Complex Dementia Clinician - Mental Health Services for Older People at Health New Zealand - Te Whatu Ora Taranaki, Taranaki

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

• Complex Dementia Clinician - Mental Health Services for Older People
• Taranaki Base Hospital, New Plymouth 
• 0.5 FTE (40 hours per fortnight), Permanent Position

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 suitably qualified and experienced Mental Health clinician (Nurse or Allied Professional) to join our Mental Health Services for Older People team providing specialist nursing assessment, formulation, treatment and support to those who have been diagnosed with complex behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD). This involves working with staff individually and in groups in all aged care facilities in Taranaki and in other community settings in order to foster a person-centred approach utilizing up to date evidence based clinical guidelines.

We will offer the successful candidate the opportunity to:

Support to develop behaviour management plans utilizing informed best practice knowledge to manage complex and challenging behaviours resulting from BPSD.

Provide specialist advice and education to relevant stakeholders caring and providing services for people with complex BPSD.

Provide a conduit pathway between BPSD care providers and the specialist knowledge and skills of the Mental Health for Older People Service.

Please click here to view the position description

About the Team/Service/ Location

At Te Whatu Ora Taranaki we are committed to recognising the value our people bring to our organisation within a supportive team of healthcare professionals that provide comprehensive care to our patients.

We believe having workforce that is diverse and inclusive, we are a pro-equity Health Organisation and this means that we will be better positioned to understand and serve our community.

When you choose to work with us, we will offer you:

A comprehensive orientation and induction to our organisation and your department

Access to clinical training and education

Up to date facilities, Have a look at

Project Maunga - our New Facilities currently under construction check this out on our website www.tdhb.org/maunga.shtml

Opportunities to participate on local project and regional collaboration teams

Professional development

For more information on living and working in Taranaki click here

About you

         Successful candidates will have:

         Current clinical registration (Nursing / Allied) and annual practising certificate;

         At least four years experience in acute and/or community based mental health nursing with experience working in the older persons mental health field;

         Excellent clinical knowledge base and adept ability to provide psychoeducation for whai ora, whanau and health care providers.

         Ability to work under pressure, be a good team player, demonstrate leadership skills and positively contribute to service delivery;

         Be prepared to travel across the Taranaki rohe to meet the needs of our people and have a willing, 'can do' attitude.

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 Monday 14 September 2026. If you have any questions about the role, please contact Linda Wood at linda.wood@tdhb.org.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.