Health Improvement Practitioner (HIP)

Mō te whakahaere | About Us Te Manu Toroa (the albatross which glides the ocean) was established in 1997 to provide a Kaupapa Māori model of health care for Māori in the Mai Ngā Kuri-a-Wharei ki Ōtamarākau rohe (Tauranga, Mount Maunganui, Katikati and Te Puke – the Western Bay of Plenty). We are a member of Ngā Mataapuna Oranga PHO, a Whānau Ora collective focused on improving whānau health and wellbeing across Tauranga Moana. We provide holistic care through our two GP clinics and a wide range of services including Pēpi Ora/Well Child, Kaupapa Māori Nursing, Oral Health, Mental Health, and Whānau-Centred Services. Our purpose is to support our community to be healthy, confident, empowered, and active contributors to their whānau and communities. Guided by our indigenous Tūāpapa system of care, our goal is to ensure accessible, affordable, comprehensive, and integrated health services for the people of the Western Bay of Plenty. We are seeking a committed and compassionate Health Improvement Practitioner to walk alongside whānau on their wellbeing journey. Mō tēnei tūranga | About the Role This is a fixed term position through to 30 June 2027. As a Health Improvement Practitioner, you will be embedded within a general practice team and become a trusted presence for whānau seeking support with their mental and emotional wellbeing. The role is grounded in brief, practical interventions that help people make meaningful shifts in their day-to-day lives. You will often meet whānau in moments where things feel heavy or uncertain. Your ability to connect quickly, listen deeply, and offer tools that restore hope and direction sits at the heart of this mahi. The work is fast-paced and responsive, with a strong focus on same-day support and removing barriers that can prevent people from accessing care. In this role, you will: Support whānau to develop practical, actionable wellbeing plans Conduct mental health & addiction assessments within scope Identify and manage risk appropriately Work closely with GPs, nurses, Health Coaches & Cultural Support Workers Strengthen general practice capability through consultation and education Maintain accurate clinical documentation and complete required reporting Uphold kaupapa Māori values, manaakitanga, whanaungatanga and Tūāpapa principles Ko wai koe | Who You Are You bring both clinical capability and heart to your work. You are comfortable in dynamic environments and understand the value of brief, focused support that meets people where they are, in a way that is mana enhancing and culturally safe. You build trust easily and work well alongside both whānau and colleagues. You will be fully registered to recognised professional registration (HPCA, Social Work, dapaanz, NZAC or an equivalent recognised professional body) and a current practising certificate, along with experience supporting people with mental health and/or addiction challenges. Familiarity with the IPMHA model or brief intervention frameworks, using outcome measurement tools and using digital tools and clinical systems will serve you well in this role Just as importantly, you will bring a genuine commitment to kaupapa Māori and a desire to work in ways that honour culture, identity and connection. Whether you already have primary care experience or are looking to grow into this space, what matters most is your willingness to contribute to a kaupapa-driven model of care. Tō mātou ūmanga | Our Commitment We are committed to creating an environment where kaimahi feel supported, connected and able to do their best work. This includes strong professional support from a multi-displinary team, opportunities for growth, ongoing training to ensure fidelity to the IPMHA model within our Tūapapa system of care and a culture that values collective wellbeing alongside individual development. Our approach is grounded in Te Tiriti o Waitangi and a deep commitment to improving outcomes for Māori, while ensuring all communities experience care that is respectful, inclusive and mana-enhancing. He aha ai koe e hono mai ai | Why Join Us This is an opportunity to be part of mahi that truly matters. You will be joining a team that values people as much as outcomes and believes that meaningful change happens through connection, compassion and shared purpose. #J-18808-Ljbffr