Primary Mental Health Clinician

pinnacle; Gisborne; On-site; NZD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Pinnacle is seeking an experienced primary mental health clinician to join the Tairāwhiti team in Gisborne, delivering high-quality mental health services across Gisborne and the wider Tairāwhiti region.

You will assess, treat and coordinate care within a multidisciplinary environment, contributing to leadership, workforce development and service improvement initiatives in a fast-paced setting.

Qualifications

• Postgraduate qualification in mental health, addiction or a related field.
• Minimum 5 years’ experience in mental health or primary mental health including assessment, brief intervention, referral and care coordination.
• Ability to mentor and support clinicians with strong communication and stakeholder engagement.

Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive assessments, develop personalised health plans, and manage a clinical caseload, including complex presentations.
• Deliver evidence-informed interventions and coordinate referrals, care planning and access to appropriate services.
• Provide clinical consultation, mentoring and professional support to clinicians, primary care teams and service providers.
• Build strong relationships with iwi providers, community organisations, primary care and specialist services to support integrated care.
• Contribute to clinical governance, quality improvement, audit and service development, using data to promote continuous improvement and equitable outcomes.

Skills

Mentoring clinicians

Stakeholder engagement

Team collaboration

Clinical decision-making

Education

Postgraduate qualification in mental health/addiction

Job description

Te whiwhinga mahi: The opportunity

We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced primary mental health clinician to join our Tairāwhiti team, delivering high-quality primary mental health services across Gisborne and the wider Tairāwhiti region.

This role is about more than clinical practice. You'll play a key role in improving access to mental health support, reducing health inequities, and supporting better outcomes for individuals, whānau and communities. Working within a multidisciplinary environment, you'll provide evidence-informed assessment, treatment and care coordination, while also contributing to clinical leadership, workforce development and service improvement initiatives.

Reporting to the District Lead - Tairāwhiti, you will support the delivery of innovative, sustainable and responsive primary mental health services that meet the diverse needs of our communities.

Key responsibilities include:

• Conduct comprehensive assessments, develop personalised health plans, and manage a clinical caseload, including complex presentations.
• Deliver evidence-informed interventions and coordinate referrals, care planning and access to appropriate services.
• Provide clinical consultation, mentoring and professional support to clinicians, primary care teams and service providers.
• Build strong relationships with iwi providers, community organisations, primary care and specialist services to support integrated care.
• Contribute to clinical governance, quality improvement, audit and service development, using data and insights to promote continuous improvement and equitable outcomes.

This is a permanent full-time position working 40 hours per week.

He kōrero mōu: About you

You will be an experienced mental health professional who is passionate about improving wellbeing outcomes and committed to delivering equitable, person-centred care.

You will bring:

• Current professional registration and practising certificate, with a postgraduate qualification in mental health, addiction or a related field.
• Minimum 5 years’ experience in mental health or primary mental health, including assessment, brief intervention, referral and care coordination.
• Demonstrated ability to assess and manage complex presentations, apply clinical assessment tools, and make sound clinical decisions within scope of practice.
• Experience mentoring and supporting clinicians, with strong communication, collaboration and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi, understanding of Te Reo Māori and Tikanga Māori, and the ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, evolving environment.

Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou: What we offer

• An opportunity to make a meaningful difference to the mental health and wellbeing of individuals and whānau across Tairāwhiti.
• A collaborative and supportive team environment focused on improving health outcomes and equity.
• An organisation committed to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and reducing health inequities.
• Opportunities to provide clinical leadership and contribute to service innovation.
• Ongoing professional development and learning opportunities.
• Flexible working arrangements where appropriate.
• A commitment to your wellbeing, including access to EAP services and wellbeing initiatives.

Mō tō mātou rōpū: About the team

Pinnacle is committed to improving health and wellbeing outcomes for our communities in accordance with Te Tiriti o Waitangi. We are committed to achieving health equity and ensuring our services are responsive to the needs of Māori, Pacific peoples and other priority populations.

Our Tairāwhiti team works closely with primary care, iwi providers, community organisations and specialist services to ensure people can access timely, effective and culturally responsive mental health support close to home.

Visit www.pinnacle.co.nz to find out more about the Pinnacle Group.

Applications close: 18 September 2026