Primary Health Clinician - Brief Intervention

Primary Health Clinician

Primary Healthcare Clinician | 2 Permanent, Part Time Opportunities (0.7 or 0.8FTE | 56 or 64 hours per fortnight) | Timaru

Help people when they need it most through focused, short-term mental health interventions that make a real difference. Work in a collaborative primary care setting, partnering with GPs, nurses, and community services to deliver accessible mental health care close to home.

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

The Primary Mental Health Clinician is a key member of the Mental Health Brief Intervention Service within Health New Zealand Primary Mental Health and Addiction Service - South Canterbury. To provide a short-term counselling service for people over 18, who are referred by their General Practitioner / Nurse Practitioner / Practice Nurse, Health Improvement Practitioner (HIP), NGO or other Mental Health Service, with mild to moderate mental health concerns. Initial assessment will be required to determine a treatment plan in conjunction with the person referred. Interventions are to be focused, specific and short term. Referrals are to be made to the community agencies as appropriate.

About the Team/Service/Location

The Brief Intervention Team is based at Talbot Park in Timaru. The service provides up to four free brief intervention sessions, with the flexibility to offer up to two additional sessions where this is considered likely to support positive outcomes for the person. People accessing the service have the flexibility to use their sessions over a 12-month period, allowing interventions to be tailored to individual needs and goals while supporting a person-centred approach.

About You

You will be a compassionate and skilled mental health professional with a strong commitment to delivering high-quality care. Alongside excellent communication and relationship-building skills, you'll be able to work both independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team. We are looking for someone who is organised, adaptable, motivated, and committed to continuous improvement, with the ability to manage competing priorities and contribute positively to a supportive team environment.

Current NZ registration and Annual Practising Certificate as a Registered Health Professional, Registered Nurse, Registered Social Worker, or Registered Occupational Therapist. At least 2 years' experience working within mental health-focused services. A relevant postgraduate qualification in mental health (ideally with a focus on talking therapies). Strong assessment, communication, and problem-solving skills. The ability to effectively manage workload, prioritise tasks, and work autonomously. Experience working collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team. A commitment to professional development, clinical supervision, and contemporary clinical practice.