Community Mental Health Nurse - CAF Access Team

• Hillmorton Hospital, Christchurch
• Fixed-Term, part-time 0.8FTE position (Covering extended leave of absence until October 2026) 
• Current APC with experience in mental health and MH scope of practice required
• Ability to work both autonomously and as part of a cohesive Multi-Disciplinary Team

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.

About the role

The Child, Adolescent and Family (CAF) Access Team receives and responds to non-urgent referrals/enquiries for CAF specialist mental health services & provides an emergency response, if required, with ability to deliver short-term follow-up for Tāngata Whaiora (young people) and their whānau with an acute mental health concern.

We are seeking someone who works well under pressure, communicates effectively and who has a background in Mental Health. It would be highly advantageous to have experience working with tāngata whaiora and whānau, and an ability to deliver evidenced based treatments. You will receive a comprehensive orientation to work across all clinical functions of the team and on-going support and appropriate external training as required.

Based at Hillmorton Hospital Kahurangi Building, this friendly multi-disciplinary team have expanded to provide short-term treatment interventions for young people who are referred to the service. 

About You

In this role, you will be responsible for:

• Phone triaging of tāngata whaiora when in crisis, in conjunction with their family/ whānau;
• Providing comprehensive psychiatric assessments and interventions to young people in psychiatric crisis and brief case management if felt necessary by multi-disciplinary team;
• Triaging routine (non-urgent) referrals into our CAF services either via phone or at times if necessary via assessment;
• Working collaboratively with external agencies striving for better health outcomes in our community.

Skills and experience

• The ability to effectively communicate and work collaboratively with tāngata whaiora & family/ whānau, within the team and with other agencies;
• Preferably a minimum of 2 years mental health experience along with knowledge of general mental health assessment or risk;
• Experience within a Child and Adolescent setting and an understanding of child and adolescent development is advantageous;
• As some travel is required in this position, a current NZ driver’s license is essential;
• Must be registered with Nursing Council of New Zealand with current APC and must have mental health scope. 

Please ensure you include a covering letter to highlight your relevant skillset and experience.

About Us

Specialist Mental Health Services are an interdisciplinary team that forms part of Health New Zealand, Te Whatu Ora - Waitaha Canterbury. We are committed to working and partnering with tāngata whaiora and their whānau. Constantly striving to work within our philosophy; we develop therapeutic, supportive and empowering relationships with our consumers, enabling them to achieve their personal goals and aspirations.

Working at Health New Zealand

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is dedicated to ensuring excellent healthcare for the people of New Zealand. We embrace a workforce that is diverse and inclusive so that we are better positioned to understand and service our community. We welcome applications from our diverse Māori, Pacific, disabled, and rainbow communities. 

How to Apply

To apply please click “apply now.” All applications must be submitted through our online careers’ portal by Friday, 4th September. 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.

Position description Apply now

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