Community Mental Health Nurse - Mental Health Service for Older Peopleat Health New Zealand - Te Whatu Ora Waikato -
About the RoleThe primary goal of this role is to deliver a quality-focused, recovery-oriented service that maximizes wellness and quality of life for older people, often preventing the need for more dependent levels of care or hospital admissions.
You will be providing specialist, holistic, community-based mental health care to adults over 65, aiming to support their independence and well-being in their own homes. You will be working within a highly motivated multidisciplinary team (including psychiatrists, occupational therapists, social workers, etc.) and fostering strong relationships with other stakeholders, such as primary care providers and local authorities, to ensure coordinated and non-fragmented care.In the Triage role working 0.4 the key skills involve a blend of core clinical competencies, interpersonal abilities, and administrative skills.
Triage practitioners must balance the immediate needs of individuals in crisis with available community resources.Key responsibilities:Comprehensive Assessment: Conducting a range of specialist assessments for suspected severe mental illness, addiction issues, and/or dementia with challenging symptoms (Behavioural and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia - BPSD).Care Coordination and Management: Serving as a care coordinator to manage the holistic needs of an assigned caseload, which involves developing, implementing, and evaluating goal-oriented care plans collaboratively with the patient and their family/whānau.Clinical Interventions: Providing evidence-based psychosocial interventions, administering and monitoring medications, and offering one-on-one therapy sessions.Risk Assessment and Safety Planning: Conducting thorough risk assessments (e.g., suicide prevention, aggression reduction) and implementing appropriate safeguards and safety plans to protect the patient and others.Patient and Family Education/Support: Educating patients and their families/carers about mental health conditions, treatment plans, and available social activities to help them manage the condition and combat social stigma.Liaison and Collaboration: Working within a highly motivated multidisciplinary team (including psychiatrists, occupational therapists, social workers, etc.) and fostering strong relationships with other stakeholders, such as primary care providers and local authorities, to ensure coordinated and non-fragmented care.Advocacy: Advocating for the patient's rights and interests, ensuring they have the necessary information to make informed decisions about their care and assisting them in navigating the healthcare system.Documentation and Legal Compliance: Maintaining effective patient records and ensuring all care and treatment provided comply with relevant legal and policy frameworks, such as the Mental Health Act legislation in specific regions.
Click here to view the position description. About the TeamWe are a forward thinking compassionate team who always have the care of our Tāngata Whenua at the forefront of all our decision making. We are family friendly and understand the importance of keeping our staff well and motivated.About HamiltonHamilton, 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 youPrevious experience in MHSOP community or previous experience in MH assessment.Committed to working in a holistic and culturally responsive manner.Hold a current annual practicing certificate that enables you to work in Mental Health.
Working at Health New ZealandHealth 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 ApplyTo 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 January 2026.
If you have any questions about the role, please contact Craig MacDonald on 027 648 6909.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.