Health Improvement Practitioner

• Are you passionate about the health and well-being of our community?
• Are you a highly motivated nursing or allied health practitioner who enjoys a fast-paced work environment?
• Would you like work with a General Practice team committed to providing high quality mental health support to patients?
• Are you interested in working across three of our general practices based in Ashburton, part time or full time considered?

Mō te tūnga – About the role

Te Tumu Waiora - te reo for 'to head towards wellness' - is a new model of primary mental health and addictions care and support which aims to provide all New Zealanders experiencing mental distress or addictions challenges with access to convenient, high quality, integrated and person-centred care and support. The model is being rolled out nationally over the next four years.

The model puts mental health and wellbeing at the heart of general practice with focused roles, Health Improvement Practitioners and Health Coaches, working as part of the general practice team.

They will be required to deliver brief, evidence based behavioral interventions to individuals, whanau and groups for mental health and physical health conditions in people of all ages.

They will actively support and mentor HIPs ensuring that they have the knowledge/skills and resources required to work to the top of scope of practice.  They will also work with Te Pou trainers, NGOs and PHOs to refine the services delivered for the New Zealand context.

Employment of these roles sits with a Primary Health Organisation – either Pegasus Health, Waitaha Primary Health, or Christchurch PHO. This role is based in Waitaha Primary Health practices in Kaiapoi/Rangiora.

Successful applicants will receive comprehensive training and ongoing mentoring, which will appeal to clinicians with an interest and expertise in behavioral health and behavioral change. Good remuneration, team support and training budget for the successful applicant.

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako - Skills and experience

• Applicants must be registered under the HPCA Act:  SWRB, DAPAANZ, Clinical Psychology, NZAC professional boards
• Experience working in primary care or from a counselling/mental health environment delivering talking therapies
• A good understanding of and is skilled in delivering talking therapy modalities for example ACT, CBT, FACT
• A relevant registered health professional qualification
• A working knowledge of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and its application to health care
• Demonstrated commitment to addressing issues of equity in health and service delivery
• Highly developed interpersonal and communication skills
• The ability to develop relationships with a wide variety of people
• Established relationships or ability to build relationships within Māori, Pasifika, and wider community networks
• The ability and experience to work autonomously and as part of a wider team
• Enthusiasm and passion about improving healthcare

Mō mātou - About Us

Your Health | Your Whānau | Our Community"

Waitaha Primary Health (WPH) has responsibility for the provision of primary health services to approximately 50,000 enrolled patients in Canterbury, and contracts with Te Whatu Ora and a number of other health funders.

WPH is committed to reducing health inequalities for its enrolled population. WPH works with health care clinicians, health care providers, Iwi and local communities to improve health outcomes.

Te Tiriti o Waitangi - Treaty of Waitangi

We are committed to honouring Te Tiriti o Waitangi and its principles by ensuring our partnership with Māori are at the forefront of all our conversations. We believe in improving, promoting, and protecting the health and well-being of the Canterbury community.

Ngā hua - Benefits of working at Waitaha Primary Health

• Supportive whānau focused environment
• Part of a committed team making change in the communities
• Inclusive workplace, supporting diversity
• Employee Kiwisaver contribution
• Access to Employee Benefits Programme - Boost
• Access to Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
• Support professional development opportunities

Tono ināianei - Apply Now

Only applications submitted through Seek will be accepted.  Applicants must have permanent work rights with no restrictions for New Zealand.

For a copy of the position description and employment application form please contact:  Tania Emmett email: 

For more information visit:

Applications to be received no later than close of day on Monday 10 November All applications will be maintained in strict confidence.   You will be expected to undergo a Police vetting process.

Please note we may process and progress applications prior to the closing date, so please do not hesitate to make enquiries or send/submit us your application. We look forward to hearing from you.

Nau mai, haere mai, tauti mai