Registered Mental Health Professional - Co-Response Crisis Clinician

• Based in the stunning Bay of Plenty with golden beaches, lifestyle, and a vibrant community
• Full Time Position – 1.0 FTE
• Be part of a new and innovative, health-led response alongside NZ Police

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 full-time position as a Co-Response Clinician role sits at the frontline of mental health crisis response. Based in Tauranga, the position works in partnership with New Zealand Police to provide timely, compassionate, and clinically led support to people experience acute mental distress.

The role focuses on an on-scene assessment, de-escalation, and brief intervention, with the aim of reducing emergency department presentations and limiting the use of section 109 of the Mental Health Act. Clinical judgement, rapid decision-making, and a calm presence are critical, particularly in high-pressure and unpredictable situations.

This role contributes directly to safer outcomes for individuals, whānau, and the wider community by supporting least restrictive pathways and rapid connection into Mental Health and Addiction services.

About the Team/Service/Location

The Co-Response Team operates as part of Mental Health and Addictions Services across the Bay of Plenty, with Tauranga as its base. The team works closely with Police, emergency services, and community providers to deliver integrated, wraparound care. Strong clinical leadership, shared learning, and peer support are central to how the team operates. Tauranga offers the professional challenge of complex clinical work alongside an active coastal lifestyle and strong community connection.

Click here to learn more about the Bay of Plenty

About You

You are an experienced Registered Mental Health Professional who brings confidence, sound clinical judgement, and the ability to remain composed in high-risk situations. A strong belief in health-led, person-centred crisis care underpins practice, alongside a commitment to equity and culturally safe responses. Collaboration, clear communication, and respect for whānau and community context shape how care is delivered.

What you will bring:

• Current professional registration and Annual Practicing Certificate
• Background in acute mental health assessment and crisis intervention
• Strong de-escalation, risk assessment, and decision-making skills
• Ability to work effectively alongside Police and emergency services
• Commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and improving equity of outcomes
• Confidence linking people quickly into appropriate Mental Heal and Addiction Services

Please click here for the position description if you have a Nursing background.
Please click here for the position description if you have an Allied Mental Health background.

Working for 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 Māori, Pacific, disabled, and rainbow communities.

How to Apply

To apply for the role please click “apply now.”  All applications must be submitted through our online careers portal before 11:59pm on 23 March 2026. If you have any questions about the role, please contact bp-Careers@tewhatuora.govt.nz

Please note, we will be reviewing applications when received and may proceed with the recruitment process, before the closing date of this advert.