Health Improvement Practitioner

Public Service; Timaru; Remote; NZD 50,000 - 80,000; Part time

Job summary

Health New Zealand - Te Whatu Ora Southern is seeking a Health Improvement Practitioner to join the Integrated Primary Mental Health and Addiction (IPMHA) service in South Canterbury.

The role involves providing brief, evidence-based behavioural interventions within General Practice, supporting people to flourish in line with their values, and working autonomously as a multidisciplinary team across Timaru and surrounding communities.

Qualifications

• Registration with an appropriate NZ professional body and an Annual Practising Certificate.
• Recent clinical experience within Mental Health and Addiction Services.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Ability to work autonomously within a multidisciplinary team.

Responsibilities

• Provide brief, evidence‑based behavioural interventions in General Practice.
• Work within general practice as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Support individuals, whānau and communities to thrive in alignment with values.
• Collaborate with health professionals to improve equitable health outcomes.

Skills

Clinical experience in mental health

Excellent communication

Autonomous in multidisciplinary teams

Relationship-building with whānau &amp

NZ Driver Licence

Education

Annual Practising Certificate

Registered with NZ professional body

Job description

# Health Improvement Practitioner at Health New Zealand - Te Whatu Ora Southern, Canterbury## Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this roleHealth Improvement PractitionerHealth New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora – South Canterbury Permanent Part Time – 0.4 FTE (32 hours per fortnight) Integrated Primary Mental Health and Addiction (IPMHA) Service**Help Improve Mental Wellbeing Through Early Intervention and Accessible Primary Care Support****Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora**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**The Integrated Primary Mental Health and Addiction (IPMHA) model provides easy access to mental wellbeing support through it being available in General Practice sites across the country.* The key purpose of the Health Improvement Practitioner (HIP) is to work within general practice as a regular team member.* Provide brief, evidence based behavioural interventions to individuals, groups and families/whanau for both mental health and physical health conditions in people of all ages using the IPMHA model.* Provide interventions to support people to thrive and flourish in alignment of their values.* Work autonomously and be part a multidisciplinary team contributing to health outcomes.* Specific Health Improvement Practitioner training will be given as part of this role.**About the Team / Service / Location**The Health Improvement Practitioner service works across primary care settings throughout South Canterbury and is integrated within General Practice teams. You will work collaboratively with General Practitioners, Practice Nurses, Health Coaches, and other health professionals to provide timely, accessible support for people experiencing mental health or wellbeing concerns.This role covers the South Canterbury region and may include work across Timaru, Temuka, Pleasant Point, Geraldine, Waimate, and Twizel.Based in Timaru, South Canterbury offers an exceptional lifestyle with affordable housing, excellent schools, short commute times, and easy access to beaches, lakes, mountains, skiing, hiking, and cycling. It's the perfect place to build your career while enjoying genuine work-life balance.**About You**To be successful in this role, you will have:* Registration with an appropriate New Zealand professional body and a current Annual Practising Certificate* Recent and extensive clinical experience within Mental Health and Addiction Services* Strong knowledge of mental health and wellbeing interventions* Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal* The ability to work autonomously while contributing to a multidisciplinary team* Strong relationship-building and engagement skills* Experience working collaboratively with individuals, whānau, and community providers* A current full New Zealand Driver Licence* A commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and improving equitable health outcomes for Māori**Desirable*** Experience working within primary care or community-based health services* Experience providing brief intervention and behavioural support approaches* Knowledge of the IPMHA model of care* Experience working with a diverse range of population groups and communities**Working for Health New Zealand**Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is ‘the weaving of wellness'. We're dedicated to ensuring excellent healthcare for the people of Aotearoa/New Zealand.The Equity Work Programme at Health NZ focuses on helping everyone in the health system think about equity when they do their work. It also promotes the cultural change needed for the whole system to reach equity in health outcomes.We embrace a workforce that is diverse and inclusive so that we are better positioned to understand and serve our community. We welcome applications from our diverse Māori, Pacific, disabled, and rainbow communities.**Salary Range**This role is covered by the terms and conditions of the relevant collective agreement and salary will be in accordance with the applicable pay scale and dependent on experience.**How to Apply**Please apply for this vacancy online via the Health NZ Careers website.If you have any questions regarding this role, please contact **Becky Allen** at **[e-mail]**.If you are interested, please apply as soon as possible as we may commence recruitment before the closing date once suitable applications are received.*Please note this role is only open to current employees of Health NZ.*## Ngā taipitopito tūranga mahi | Job details| | || --- | --- || Employer: | Health New Zealand - Te Whatu Ora Southern || Location: | Canterbury || Position type: | Permanent Part time || Category: | Community Services || Date listed: | 29-Oct-2026 || Salary range: | N/A || Closing date: | 19-Nov-2026 || Reference: | 1941113A || Attachment: | Health Improvement Practitioner JD July 2026.pdf (PDF, 209KB)Job Description || File links: | || Website: | |Note: You may be redirected to the employer's careers website.