Clinical Nurse Specialist - Intellectual Disability Service

Clinical Nurse Specialist - Intellectual Disability Service Location: Porirua Contract: Permanent, Full Time - 1.0 FTE Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is firmly grounded in the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and is dedicated to serving all New Zealanders. Through integration and collaboration, we're building a health system underpinned by partnership, equity, sustainability, whānau-centred care, and excellence. About the role Provide specialist mental health, addiction and/or intellectual disability nursing advice, care and expertise, both in delivering tangata whaiora/whānau centred care and in supporting other nurses and mental health support workers providing direct care. The CNS practices with increased autonomy, by working at an advanced level within the RN scope of practice (Te Kaunihera Tapuhi o Aotearoa Nursing Council of New Zealand /NCNZ 2025). The focus is on assisting, directing and supporting tangata whaiora care and whānau within Intellectual Disability Service. The CNS role supports excellence in practice through modelling expert clinical skills, promoting best practice, facilitating interdisciplinary collaboration and providing education. The CNS has an active role in the development and achievement of the strategic direction for the Capital, Coast & Hutt Valley and Wairarapa Districts. The CNS leads development and implementation of speciality specific pathways, protocols and guidelines, in accordance with relevant national and international standards and guidance. This includes evaluating standards of care, in line with research, policy and evidenced-based practice across a range of settings. The CNS uses advanced nursing knowledge and skills to: The Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) working in Intellectual Disability services must actively reflect on their work and practice, they will work in ways that enhance the team to support the rehabilitation, care, and quality of life of all service users. The CNS is a role that works across the ID Service to ensure continuity of care and best practise standards are applied, consistent with the ID Services Model of Care. In addition, the CNS provides expertise and specialty advice as required throughout the organisation. The role will work across the continuum of health care contributing to the multi-disciplinary team (MDT) with the aim of improving nursing practices and achieving equitable health outcomes for service users. The CNS will provide leadership across clinical environments to identify and support practice improvements and the implementation of the ID Services Model of Care. Quality improvement and supporting change implementation are important aspects of this role. The environment is one of continuing change. The CNS role needs to champion the ID Services mission and purpose and be an advocate for the Model of Care. Contribute meeting national MHAIDS KPIs and improved tangata whaiora/whanau experience by working at an advanced level within the RN scope of practice (NCNZ, 2025) to improve the effectiveness of care delivery. Strengthen a nurse-led care-management model for tangata whaiora and whanau. Leads and supports excellence in nursing practice underpinned by the standards of practice for Mental Health Nurses (Te Ao Māramatanga: NZ college of MH nurses). Salary is Nursing MECA Senior grade 2-3. About the Team/Service/Location The Intellectual Disability Forensic Service has adult, youth and community services and is part of the Mental Health Addictions and Intellectual Disability Service (MHAIDS). Located on the Ratonga Rua-o-Porirua and Kenepuru Hospital campus in Porirua the Intellectual Disability Inpatient Service has four units: Haumietiketike a regional intellectual disability adult secure forensic unit which has eleven beds. The Cottages, a step-down unit of eight adult beds. Manawai the National Individualised Service Unit is a new national unit with six beds for people with intellectual Disability and/or mental health disorders. Hikitia Te Wairua is the national intellectual disability secure forensic youth unit which has six beds and is co-located with the Youth Acute Inpatient Mental Health Unit and the National Secure Youth Forensic Unit in a Centre of Excellence for Youth Services located at Kenepuru Hospital, Porirua. We have a Model of Care which incorporates all the features of current best practice within forensic secure services including Positive Behaviour Support, nuanced risk assessment, and psychological formulation. All staff receive training on Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) as this is the basis for our philosophy of care within the service. We also hold two community contracts; a regional mental health contract and a regional community contract associated with the inpatient service. About you To be successful in this role we are looking for the following: Post Graduate Certificate in Mental Health Nursing (or a pre-registration program in MH or Intellectual Disability Nursing). Sound knowledge of Te Ao Māramatanga Standards of Practice for Mental Health Nurses. Current NCNZ Registered Nurse Annual Practicing Certificate. Clinical expertise and experience aligning with mental health, addiction or disability nursing. At Expert or Senior level in Professional Development Recognition Programme (PDRP) and committed to maintain Senior once appointed to position. Excellent communication, interpersonal, facilitation and coaching skills. Demonstrate initiative, motivation and a commitment to learning. Comprehensive understanding the NZ Health System including equity issues, professional leadership and emerging issues for the nursing profession. Deliver results through effective planning, sound judgement, and personal accountability. Build trusted relationships and works collaboratively to achieve shared goals. Communicate clearly and adapts their approach to different audiences and situations. Demonstrate curiosity, adaptability, and a commitment to continuous improvement. Maintain high standards of professionalism, integrity, and ethical behaviour. Contribute to a positive, inclusive, and safe working environment. Take responsibility for their own development and supports the development of others where appropriate. Working at Health New Zealand Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is 'the weaving of wellness'. We're dedicated to ensuring excellent healthcare for the people of Aotearoa/New Zealand. Our people are at the heart of everything we do. Health New Zealand are committed to being good employers and honouring our equal employment opportunity obligations. We embrace diversity and welcome application from all people, including all gender identities, ages, ethnicities, sexual orientations, and disability. A workforce that is diverse and inclusive means that we are better positioned to understand and service our community. We are pro-equity health organisation, with a particular focus on Māori, Pacific Peoples, and the Disability Community. How to Apply To apply please click 'apply now.' All applications must be submitted through our online careers' portal. If you have any questions about the role, please contact [email protected] We will review applications as received and may proceed with the recruitment process, before the closing date of this advertisement. #J-18808-Ljbffr