Advanced Allied Health Clinicians - Adult Acute Inpatient Unit and Puawai Midland Regional Forensic Psychiatric Service at Health New Zealand - Te Whatu Ora Waikato, Waikato

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

• Waikato Hospital
• Permanent 80 hours per fortnight
• Provide specialist allied health leadership and help shape recovery-focused mental health care
• Join a service committed to delivering high-quality, evidence-based and culturally safe care for tangata whaiora and whānau, while strengthening therapeutic practice and multidisciplinary collaboration across the Adult Acute Inpatient Unit and Puawai Midland Regional Forensic Psychiatric Service

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

As an Advanced Allied Health Clinician, you will provide advanced discipline-specific assessment, intervention and consultation to support the therapeutic, psychosocial and functional needs of tangata whaiora within the acute inpatient setting. You will use your specialist expertise to guide therapeutic approaches, recovery planning and complex care interventions while supporting teams to deliver holistic, person-centred care.

This role is an exciting opportunity to influence service delivery beyond direct clinical care. Working collaboratively as part of a specialist leadership triad alongside the Clinical Nurse Specialist and Advanced Cultural Support Specialist, you will support multidisciplinary care planning, workforce capability development, quality improvement initiatives and service development activities that strengthen outcomes for tangata whaiora and whānau.

You will support the embedding of the Waiora model of care within everyday practice, helping to integrate clinical excellence, recovery-focused approaches and culturally responsive care for tangata whaiora and whānau.

Key responsibilities:

• Provide advanced allied health assessment and intervention within your area of specialty for people experiencing acute mental health needs.
• Provide therapeutic leadership in recovery planning, psychosocial interventions and management of complex presentations.
• Mentor, coach and support the development of allied health staff across disciplines to build capability and consistency.
• Strengthen multidisciplinary practice and ensure allied health contributions are visible and integrated across the service.
• Lead or contribute to service development, research, quality improvement initiatives, and the development of evidence-based pathways, policies and guidelines.
• Support multidisciplinary reviews, risk assessments and care planning for people with complex presentations.

Click here to view the position description.

About the Team/Service

The Adult Acute Inpatient team and Puawai Midland Regional Forensic Psychiatric Service provides assessment, treatment and support for people experiencing acute and forensic mental health needs. Our multidisciplinary team is committed to delivering recovery-focused, person-centred care that promotes wellbeing, equity and positive outcomes for tangata whaiora and whānau. The service fosters collaborative practice and values clinical excellence, cultural integrity and continuous improvement. 

Waiora is the foundation, framework and model of care across Mental Health and Addictions Services. In 1989, Te Arikinui Te Atairangikaahu gifted the name Waiora Waikato and its tikanga as a taonga to the Waikato Area Health Board. Waiora, meaning "the water of life", reflects the healing role of wai in sustaining and restoring ora (wellbeing). Today, Waiora continues to evolve by integrating clinical practice and mātauranga Māori, supporting wellbeing while acknowledging the values, identity and aspirations of our communities.

Through Waiora, we are committed to Māori-led approaches that place tangata whaiora and their whānau at the centre of care, ensuring cultural integrity, clinical excellence and equitable outcomes are embedded throughout our service.

About Hamilton

Hamilton, where Waikato Hospital is situated, is a vibrant city nestled alongside the scenic Waikato River, offering a perfect mix of nature and culture. Explore the stunning Hamilton Gardens, home to themed gardens from Italy to Asia, or visit the Waikato Museum to delve into the region's rich history. The city also boasts the Hamilton Zoo, where you can walk through an aviary filled with native birds. Hamilton is a lively hub, with a variety of cafes, restaurants, and bars, along with events like rugby, cricket, and the famous National Agricultural Fieldays and Balloons over Waikato festival. With its vibrant atmosphere and proximity to outdoor adventures, Hamilton is an ideal place to live and work.

For more information on living and working in Waikato click here

About you

• Advanced allied health expertise within mental health services.
• Demonstrated leadership experience with strong coaching, mentoring and workforce development skills.
• A sound understanding of evidence-based practice, recovery models and quality improvement methodologies.
• Proven ability to work collaboratively across disciplines, services and professional groups.
• A commitment to equity, cultural safety and achieving positive outcomes for tangata whaiora and whānau.

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 31 July 2026. If you have any questions about the role, please contact Robyn Payne at Robyn.Payne@TeWhatuOra.govt.nz

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