Registered Mental Health Professional Crisis Worker - Acute Team

Marketplace; Whakatāne; Remote; NZD 55,000 - 83,000; Full time

Job summary

Health New Zealand - Te Whatu Ora Lakes in Whakatāne seeks a Registered Mental Health Professional Crisis Worker for its Acute Care Team. The casual position involves rapid assessment, short interventions, and coordinating care to stabilise individuals in crisis within the community and with inpatient services.

The role emphasizes strong clinical reasoning, safety planning, and culturally responsive care, working as part of a multidisciplinary team in a coastal community setting.

Qualifications

• Registration with the relevant professional body and an Annual Practising Certificate
• Minimum of five years experience in the mental health sector
• Strong crisis assessment and risk management skills
• Ability to make sound clinical decisions under pressure

Responsibilities

• Provide rapid assessment and brief interventions during mental health crises
• Coordinate care and link with community and inpatient services for continuity of care
• Collaborate with Tangata Whaiora, whānau, and other services to plan safe pathways
• Maintain a focus on safety, recovery, and culturally responsive care

Skills

Crisis assessment

Clinical reasoning

Job description

# Registered Mental Health Professional Crisis Worker - Acute Team at Health New Zealand - Te Whatu Ora Lakes, Bay of Plenty## Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role* **Opportunity to make a difference in the Whakatāne community*** **Casual position working as and when required*** **Join a diverse team of multi-disciplinary Health Professionals delivering urgent mental health care in the community**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**Be at the frontline of mental health care, supporting people and whānau through moments of acute distress. As a Crisis Worker within the Acute Care Team, this role provides rapid assessment, brief intervention, and coordination of care to stabilise individuals experiencing mental health crisis.You will work closely with Tangata Whaiora, whānau, and community services to develop safe and practical pathways forward once the immediate crisis has passed. The role involves quick decision making, risk assessment, and collaboration with both community and inpatient services to ensure continuity of care.This is a Casual position working as and when required, suitable for applicants who are looking for flexible hours while contributing to a meaningful service.This is a dynamic role where no two days are the same, offering the opportunity to make a direct impact during critical moments in a persons recovery journey.**About the Team/Service/Location**The dedicated Acute Care Team is part of the wider Community Mental Health Service in Whakatāne, working alongside inpatient services and community teams to provide a responsive and integrated model of care. The team includes Nurse Practitioners, Consultants, Registrars, Nurses, Social Workers, and Occupational Therapists who work collaboratively to deliver high quality crisis intervention and ongoing support. The service has a strong focus on partnership with whānau, primary care, and community providers. Based in Whakatāne, this role offers a supportive team environment alongside a coastal lifestyle with strong community connection.****Click here**** **to learn more about the Bay of Plenty****About You**You will be a calm, adaptable Registered Mental Health Professional who brings strong clinical reasoning and the ability to work both independently and within a team. With an ability to communicate clearly, build trust quickly, and remain focused on safety and recovery when working with people experiencing acute distress. You are flexible in your approach, open to learning, and committed to delivering culturally responsive care within the community.****What you will bring:***** Registration with the relevant professional body with a current Annual Practicing Certificate and mental health within scope of practice* Minimum of five years experience in the mental health sector* Strong crisis assessment, risk management, and intervention skills* Ability to make sound clinical decisions under pressure* Flexibility to work rostered shifts including weekends and public holidays* Full NZ drivers licence* Commitment to culturally responsive and community focused care****Click here**** **to view the Registered Nurse position description******Click here**** **to view the Registered Health Professional position description****Working for Health New Zealand**Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is dedicated to ensuring excellent healthcare for the people of New Zealand. We embrace a workforce that is diverse and inclusive so that we are better positioned to understand and service our community. We welcome applications from our Māori, Pacific, disabled, and rainbow communities.**How to Apply**To apply for the role please click **apply now.** All applications must be submitted through our online careers portal before 11:59pm on **29 November 2026**. If you have any questions about the role, please contact [e-mail]**Please note, we will be reviewing applications when received and may proceed with the recruitment process, before the closing date of this advert.**## Ngā taipitopito tūranga mahi | Job details| | || --- | --- || Employer: | Health New Zealand - Te Whatu Ora Lakes || Location: | Bay of Plenty || Position type: | Casual || Category: | Health || Date listed: | 02-Nov-2026 || Salary range: | N/A || Closing date: | 29-Nov-2026 || Reference: | WHA01244 || Attachment: | No File Attached || File links: | || Website: | http://www.lakesdhb.govt.nz |Note: You may be redirected to the employer's careers website.