Registered Nurse Mental Health - Auckland Prisonat Ara Poutama Aotearoa (Department of Corrections)75,773 - 106,739
- disciplinary service.
This is a newly created position, offering the opportunity to make a tangible difference in the lives of those in our care.As a Mental Health RN, you will provide specialised mental health nursing across the full spectrum of care from triage and assessment to implementing evidence-based interventions.
You will work collaboratively with custodial staff, the wider health team, and external stakeholders to deliver safe, effective, and person-centred care.Embedded within a team of experienced mental health professionals, you will support some of the most vulnerable individuals in the prison environment.
Our practice is grounded in clinical excellence and guided by the principles of Humanising and Healing.We uphold the dignity, mana, and wellbeing of all people and their whānau, recognising the transformative power of compassionate care.Mōu | About youYou are a Mental Health RN who aligns strongly with our kaupapa and can demonstrate this through your application.
You are committed to delivering high-quality, person-centred care and either bring prison mental health experience or have a genuine desire to develop specialist skills in this challenging and rewarding setting.EssentialCurrent registration with the Nursing Council of New Zealand and a valid Annual Practising Certificate, with scope enabling practice as a Mental Health RNProven experience in trauma-informed careExperience working with individuals experiencing acute and complex mental health and/or addiction issuesStrong cultural competence, including an understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and its application in healthcareDemonstrated experience working effectively with Māori, whānau, and iwiSound knowledge of the professional, ethical, and legislative requirements for providing mental health care in a prison contextDesiredAcute mental health setting experienceForensic mental health experiencePost-graduate qualification in Mental HealthYou are a strong communicator, an effective problem-solver, and someone who thrives on challenges.
Ideally, you have completed a new graduate programme in mental health or have prior experience in a mental health setting and are willing to commit to completing a post-graduate qualification.Previous training in modalities such as ACT or DBT would be a valuable bonus.
Most importantly, you are ready to make a difference.Ngā painga | The benefitsThe full salary range is $75,773- $106,739.
- Department of Corrections, where your work will contribute to improving public safety, reducing re-offending, and addressing the overrepresentation of Māori in correctional facilities.
As a values-led organisation, we use the principles of rangatira (leadership), manaaki (respect), wairua (spirituality), kaitiaki (guardianship), and whānau (relationships) to guide our work and achieve the goals of our Hōkai Rangi strategy.We value inclusion and diversity in our workforce, and as a Public Service organisation we are committed to building a workforce that reflects the public we serve.
We strive to make our recruitment process fair, and we encourage you to discuss reasonable accommodations with us if required.Tono ināianei | Apply NowTo submit an application and view the position description, click the apply link.
All applications must be submitted through our careers site to ensure transparency- applications received via email will not be considered.
When applying, submit a tailored CV and a cover letter describing your motivation for joining the department, highlighting relevant skills and experience and the alignment to our work.Applications close 11pm Thursday 5 March 2026If you would like to learn more about the role or our site, please feel free to contact Jiajia Chen at jiajia.chen@corrections.govt.nz.
If you have any questions or want to learn more about a career with us, visit careers.corrections.govt.nz.