Lead perinatal mental health care for birthing parents and whanau in Waikato

Mental Health Clinician - Perinatal

Te Kuuwaha o te Waiora, 135C Silverdale Road, Hillcrest, Hamilton

Permanent 80 hours per fortnight (Monday to Friday)

This is a great opportunity to apply your knowledge and skills to improve the health outcomes of people who experience moderate to severe mental health challenges during the perinatal mental health period.

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.

We are seeking an enthusiastic, motivated and experienced Health Professional (Registered Nurse, Occupational Therapist, or Social worker) to join our Perinatal Mental Health team to work alongside Waahine, their whaanau during their pregnancy and in the post-natal period.

This is a great opportunity for a clinician who is passionate about delivering exceptional patient care, fostering a team culture and demonstrating integrity, respect and cultural humility in all aspects of their practice. You will be engaged in core clinical activities such as mental health assessment, treatment planning and recovery-oriented interventions that are culturally relevant to our service users and their families/whaanau.

We are a small close-knit team of 14 dedicated clinicians who are passionate about providing the best community mental health service possible. We are committed to making a difference with tangata whaiora and their whanau working in partnership to create kotahitanga.

We believe in delivering services with a strong recovery focus and sensitivity to cultural aspects of mental health through applying the treaty of Waitangi principles into practice.

The Perinatal Mental Health Service provides a specialist multi-disciplinary mental health service to birthing parents in the Waikato, who experience moderate to severe mental health-related issues, during pregnancy and up to 12 months post partum.

We are seeking an experienced health professional with a good understanding of adult mental health needs who has an interest in the complexity of the perinatal period including the mother-baby relationship. Good assessment skills and engagement skills are a key requirement. You will have excellent communication skills for consultation, networking, and liaison and will perform well under pressure.

Essential:

  • Registered health professional with current annual practising certificate.
  • Full NZ driver's licence.
  • Understanding of mental health perinatal issues.
  • Knowledge and understanding of Te Tiriti O Waitangi.
  • An interest and passion in Perinatal Mental Health Speciality.
  • Effective therapeutic communication and interpersonal skills to forge and foster meaningful relationships with parents, infants and whanau.
  • Strong assessment (including risk) assessment skills with specific attention to the mother / infant relationship for up to 12 months post partum.
  • Adaptability and flexibility to work within family routines and schedules.

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.

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.