Health Improvement Practitioner

In-Practice Hokitika based (3 days) and supporting remote practices online (2 days)
- Permanent Position
- Full-time (1 FTE)
- $46.56 per hour

West Coast Health is a Primary Health Organisation, a non-government organisation (NGO) that exists to improve the wellbeing of the people of the beautiful West Coast. As a community trust we are governed by a Board of Trustees with representation from the health workforce, Māori health providers, iwi, and the local community. At WCH we are committed to growing and supporting primary care in our communities, providing top quality healthcare services, and working to eliminate health inequities.

We are looking for registered health professionals who have experience in delivering behavioural health services to fill this rewarding role within General Practice, empowering people to reach their mental health and wellbeing goals through brief interventions.

This role is part of New Zealand's relatively new primary care-based behavioural health workforce and the innovative programme Te Tumu Waiora - Te Reo for “to head towards wellness”. At the heart of the service are two roles embedded within the general practice team - Health Improvement Practitioners and Health Coaches.

**About the role**

The Health Improvement Practitioner (HIP) provides evidence-based brief intervention talking therapies to individuals and their whānau to help reconnect them with their values and commit to actions reflective of their health and wellbeing goals. It is a generalist role based within the health centre helping people with any issue affecting their wellbeing by providing:

- immediate, accessible therapy (particularly Focused Acceptance and Commitment Therapy - FACT) to patients
- group programs for patients in partnership with the general practice team
- consultation, education, and advice to support members of the general practice team meet the mental health and wellbeing needs of their patients.
- support local population health by developing intervention pathways alongside GPs and nurses based on clinic needs
- Utilise the Te Whare Tapa Wha model of care to ensure collaborative plans are culturally appropriate for any challenges in health and wellbeing.

Successful applicants will receive comprehensive training and ongoing mentoring as part of the national Integrated Primary Mental Health and Addictions programme.

Who we are looking for
- A registered health professional with a background in mental health or social work (e.g., psychologist, psychotherapist, DAPAANZ registered Counsellor, Social worker) with a current practicing certificate.
- Professional experience in their registered field of a minimum of 3 years.
- Ideally has experience working in general practice, primary care and/or community settings.
- Qualifications or experience in CBT, ACT or FACT are an advantage but not essential.
- Is self-motivated, can work autonomously and collaboratively as part of a team.
- Empathetic and open-minded with excellent communication skills.
- Willing to embrace change and up to the challenge of different ways of working.
- Ability to work at a fast pace with a flexible schedule in a varied general practice environment.
- Demonstrated experience of working within a Te Ao Māori environment and understanding Tikanga Māori, and/or experience working within a bicultural context with diverse communities and/or organisations
- Committed to ongoing professional development/education.
- Full clean NZ Driver License.
- Proficient computer skills with a willingness to work in practice three days a week and online the other two days

Please note that West Coast Health requires workers based in General Practice to be vaccinated against COVID-19 as a condition of employment. Should an applicant progress through the recruitment process they will be required to prove vaccination status.

Applicants for this position should have NZ residency or a valid NZ work visa for at least 12 months and must already be in the country to be considered for this role.