Clinical Nurse Specialist – Service Development, Education and Clinical Support
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.
We are seeking a motivated and innovative Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) to work in partnership with all General Adult Community Teams. This is an exciting opportunity for a senior clinician who enjoys balancing direct clinical practice with education, quality improvement, and service development activities.
This role provides specialist nursing leadership across Adult Community Services, supporting clinicians to deliver high-quality, evidence-based care while contributing to the ongoing development of responsive and effective community mental health services.
About the Role
As the Clinical Nurse Specialist, you will work collaboratively across Adult Community Services to strengthen clinical capability, support workforce development, and contribute to service improvement initiatives. You will be a visible clinical leader who can confidently step into clinical practice when service demand requires.
The role focuses on three key areas:
Education and Workforce Development
You will:
- Lead education, orientation and workforce development across mental health teams.
- Support clinical competency, reflective practice and staff development
- Provide hands-on clinical support and coaching within teams
Service Development and Quality Improvement
You will:
- Lead service development, quality improvement and innovation initiatives
- Support evidence-based practice and continuous service improvement
- Use data and evidence to support service improvement and best practice.
Clinical Leadership and Support
You will:
- Support teams experiencing increased acuity or service demand.
- Provide clinical cover and support across services as required.
- Mentor clinicians and support staff in acting leadership positions.
- Support clinical decision-making and management of complex presentations.
About you
You will be a highly experienced Registered Nurse with:
- Extensive experience in adult community mental health nursing.
- A passion for education, coaching and workforce development.
- Experience leading quality improvement or service development initiatives.
- Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
- The ability to influence practice and support change.
- A commitment to recovery-focused, person-centred and culturally responsive care.
Essential
- Registration with the Nursing Council of New Zealand and current APC.
- Relevant postgraduate diploma in relevant field
- Demonstrated advanced mental health nursing practice.
- Full New Zealand driver's licence.
Please ensure you include a covering letter to highlight your relevant skillset and experience.
Why Join Us?
This role offers a unique opportunity to influence clinical practice across Adult Community Services while remaining connected to frontline care. You will work alongside experienced clinical leaders and multidisciplinary teams to shape workforce development, improve service delivery, and support positive outcomes for tāngata whaiora and whānau.
If you are an experienced mental health nurse ready to take the next step in clinical leadership, we would love to hear from you.
How to Apply
To apply please click “apply now.” All applications must be submitted through our online careers’ portal by Monday, 6th July. If you have any questions about the role, please contact Recruitment Partner Lisa Gray on Lisa.Gray2@tewhatuora.govt.nz
We will review applications as received and may proceed with the recruitment process, before the closing date of this advert.
Whilst Health New Zealand is undergoing change, affected employees will be given preference and priority for this position.
Permanent/Full Time
Job no: PC4336523
Location: Christchurch
Closing Date: Monday, 6th July