Job Description
Full job description
Community Mental Health Services, 222 Pembroke Street, Waikato Hospital
Permanent, 80 hours per fortnight (Monday to Friday am shifts)
Opportunities for overtime available
Join a strong, experienced and supportive team
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.
About the Role
Are you a registered mental health clinician ready to take on a dynamic and rewarding role? Join our dedicated Crisis Assessment and Home Treatment Team (CAHT) at Waikato Hospital, where we pride ourselves on working collaboratively, supporting each other, and delivering exceptional care to our community.
Our team brings together experienced professionals from a variety of disciplines who share a common goal: to provide safe, responsive and culturally aligned care to tangata whaiora and their whānau during times of crisis.
This is a dynamic role where no two days are the same. Clinicians work across a variety of settings, including homes, community locations, emergency departments, and hospital wards.
To view the position description for Social Worker click here, for Registered Nurse click here or for Occupational Therapist click here.
About the service and team
Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora, Waikato’s Mental Health and Addictions Services deliver comprehensive care across the region, supporting individuals with a range of mental health needs — from acute crises to long-term conditions. As a service, we are undergoing a transformation toward a culturally led, clinically underpinned model of care focused on achieving improved outcomes for tangata whaiora and whānau.
The CAHT service provides rapid assessment, crisis intervention, and short-term treatment for individuals experiencing acute mental health challenges. Our team works collaboratively with emergency services, whānau, and a range of community and inpatient services to ensure people in distress receive timely and effective support.
The CAHT service consists of five key teams:
Crisis Team (24/7) – Includes a dedicated night nurse based in the Waikato Emergency Department
Home-Based Treatment Team – Providing community-based care as an alternative to hospital admission
Short-Term Care Pathway – Offering short term follow-up care post-crisis
Police Co-Response Team – Working alongside NZ Police to provide joint intervention
Emergency Department Crisis Clinician Nurse – works night shift in the Waikato Hospital ED
About Hamilton
Hamilton, where Waikato Hospital is situated, is a vibrant city nestled alongside the scenic Waikato River, offering a perfect mix of nature and culture. Explore the stunning Hamilton Gardens, home to themed gardens from Italy to Asia, or visit the Waikato Museum to delve into the region's rich history. The city also boasts the Hamilton Zoo, where you can walk through an aviary filled with native birds. Hamilton is a lively hub, with a variety of cafes, restaurants, and bars, along with events like rugby, cricket, and the famous National Agricultural Fieldays and Balloons over Waikato festival. With its vibrant atmosphere and proximity to outdoor adventures, Hamilton is an ideal place to live and work.
For more information on living and working in Waikato click here
About you
We are seeking a compassionate, skilled, and adaptable clinician who thrives in fast-paced environments and is committed to supporting people through crisis. We are looking for a clinician to join our crisis rotating roster.
Essential skills and attributes include:
Demonstrated expertise in mental health assessment and risk management.
Strong clinical reasoning and the ability to respond effectively under pressure.
Proficiency in managing crises involving psychosis, suicidality, substance use, and distress.
Confidence in developing safety plans and supporting recovery-focused outcomes.
Excellent communication skills.
Ability to work autonomously and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team.
Cultural competence and a commitment to culturally safe practice.
Current registration with the Social Workers Registration Board, Nursing Council or Occupational Therapy Board and a current valid annual practicing certificate.
A current full New Zealand driver’s licence.
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 offer:
Full orientation and collegial support
Access to clinical supervision and professional development
Duly Authorised Officer training
Extensive internal training and upskilling opportunities
A workplace culture that values diversity, inclusion, and whanaungatanga
How to Apply
To apply please click “Apply online” or apply via our Waikato Careers website by clicking here.
All applications must be submitted through our online careers’ portal before 11:5+ pm on 13 July 2026. If you have any questions about the role, please contact Kim Maskell – Charge Nurse Manager on +64 7 83+ 88++.
