Mental Health Clinicians - Regional Reintegration Service at Health New Zealand - Te Whatu Ora Waikato, Waikato

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

• Te Manawa Taki region Waikato, Rotorua, and Whakatane (one position in each area)
• Permanent 80 hours per fortnight

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 Roles

We are seeking registered health professionals to join Te Manawa Taki Intensive Community Wraparound team. The team will provide a coordinated, responsive support service for tāngata whaiora being released from prison who have a high risk of disengaging from services or reoffending. One registered clinician will be based in Hamilton, one in Whakatane and one in Rotorua.

The registered health professional provides clinical assessment, therapeutic intervention, and Adult Community Mental Health Team (ACMHT) liaison for tangata whaiora releasing to their local district, working under the direction of the locally based Senior Coordinator and with clinical oversight from the centrally based Lead Coordinator

Key responsibilities of the role include:

• Build strong relationships with tāngata whaiora, their whānau, and other support agencies.
• Identify needs during the reintegration period and proactively address any unmet requirements.
• Demonstrate expertise in mental health assessment and risk management.
• Review mental health status and work closely with the ACMHT.
• Implement MYPLAN and support tāngata whaiora to achieve their recovery goals.
• Follow tasks as delegated by the Senior Coordinator.
• Conduct reintegration interventions to support a successful return to the community.
• Advocate for tāngata whaiora to ensure they receive support from local community services.

To view the position description for Alcohol and Drug Clinician click here, for Registered Nurse click here for Occupational Therapist click here or for Social Worker click here.

Click here to view the annexure for Waikato

Click here to view the annexure for Rotorua

Click here to view the annexure for Whakatane

About the Team

The Te Manawa Taki Intensive Community Wraparound team is a new Forensic Mental Health Service that is being developed to upscale Forensic Mental Health Services to address capacity needs in Te Manawa Taki, resulting from the expansion of Waikeria Prison. It will enhance service provision and support for high risk, high needs tangata whaiora released from Waikeria, Springhill and Tongariro prisons. The intensive community wraparound service is to specifically address the significant increase in service demand expected across the Waikato and the wider Te Manawa Taki region. The districts that are within Te Manawa Taki are; Waikato, Bay of Plenty, Lakes, Taranaki and Tairawhiti.

The Service will comprise of a number of small teams (totalling around 12 staff) based locally across the Te Manawa Taki region, employed by Te Whatu Ora Waikato and centrally line managed by the Lead Coordinator based in Hamilton. The teams will specifically provide coordinated and clinical support for whaiora released from prison back to their locality that present with high risk/high needs. The regional team will work collaboratively with their local statutory and non-governmental organisations.

Key outcomes for tangata whaiora

• A coordinated and supportive plan is in place for their transition to their community.
• Experience a systematic intensive mental health support service across Te Manawa Taki. Opportunities to develop fulfilling valued social roles in the community and being active, contributing members of their communities.
• Reduced risk of recidivist offending.

About you

• Current registration under the Health Practitioners Competence Assurance (HPCA) Act 2003 (e.g. nursing, occupational therapy, or social work), with a current Annual Practising Certificate.
• Experience working in mental health, forensic, or justice-related settings.
• Sound clinical knowledge in mental health and competent with risk assessment.
• Ability to work autonomously and manage a caseload of tangata whaiora with complex mental health and social needs.
• Whānau-centred, collaborative, and partnership-based approach.
• Competency with te ao Māori, tikanga, and te reo Māori, or a commitment to starting your journey and taking ownership of your learning and growth.
• Experience working with Māori and Pasifika communities.
• Highly developed interpersonal communication and inter-agency liaison skills.
• Current full driver's licence.

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 online or apply via our Waikato Careers website by clicking here.

All applications must be submitted through our online careers portal before 11:59 pm on 30 August 2026. If you have any questions about the role, please contact Joshua Kim at Joshua.kim@waikatodhb.health.nz

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