Posted 01 August, 2026
Health Professionals Central Lakes Community Mental Health Team
Health New Zealand - Te Whatu Ora - Southern
Queenstown, OTA, NZ
Full Time
Reference: 3b55b2f41688376b
Job Description
Health Professionals Central Lakes Community Mental Health Team Health New Zealand - Te Whatu Ora - Southern – Queenstown, South Island Health Professionals Central Lakes Community Mental Health Team Lakes Hospital (Queenstown) and Dunstan Hospital (Clyde) Permanent Full time Salary Band - $81,863 to $112,496 pa pro-rata + KiwiSaver Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is firmly grounded in the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and is committed to building a health system that serves all New Zealanders. Central Lakes | Dunstan Hospital and Lakes Hospital Are you a Health Professional – Registered Nurse, Social Worker or Occupational Therapist ready to make a real difference in people's lives—while enjoying the lifestyle of one of New Zealand's most stunning regions? We're seeking a passionate and skilled Health Professionals (Registered Nurses, Social Workers, Occupational Therapists) to join our vibrant Central Lakes Mental Health Team, based at both Lakes Hospital in Queenstown and Dunstan Hospital in Clyde and working across the wider Central Otago region. You will be working as part of our Crisis response team, on rostered 8-hour shifts between 0830 hours and 2130 hours and be on an on-call roster. This is an opportunity to combine meaningful work with a supportive team and a unique community setting. About the Team/Service/ Location Health New Zealand - Te Whatu Ora - Southern has the largest geographical coverage of all the New Zealand regions, providing services to 350,000 people in diverse communities. We take pride in all the services we provide, and our aim is to improve, promote and protect the health of our region. We believe that our dedicated and passionate staff are a significant driving force behind the achievement of these standards, and we need more like-minded people to help us continue providing for our community. About you As a Registered Health Professional with recent experience working in Mental Health, you will be able to put your knowledge and skills to good use assisting the team to provide mental health assessments and treatment, while working alongside our tangata whaiora and whanau. You must be a registered health professional and hold a current Annual Practicing Certificate which allows you to work in mental health and be eligible to live and work in New Zealand. The successful candidate will be a Duly Authorised Officer (DAO) or you will receive specialist Duly Authorised Officer (Mental Health Act 1992 and amendments) training. Remuneration for this is in addition to base salary. Why you'll love this role Make a genuine impact – Support tangata whaiora and whanau experiencing moderate to severe mental health challenges. Work collaboratively – Be part of a dynamic, multidisciplinary team serving a diverse and geographically varied community Deliver quality care – Bring best-practice approaches to life, guided by the Seven Real Skills of Let's Get Real Use your full scope – Lead assessments, crisis interventions, therapy, and transition planning Grow and challenge yourself – Participate in an after-hours crisis/on-call roster and broaden your clinical experience Be supported to develop – Whether you're experienced or early in your career, you'll be supported to grow your skills and confidence About you You're motivated, thoughtful, and committed to making a difference. You hold (or are eligible for) Registration as a Health Professional with the Nursing Council of New Zealand, Occupational Therapy Board of NZ, Social Work Registration Board and hold a current APC You have a strong interest in and experience with mental health practice You're resilient and resourceful, with the ability to navigate complex situations You're committed to high clinical standards and continuous improvement You work well within a team and can communicate constructively, even in challenging situations You bring flexibility, adaptability, and a strong team-first mindset What you'll bring to the team Proven mental health experience or a strong desire to build your career in this area A belief in recovery-focused care and positive outcomes for clients A willingness to become a Duly Authorised Officer (DAO) (or already hold this qualification) A full driver's licence to work across the region This is more than a role—it's a chance to be part of a team that truly values recovery, collaboration, and community connection, in an incredible part of the country. If you're ready to bring your passion, potential, and commitment to Central Lakes—we'd love to hear from you. Working at Health New Zealand Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is dedicated to ensuring excellent healthcare for the people of New Zealand. We embrace a workforce that is diverse and inclusive so that we are better positioned to understand and service our community.We welcome applications from our diverse Māori, Pacific, disabled, and rainbow communities. We will review applications as received and may proceed with the recruitment process, before the closing date of this advert. #J-18808-Ljbffr