Acute Clinician (Adult Community Mental Health)

Acute Clinician in Mental Health, Nelson Hospital, Permanent Full-time

This role is suitable for a Registered Nurse, Occupational Therapist, or Social Worker who can manage acute/crisis assessments and treatment and interventions.

What we can offer you:

• A supportive and collaborative multidisciplinary team environment;
• Opportunities for ongoing professional development and clinical supervision;
• Access to training and continuing education to support your career growth;
• The chance to work in a varied and rewarding role, making a real difference for people experiencing acute mental health needs;
• A positive workplace culture focused on staff well-being and teamwork;
• The opportunity to enjoy the Nelson lifestyle, with easy access to beaches, national parks and outdoor activities.

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

As an Acute Clinician, you will:

• Provide provision of comprehensive triage, assessment and treatment;
• Work a 24/7 rotating roster responding to clients in crisis;
• Support team members in all roles across the acute services including entry to service;
• Be involved with some administration tasks as delegated by the service and develop working relationships with GPs, Case Managers, Administration staff and other parts of the Mental Health service relative to client’s needs.

Please view the position description for further information.

Shifts are rostered four days on, two days off over a 6 week cycle, with rostered on call between 11.30PM to 8.00AM every second week with variety of being first and second on call

This is a permanent full-time role working 80 hours per fortnight (1.0 FTE), Monday to Sunday.

About the Team/Service/ Location

Our Adult Community Mental Health teams provide high-quality comprehensive assessment and treatment for adults and their families living in the Nelson/Tasman region. We enjoy a team culture of collaborative practice, openness, humour and respect across disciplines. We have offices in both the emergency department and on the Braemar campus which is on hospital grounds in Nelson Central. 

For more information on living and working in Nelson click here

About you

As an Acute Clinician, you will be or have:

• Resilience to manage a mixed case load;
• Current knowledge of mental health and associated issues;
• A mental health professional with the confidence to work autonomously;

It is desirable if you have addictions clinical experience.

The successful candidate must be eligible to work in New Zealand or hold a valid NZ visa at the time of applying.

Working at 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 diverse Māori, Pacific, disabled, and rainbow communities. 

How to Apply

To apply please click “apply now.” All applications must be submitted through our online careers’ portal by 12 April 2026. If you have any questions about the role, please contact

Sonja Rae (Recruitment) at sonja.rae@tewhatuora.govt.nz OR

Nikita Fleming (Manager Operational Support) at nikita.fleming@nmdhb.govt.nz .

We will review applications as received and may proceed with the recruitment process, before the closing date of this advert.

Whilst Health New Zealand is undergoing change, affected employees will be given preference and priority for this position.

Job ref: R1N26-053