Clinical Services leadership team, this role will provide expert clinical advice and guidance across all aspects of our work relating to clinical care, including mental health, other psychological matters, and disability.

The Principal Clinical Advisor will provide strategic and evidence-based clinical expertise for the development and implementation of new clinical services for tamariki and rangatahi with complex and high needs, and their caregivers; and provide advice across the organisation on clinical matters in consultation with the Chief Psychologist.

This is an influential role where your extensive experience working strategically and applying critical thinking in the development of high-quality clinical advice, commitment to evidence‑based practice, and cultural competence will directly support better futures for children, young people, and their whānau.

Key responsibilities include:

• Providing clinical subject matter expertise to support the development, implementation and evaluation of new clinical services centred around tamariki and rangatahi with complex and high needs, and support for their caregivers.
• Taking a lead in supporting the Clinical Governance approach, including providing support to the Clinical Governance Committee.
• Working with other clinical leaders in providing clinical leadership and strategic advice on all tamariki and rangatahi health and clinical issues and services.
• Building strong relationships across the organisation and with our partners to support effective and efficient implementation and delivery of new clinical services.
• Contributing to regional and national planning, reporting, and service improvement initiatives.
• Actively promoting the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi in all aspects of service delivery.

Ngā pūmanawatanga ōu | What you will bring

You will be an experienced and credible clinical specialist who can provide expert clinical advice and guidance as part of the Health and Clinical Services leadership team, and who thrives in complex environments and brings a strength based, collaborative approach.

Key requirements include but are not limited to:

• A postgraduate qualification and current professional registration in Psychology or other recognised clinical discipline relevant to child, adolescent, family, mental health, disability or trauma practice.
• Postgraduate clinical training and advanced clinical capability in working with tamariki, rangatahi, whānau, trauma, neurodevelopmental needs, mental health, disability, and behavioural complexity.
• At least 10 years’ post-qualification clinical experience.
• Extensive experience working strategically and applying critical thinking in the development of high-quality advice regarding clinical services for tamariki with complex and high needs, and their caregivers.
• Strong understanding of clinical governance, professional accountability, quality assurance, reflective practice, and continuous improvement processes.
• Experience influencing across teams and organisations without direct authority.
• Understanding of the public sector context and agencies involved in providing clinical services for children and young people.
• Understanding and appreciation of cross-cultural practices particularly knowledge of tikanga Māori, and Pacific peoples’ culture.

Nōu te rourou | What's in it for you

The Health and Clinical Services are valued for the specialist expertise they provide. This role is part of the Health and Clinical leadership team, and you will play a pivotal role in developing and implementing new clinical services and supporting implementation of a new Clinical Governance approach.

Oranga Tamariki offer a step-based remuneration package, that offers progression annually for experience through tenure. We offer a vibrant and supportive team, flexible work options and a genuine commitment to wellbeing. We offer training and professional development so that you can thrive and grow. We welcome diversity and are committed to working in an inclusive and respectful way. This is your opportunity to apply your skills and experience to the wellbeing of tamariki and rangatahi.

To see all the benefits of working for Oranga Tamariki, please visit

Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to Apply

Apply online with your CV and Covering Letter.

If you are an Oranga Tamariki employee already, please ensure you apply with a log in using your Oranga Tamariki email address on the online Careers portal.

If you have any questions about the role, please contact

Applications for this role close at midnight on Friday 10 July 2026.

However, we will be reviewing applications and inviting candidates to interview prior to this date, so apply now.

If you are interested in any of our vacancies, please ensure that you make yourself familiar with our code of conduct as it sets out our expectations for our kaimahi and requires you to present at work free from the influences of both drugs and alcohol.