Community Mental Health Nurse , Social Worker or Occupational Therapist - Rural South

• Based in Tokoroa
• Permanent – 64 hours per fortnight

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

This is a diverse and exciting role for a registered nurse, social worker or occupational therapist working with Tangata whai ora who live in this beautiful rural part of the Waikato. In this role you will provide assessment and treatment for people with acute or enduring mental illness in the community.

Reporting to the Charge Nurse Manager and Associate Charge Nurse Manager, you will hold a case load of 25-30 people as part of the MDT which includes consultant psychiatrists, clinical psychologist, occupational therapist, social workers, kaitakawaenga, support workers and nurses. You will be conducting comprehensive mental health assessments, risk assessments, and developing collaborative recovery plans utilizing your skills and knowledge to support your work with whai ora.

The role is primarily based in Tokoroa but may require travel to Te Awamutu, Te Kuiti or Taumarunui bases to provide cover or support when needed.

Key responsibilities:

• Organise prioritise and manage a caseload including the documentation associated with this.
• Clear communication with MDT wider team and community partners.
• Be a DAO or have an interest in becoming one.
• Practice with a tangata whaiora and whanau centred approach and be a strong advocate for best practice.

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

About the Team/Service

The rural south is a large close-knit team made up of 44 dedicated clinicians who are passionate about providing the best community mental health service possible. Our foundation is a family come first culture.

Mental Health and Addictions Services at Waikato delivers a full range of specialty services across the district. We are committed to making a difference with tāngata whai ora and their whānau through working in partnership to create kotahitanga. We believe in delivering services with a strong recovery focus and a sensitivity to cultural aspects of mental health through applying the Treaty of Waitangi principles into practice.

About Waikato

The Waikato region is a dynamic mix of stunning scenery and cultural richness, providing a variety of experiences for every age. Whether you're catching epic surf, discovering breathtaking underground wonders, or immersing yourself in the magic of a famous movie landscape, there's something for everyone to enjoy. 

For more information on living and working in Waikato click here

About you

• Competency with te ao Māori, tikanga, and te reo Māori or a commitment to starting your journey and taking ownership of your learning and growth.
• Experience in upholding Te Tiriti principals and frameworks, and the application of Mātauranga Māori and Kaupapa Māori approaches, particularly as they apply in healthcare settings.
• Passionate about working with tangata whai ora and whanau, and have mental health experience.
• Knowledge and understanding of Te Tiriti O Waitangi.
• A current annual practicing certificate.
• A current full drivers licence.
• At least 2 years experience working in an acute or community mental health setting.

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 26 April 2026. If you have any questions about the role, please contact Whitney Senior-Partridge whitney.senior-partridge@tewhatuora.govt.nz

We will review applications as received and may proceed with the recruitment process before the closing date of this advert.