Community Mental Health Registered Nurse

• West Coast – Northern Mental Health -Buller
• Full time permanent position working 40 hours per week

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

We are seeking a passionate and experienced Registered Nurse to join our Community Mental Health team on the West Coast.

The Community Mental Health Liaison – Registered Nurse (RN) will utilise advanced nursing knowledge and clinical skills to deliver safe, high-quality mental health care to clients and their whānau. The role focuses on supporting positive mental health outcomes within rural communities while aligning with the vision and values of **Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora – Te Tai o Poutini West Coast.

You will work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team, providing comprehensive mental health assessment, case management, crisis response, and treatment planning to support recovery-focused care. 

Key Responsibilities

Case Management

• Undertake comprehensive assessments, risk assessments and treatment planning.
• Provide client-centred care that actively involves family and whānau.
• Deliver evidence-based mental health interventions and support recovery-focused outcomes.
• Manage and prioritise a clinical caseload using recognised case management frameworks.

Triage, Assessment and Crisis Response

• Triage referrals and prioritise according to clinical need.
• Conduct comprehensive psychiatric assessments and risk management planning.
• Provide brief interventions and short-term follow-up support.
• Ensure family/whānau involvement wherever appropriate.
• Maintain accurate, timely clinical documentation.

Statutory Duties

Where required, perform duties as a Duly Authorised Officer (DAO) under the Mental Health (Compulsory Assessment and Treatment) Act 1992, including:

• Working under the direction of the Director of Area Mental Health Services (DAMHS).
• Supporting compulsory assessment processes when required.
• Acting as a resource for whānau, community members and health professionals regarding mental health legislation.
• Maintaining collaborative relationships with community services and New Zealand Police.

Professional Practice

• Maintain professional registration and Annual Practising Certificate.
• Participate in clinical supervision and ongoing professional development.
• Practice in accordance with Te Tiriti o Waitangi principles and support equitable outcomes for Māori.
• Promote culturally safe, respectful care for all clients and communities. 

About you

Essential

• Registration with the **Nursing Council of New Zealand as a Registered Nurse with a current Annual Practising Certificate.
• Authorisation to practise within the mental health scope of practice.
• Completion of, or working toward, a postgraduate mental health qualification (minimum Postgraduate Certificate / NESP).DELETE
• Demonstrated ability to work autonomously and within a multidisciplinary team.
• Strong communication, assessment and clinical decision-making skills.
• Computer literacy and ability to work with electronic clinical systems.
• Full, clean New Zealand driver’s licence.

Desirable

• Current Duly Authorised Officer (DAO) warrant.
• Minimum three years’ specialist mental health experience.
• Experience delivering brief interventions or talking therapies.
• Knowledge of West Coast community and NGO support services.
• Participation in a Professional Development and Recognition Programme (PDRP). 

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. 

Health NZ West Coast is situated on the West Coast of New Zealand’s South Island. It is unmatched for the scale, diversity, and accessibility of its natural attractions, including rugged coastline, sandy beaches, rainforests, and some of the highest mountain peaks in the country. The region boasts robust tourism and primary production industries, which provide the backbone of the local economy. The town of Westport is Northern to Te Tai o Poutini West Coast and is located alongside the historically rich and picturesque Buller river.

Health NZ West Coast are proud of how we do things. We have a way of working that we consider unique. It's about trying new things, listening to ideas from wherever they come from and working together as one. We are passionate about attracting, recruiting, and retaining talented people – to become part of our team. 

How to Apply

To apply please click “apply now.” All applications must be submitted through our online careers’ portal. If you have any questions about the role, please contact Kerri McCarthy at Kerri.McCarthy@TeWhatuOra.govt.nz

We will review applications as received and may proceed with the recruitment process, before the closing date of this advert.