Health Improvement Practitioner

WellSouth; Balclutha; On-site; NZD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Flu vaccinations

Annual wellness voucher

Birthday day off

5 weeks annual leave after 2 years

Sick leave 5 days + 5 days at 6 months

Equity training and Te Reo support

Pride Pledge inclusion

Job summary

WellSouth is seeking a Health Improvement Practitioner to deliver evidence-based mental health and wellbeing interventions within a southern New Zealand general practice setting.

You will work as an integrated member of the team, helping individuals identify health concerns and collaboratively develop practical plans. Prior experience in mental health/AOD is preferred; CBT/ACT qualifications are an advantage, with training and mentorship provided.

Qualifications

• Be registered in one of the following health professions: RN, OT, Social Worker, DAPAANZ registered clinician, NZAC counsellor with full membership, Psychotherapist or Psychologist.
• Experience in mental health or AOD is preferred.
• Qualifications or training in CBT or ACT are considered an advantage.

Responsibilities

• Support individuals and families by identifying health concerns and collaboratively developing a plan.
• Work as a fully integrated member of the general practice team to deliver evidence-based interventions.
• Provide mental health and wellbeing support in a busy, client-focused environment; training and mentorship are provided.

Skills

Active registration

Adaptable and client-focused

Mental health/AOD experience

CBT/ACT knowledge (advantage)

Job description

Jora New Zealand will close on 9th September 2026. Thank you for being with us, we are cheering you on as you continue your career journey.

At WellSouth, we are dedicated to promoting health equity, ensuring everyone has access to the highest quality of care and enabling better health outcomes for people in the Southern region.

Health Improvement Practitioners provide immediately accessible, evidence-based interventions to individuals and their families to help improve mental health and physical wellbeing.

Health Improvement Practitioners work as a fully integrated members of the general practice team, supporting people to identify health related concerns, and then collaboratively developing a plan that helps them reach their goals. This role is based on the behavioural health consultant model and has been adapted to our diverse New Zealand culture.

About you- To be successful in this role you will:

• Be willing to embrace new ways of working.
• Have a helpful, flexible, positive, and adaptable disposition.
• Thrive in a busy and client-focused team.
• Be able to work at a fast pace and maintain a flexible schedule.
• Have active registration in one of the following health professions, Registered Nurse, Occupational Therapist, Social Worker, DAPAANZ registered clinician, counsellors with full NZAC membership, Psychotherapist or Psychologist.
• Have a history of working with diverse patient groups from all ages.
• Have a basic understanding and awareness of how general practice works.

Seeking a candidate with previous experience in mental health/AOD. Qualifications in CBT or ACT would be considered an advantage. You will be well supported in this role, initially receiving a full week’s training followed by six-months post training support and mentorship.

We strongly value your growth and development as a Health Improvement Practitioner, and you will receive additional professional development to support you in this new role.

If this sounds like the role for you, then come and join our expanding team of Health Improvement Practitioners and make a difference in the wellbeing of people in the community.

We offer:

• A supportive work environment where you will make a real impact on the lives of our diverse communities.
• Opportunities for personal and professional growth.
• A commitment to upholding the principles of the Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
• To support the health and wellbeing of our employees we offer a competitive salary, flu vaccinations, an annual wellness voucher and a day off on your birthday.
• 5 weeks annual leave after two years
• Sick leave entitlement of 5 days will be available from commencement of employment and another 5 days at 6 months of employment. 10 days entitlement will be available at 12 months service thereafter.
• Inhouse equity training, Te Reo training and associated professional development
• We are a proud Gold Supporter of the Pride Pledge, demonstrating our commitment to creating safe and inclusive workplaces for rainbow communities.

For the full Position Description click here: Position Description

Please note that we don’t always work to fixed closing dates & may interview candidates as their applications are received.

Applications must include a CV, and a cover letter.

WellSouth Primary Health Network is an equal opportunity employer.A proud Gold Supporter of the Pride Pledge, and we are committed to upholding the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi. WellSouth is smokefree and we support the Government’s Vision of a Smokefree Aotearoa 2025.