Health Improvement Practitioner

WellSouth Primary Health Network; Dunedin; On-site; NZD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

5 weeks annual leave after two years

Birthday leave

Flu vaccinations

Annual wellness voucher

Professional development

Te Reo training

Pride Pledge inclusive workplaces

Job summary

WellSouth Primary Health Network is seeking Health Improvement Practitioners to join the Dunedin team. The role involves working within general practice to deliver accessible, evidence-based interventions aimed at improving mental health and overall wellbeing for diverse communities.

Successful candidates will be registered health professionals with a flexible, patient-centred approach, and may benefit from CBT/ACT qualifications. A comprehensive training and mentorship plan is provided.

Qualifications

• Be registered in one of the following health professions and have broad experience in mental health and wellbeing support.
• Experience working with diverse patient groups and in primary care settings is desirable.
• CBT or ACT qualifications are advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Provide accessible, evidence-based mental health and wellbeing interventions to individuals and families.
• Integrate with the general practice team to identify health concerns and collaboratively plan care.
• Offer training and mentorship as part of a structured programme.

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'll 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.

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

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.