Community Mental Health Clinician - Mental Health Service for Older Persons

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

• Thames/Coromandel
• Permanent – 72 hours per fortnight
• Become part of a quality, highly functioning team, whom provide excellent care to our over 65 population, with opportunity for education and fantastic collegial support

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 a community keyworker for Mental Health services for older persons, you will be providing specialist assessment, treatment and support for older adults experiencing mental health disorders. You will work as part of a wider community team, and be expected to carry your own caseload therefore experience in managing caseloads would be very advantageous. 

Key responsibilities:

• Assessment and treatment, conducting comprehensive assessments to identify MH needs and developing tailored treatment plans.
• Maximizing wellness, working to alleviate symptoms, improve quality of life, and promote independence and social inclusion.
• Family and whānau involvement – actively involving family and whānau in the care of the older person.
• Access to services – facilitating access to a range of support services, including disability support, ethnic and cultural services.
• Collaboration and Coordination – working as part of a multidisciplinary team, including primary care and community support services, to ensure seamless care.

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

About the Team

Our team of experienced and dedicated clinicians cover the whole of the Waikato, the rest of the team are based out of Hamilton at Waikato Hospital OPR building. We are a very supportive and welcoming team and provide cover for each other when on annual leave or sick leave.

This inpatient, outpatient and community service is for people over the age of 65. We aim to conduct initial assessments in the person's place of residence.

The team consists of:

• Community Mental Health Nurses
• Registrar
• Social Workers
• Psychologists
• Occupational Therapists
• Community Support Worker.

This service is for:

• adults from the age of 65 with significant mental health problems
• people who have a mental health history and have not had any contact with adult mental health service in Waikato within the last year
• adults of any age with an established diagnosis of dementia, complicated by significant behavioural and psychological symptoms.

About Thames

Located in the heart of The Coromandel, Thames is a charming town steeped in history and surrounded by stunning natural beauty. The area offers a mix of colonial architecture, a vibrant arts scene, and a rich cultural heritage, including Māori history and the town's gold mining past. Outdoor enthusiasts will find endless opportunities to explore the Coromandel Ranges and Kauaeranga Valley with hiking and camping right on your doorstep. Thames also marks the beginning of the Hauraki Rail Trail, perfect for cycling through the region’s scenic landscapes. With an abundance of cafés, boutique shops, and local attractions, Thames provides a perfect balance of adventure, relaxation, and community. It's an ideal place to build your career while enjoying the serene beauty and lifestyle of the Coromandel.

For more information on living and working in Waikato click here

About you

• Previous community mental health experience preferred.
• Confident and capable of conducting comprehensive assessments.
• Someone who has empathy and compassion for the older adult.
• Someone good with crisis management, being able to respond calmly and effectively to crisis situations and de-escalate conflict.
• A good understanding of common mental health conditions affecting older adults, including dementia, depression and anxiety.
• A current annual practicing certificate.
• A current full New Zealand drivers 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 4 August 2025. If you have any questions about the role, please contact Robyn Payne at Robyn.Payne@TeWhatuOra.govt.nz