Clinical Nurse Specialist Mental Health - Waikeria Prison

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

• Join a dynamic team as a Clinical Nurse Specialist in Mental Health
• Deliver specialised mental health nursing services for holistic well-being
• Lead professional growth, supporting vulnerable individuals in a prison setting

'Ki te wātea te hinengaro, me te kaha rere o te wairua, ka tāea ngā mea katoa”

‘When the mind is free and the spirit is willing, anything is possible' - Ngapo Wehi.

Ngā kawenga | About the role

Are you prepared to embark on an exciting role within a dynamic, multi-disciplinary team? We are looking for an extraordinary Clinical Nurse Specialist's to work at our newly established Waikeria prison correction facility. As a CNS in Mental Health, you'll have a remarkable opportunity to deliver specialised mental health nursing services that can genuinely enhance the well-being of those under our care. Your responsibilities, ranging from triage and assessment to evidence-based treatments, will be crucial in integrating primary health and tertiary mental health services. Beyond that, as a member of our Mental Health whanau, you'll be part of a vibrant and supportive culture. You'll have access to professional development, clinical supervision, and a holistic approach to recovery-oriented healthcare in the prison environment.

In your role as a CNS, you'll take the lead in supporting the professional growth of fellow mental health professionals within the Intervention and Support Practice Team. Together, you'll provide vital mental health services to those in our care who are most vulnerable. This opportunity is ideal for a clinical professional passionate about fostering culturally safe practices and partnerships. Our teams are committed to demonstrating expert clinical practice, with a strong emphasis on Humanising and Healing. We deeply value the human dignity and inherent mana of all individuals and their whānau under our care. Join us on this exhilarating journey and make a lasting impact.

Download our job description from the job application page to find out more about the role.

He kōrero mōu | About you 

In this role, you will need to have, or be working towards, a post-graduate qualification in mental health or possess equivalent learning. Cultural competence is a key requirement, encompassing an understanding of the Te Tiriti o Waitangi and its application, along with cultural knowledge and experience in working with and for Māori.

Your background should include specialist mental health nursing experience in either a primary/community, secondary, or tertiary setting. It is essential to showcase relevant experience, particularly in working with individuals facing acute and complex mental health and/or addiction issues. Additionally, a proven understanding of the professional, ethical, and legislative aspects involved in providing mental health service care and treatment is expected.

Utu ā-tau | Salary

The full salary range is $110,704 - $117,907. Appointment and remuneration will reflect skills and experience relevant to the role.

Ko wai mātou | About us

Ara Poutama Aotearoa (Department of Corrections) Health Services lead the delivery of patient-focused primary health care services to tangata within corrections facilities across Aotearoa. Hōkai Rangi, our over-arching strategic direction, places the focus on health at the heart of our business. Building our frameworks from a Mātauranga Māori basis is our focus to drive and support equity for Māori, which in turn will contribute to achieving our outcomes of reducing reoffending.

You can find out more about us here.

About Waikeria; a new 500-bed facility at Waikeria Prison, with an additional 100-bed dedicated mental health and addiction service. The new facility represents a step forward to realising our organisational strategy Hōkai Rangi. The new facility will feature more spaces for whānau interaction than seen in any of our prisons to date. Multiple visits facilities combined with greater use of technology to promote contact between prisoners and their whānau will help support their reintegration with the community. Hikitia, the new mental health and addiction service based from the new facility, will be the first of its kind in Aotearoa New Zealand. We are working in partnership with mana whenua Raukawa and Ngāti Maniapoto, Te Whatu Ora Waikato and Te Aka Whai Ora, and the Waikato District Health Board to design a Māori model of care, inclusive of evidence-based practice.

We're also bringing in new ways of working to help us deliver Hōkai Rangi, with a range of new roles being formed as part of The Pathway Forward Te Ara Whakamua. 

Tono ināianei | Apply now

Applications Close 11pm Sunday, 5 May 2024.

Please indicate in your cover letter which site(s) you would like to apply to. You can apply to both. Please apply and describe your motivation for joining the department in a cover letter, highlighting relevant skills and experience. Please include a tailored CV if you have one. Alignment to our Kaupapa is critical to our success - we ask that you provide examples that reflect and demonstrate our organisation values. 

Ara Poutama Aotearoa values diversity in our workforce, and as a Public Service organisation we are committed to building a workforce which reflects the public we serve. We strive to make our recruitment process fair and inclusive, and we encourage you to discuss reasonable accommodations with us if required.

If you want to find out more about a career with us visit our careers page or email our team at Mahiwaikeria@corrections.govt.nz