Mental Health Clinician

Tēnā koutou katoa, Talofa lava, Kia orana, Malo e lelei, Bula Vinaka, Fakaalofa lahi atu, Namaste, Ni hao, Mabuhay, Salam alaikum, Kia ora, Hi
- Are you passionate about the health and well-being of our community?
- Do you enjoy variety in a role, with the satisfaction of doing something worthwhile?
- Would you like to be part of a team that pursues excellence?
**About us**

Pegasus Health supports many aspects of health and wellbeing in Canterbury. We provide services and support to general practices and community-based health providers to deliver quality health care to patients.

We work in partnership with our communities, general practices and other health providers to improve the health and wellbeing of people in our communities, all while aiming to make Canterbury the best place to receive and provide care.

Working with our communities, means being committed to the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and working in a bicultural manner to improve equitable access and outcomes for Māori. We’re committed to improving equitable access and outcomes for Pacific, CALD, LGBTQI+ and other priority populations.

**What you will be doing**
- Working alongside General Practice teams to provide short term intervention, (using a FACT framework) in a GP extension role for patients with psychological difficulties and/or mental illness.
- Acting as a resource person for patients and General Practice to gain knowledge about and establish contact with community agencies and support services.
- Assessing needs of patients and to link in with appropriate resources or provide short term treatment, that may include problem-solving, goal setting, psychosocial interventions, crisis resolution, stress management and education around illness and prevention.
- Assisting in gathering information for General Practice around issues affecting mental health and psychosocial factors that if addressed would assist in treatment.
- Where there are more serious mental health concerns or risk factors, liaising with the patients General Practitioner as to a referral to Specialist Mental Health Services.
- Providing written communication back to General Practice throughout contact with the patient.
- Ensuring all work is carried out within the guidelines of the service provision framework.

We are currently looking to fill:

- Part time role, 32 hours per week role located in Christchurch.
**We’re looking for someone who**:

- Clinical experience in delivering talking therapies (ACT/FACT would be an advantage) and a relevant registered health qualification
Willingness to embrace new ways of working
- Highly developed interpersonal and communication skills
- Ability to develop relationships with a wide variety of people
- Commitment to addressing issues of equity in health and service delivery
- The ability and experience to work autonomously and as part of a wider team
- Established relationships or ability to build relationships within Maori, Pasifika and wider community networks
- Enthusiasm and passion for improving healthcare
- Previous primary health care experience is desirable
**What you will bring**:

- 3+ years working within a counselling/mental health environment, and a relevant registered health professional qualification and current practicing certificate.
- Comprehensive understanding of talking therapy modalities, in particular, to be familiar with Focused Act and Commitment Therapy/FACT and behavioral change.
- Ability to act as a resource person for patients and General Practice to facilitate contact with community agencies and support services.
- Ability to competently use computers, able to work with electronic medical records.
- Ability to work independently within agreed boundaries.

To be successful in this role, you’ll have an understanding of (or active interest in) and commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi principles and biculturalism.**What we offer / What’s in it for you**
- Supportive, people focused culture
- Opportunities for professional growth
- Range of wellness benefits including a wellness subsidy
- Free after-hours medical care
- Flexible-working opportunities allowing you to maintain a healthy work-life balance

We want to support you through the recruitment process to allow you to give your best. If you’d like to bring a support person with you to any face to face meetings or need any other support please let us know.