Registered Nurse, MHAS Addiction Liaison at Health New Zealand - Te Whatu Ora Te Pae Hauora o Ruahine o Tararua MidCentral, Manawatu / Whanganui

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

Palmerston North Hospital, Permanent Up to Full time

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 compassionate and skilled professional to join our Mental Health and Addictions Liaison service (MHALs) providing assessment, support, and intervention for people experiencing mental health distress who present to the Palmerston North Hospital. This role involves close collaboration with the Emergency Department (ED), other hospital services, and community-based teams to ensure timely, safe, and person-centred care.

You will work with individuals across the lifespan who may be experiencing acute mental health crises, psychosocial stressors, and co‑existing physical health needs. The role requires strong clinical judgement, a calm and recovery-focused approach, and the ability to engage effectively in high-pressure environments.

About You

If you have skills in:

• Providing comprehensive mental health assessment, risk assessment, and brief interventions for people presenting with mental health distress
• Working collaboratively with Emergency Department staff to support whaiora presenting in mental health distress.
• Supporting individuals and whānau during periods of acute distress using trauma‑informed, culturally responsive, and recovery‑oriented approaches
• Contributing to care planning, referrals, and coordination with inpatient, community, and primary care services
• Documenting assessments and interventions accurately in clinical records
• Participating in interdisciplinary discussions and contribute to service improvement initiatives

Then we would love to hear from you.

About the Team/Service

Employing over 2500 people, MidCentral offers a supportive work environment that accepts and values all employees.  We actively seek Māori kaimahi into our workforce and provide an environment which delivers our commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion.

MidCentral region offers an excellent lifestyle for families with scenic spots for hiking and mountain-biking, great schools and tertiary institutions.  With the mountains, city and sea at your doorstep, you'll get to taste the best of both worlds – the perfect blend of rural and city living.

About the Location

Manawatū offers the perfect blend of city convenience and rural charm. Whether you're drawn to peaceful village life, vibrant townships, or the buzz of the city, you'll find your ideal lifestyle here. It's a family-friendly region that's easy to live in and even easier to love. The region is also home to excellent schools and two tertiary institutions: Massey University and the International Pacific College.

Outdoor enthusiasts are spoiled for choice—beaches, ski fields, lakes, and mountains are all within reach, along with fantastic hiking and mountain biking tracks. With no traffic and a short commute to work, achieving true work-life balance is the everyday reality.

Our central location makes it easy to explore the rest of New Zealand, whether you're heading off on a road trip or catching a short flight.

For more information on living and working in the Manawatu click here

Benefits

• An encouraging learning environment where you will continue to grow and be challenged
• A professional and supportive culture and team setting
• Fulfilling and challenging work with great lifestyle options
• Tailored wellness programmes

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 the advertised date. If you have any questions about the role, please contact Helen Manoharan, Nursing Recruitment Consultant (Email: helen.manoharan@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.