Health Improvement Practitioner

WellSouth; Dunedin; On-site; NZD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Annual wellness voucher

Birthday day off

5 weeks annual leave after two years

Sick leave: 5 days from start, 5 more

Te Reo training

Equity and Pride initiatives

Job summary

WellSouth in Dunedin invites applications for Health Improvement Practitioners to join our integrated practice team. You will deliver evidence-based interventions to individuals and families, focusing on mental health and wellbeing while collaborating with clinicians to plan and achieve health goals.

Experience in mental health/AOD is valued, with CBT or ACT qualifications considered advantageous. Training and mentorship are provided to support your development in this role.

Qualifications

• Active registration in a health profession (per list).
• Experience in mental health or AOD is desirable.
• Qualifications in CBT or ACT are advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Provide accessible, evidence-based interventions to individuals and families.
• Work as part of the general practice team to identify health concerns and plan goals.
• Contribute to behavioural health support within a culturally diverse NZ context.

Skills

Client-focused

Flexible

Team player

Adaptable

Education

Registered health professional (RN / OT / Social Worker / DAPAANZ clinician / NZAC counsellor / Psychologist)

Job description

Health Improvement Practitioners

Location: Dunedin

FTE: 1 (37.5 hours per week)

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 candidate with 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.

Our Values - Tō Mātou Uara

• He mana tō te whānau – Whānau Centred
• Tōkeke - Equitable
• Manawa whakaute - Respectful
• Pono – Transparent

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

Applications close: 24 November 2026

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.