Mental Health Practitioner

We’re all here as we believe that every pēpi and their whānau deserve the best start in life.  Undoubtedly, every day in your role with Whānau Āwhina Plunket, you will have seen the impact of parents and caregivers who need extra perinatal mental health support and likely felt the desire to want to do more. 

We’re ecstatic to announce that we’ve secured funding to pilot a service devoted ensuring whānau in Waikato have access to an early intervention online model where they can access one to one, whānau sessions and group support facilitated by a mental health practitioner and supported by health workers as well as our traditional Plunket services.

We’re looking for two Mental Health Practitioners to join this pilot team. This is a full-time fixed term basis from February 2026 until January 2027.

Given the online nature, this role can be based anywhere in Aotearoa but connections to and understanding of the Waikato region’s mental health landscape will be advantageous.

Te Whiwhinga mahi | The opportunity

You’ll receive and action referrals from health professionals for whānau who have been identified as requiring mild to moderate mental health support. You’ll case manage and develop 

This involves both individual and whānau sessions using models such as CBT, ACT and Solution-Focused Therapy. You’ll also facilitate group programmes which support whānau to nurture mental health and wellbeing and promote secure and healthy attachment relationships with their little ones.

You’ll form a team of 5 who will need to be flexible, inventive and ready to navigate the challenges and opportunities that come with standing up a new service with positivity and grace.

He kōrero mōu | About you

You may be a Registered Nurse, Social Worker, Psychotherapist, or Occupational Therapist – what matters most is your commitment to supporting whānau wellbeing and your ability to deliver safe, effective mental health care.

You’ll bring:

• Registration under the Social Work Act 2003 or the Health Practitioners Competence Assurance Act 2003
  

• Experience delivering mental health support (specialisation in perinatal or infant mental health would be a bonus)
  

• Confidence and experience delivering services in a virtual environment 
  

• An understanding of the Waikato region – its communities, services and existing relationships in mental health and social services would be advantageous
  

• Exposure to working in pilot environments or working within new services or teams

  
  

Ngāhua mahi o Te Whānau Āwhina| What we offer

We’re all about helping little lives thrive, at Whānau Āwhina Plunket, we know you’ll do your best mahi when you’re well supported. Alongside a supportive workplace, we offer a range of staff benefits including, we offer:

• Wellbeing schemes such wellbeing days: where we encourage you to proactively use a portion of your leave to prioritise your wellbeing
  

• Various retail discounts including childcare, rental cars, holiday homes and more.

• Fitness Passport - unlimited access and discounted prices across an extensive choice of fitness facilities
  

• Programmes to build your cultural competence so you can contribute to our goals most effectively

   

Me pēheatetukutono| How to apply

Applications must be made online and close on 3 December 2025.

For specific questions, please contact HR@plunket.org.nz

Please note, we will consider applications as they are received and may close this advert early if we find a suitable candidate – so don’t delay, apply today!