Mental Health Nurse - Intellectual (Learning) Disability

Location:  Ratonga Rua-o-Porirua/Kenepuru Hospital

Contract:  Permanent Full time/Permanent Part Time

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is firmly grounded in the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and is dedicated to serving all New Zealanders. Through integration and collaboration, we’re building a health system underpinned by partnership, equity, sustainability, whānau-centred care, and excellence. 

 About the role

Are you looking for your next career move, where no two days are same? Well then look no further!

This is an exciting opportunity to join our multi-disciplinary team Intellectual Disability Secure Forensic service.

The Intellectual Disability Forensic Inpatient Service is located in Porirua, New Zealand and has opportunities for Learning Disability and or Mental Health trained nurses with training and experience in the specialised field of learning disability and mental health. 

We would also like to hear from newly graduated registered nurses within New Zealand who have completed and or are completing their NESP Programme and interested in working with this area of practice. 

Porirua is located 20 kilometres north of down town Wellington. Wellington, New Zealand’s capital city, has been constantly voted as one of the top 5 cities in the world in which to live. With a population of 208,000 Wellington offers the cultural and sporting facilities of a cosmopolitan city but with a relaxed life style in a beautiful natural environment.

Nurses are supported to engage in professional development opportunities and application onto the Professional Development and Recognition Programme (PDRP) is expected. You will also receive regular clinical supervision and in service training.

About the Team/Service/ Location 

The Intellectual Disability Forensic Service has adult, youth and community services and is part of the Mental Health Addictions and Intellectual Disability Service (MHAIDS). 

Located on the Ratonga Rua-o-Porirua campus in Porirua the Intellectual Disability Inpatient Service has four units: 

• Haumietiketike a regional intellectual disability adult secure forensic unit which has eleven beds. 
• The Cottages, a step down unit of eight adult beds
• Manawai the National Individualised Service Unit is a new national unit with six beds for people with intellectual Disability and/or mental health disorders. 

We have a Model of Care, which incorporates all the features of current best practice within forensic secure services including Positive Behaviour Support, nuanced risk assessment, and psychological formulation. All staff receive training on Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) as this is the basis for our philosophy of care within the service.

About you

Overseas applicants who have registered Nurse Learning Disability or a Master in Mental health qualification should have a minimum of two years’ experience and will be required to complete the necessary immigration procedures for entry to New Zealand. Remuneration will be reflective of the skills and experience of the individual applicant.

We are seeking experienced registered nurses who have:

• Post registration education/learning and experience relevant to the speciality area of intellectual disability/learning disability and/or mental health 
• Registration with New Zealand Nursing Council.
• Meet police vetting requirements
• A current practising certificate.
• A full NZ driving licence.
• A minimum of 2 years relevant experience (is desired but not necessary for the right applicant).

If you are an overseas nurse interested in moving to NZ, you can find out specific information here https://www.nursingcouncil.org.nz/IQN/H5

• Passing the IELTS (Academic)
• Registration with the Nursing Council of New Zealand (if you have restrictions to scope these must be either mental health or learning disability/intellectual disability)

Immigration: Applicants should FIRST establish their eligibility for registration with the links below:

• Nursing Council of New Zealand & Immigration New Zealand.

New Zealand trained Nurses - If you are an experienced General /Comprehensive trained nurse interested in moving to the MHAIDS sector we are also able to discuss development and education opportunities and support that will assist you in making this transition

Working at 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. 

Our people are at the heart of everything we do. Health New Zealand are committed to being good employers and honouring our equal employment opportunity obligations. We embrace diversity and welcome application from all people, including all gender identities, ages, ethnicities, sexual orientations, and disability. A workforce that is diverse and inclusive means that we are better positioned to understand and service our community. We are pro-equity health organisation, with a particular focus on Māori, Pacific Peoples, and the Disability Community. 

How to Apply 

To apply please click “apply now.” All applications must be submitted through our online careers’ portal by 29th April. If you have any questions about the role, please contact Marianne.Lovgren@tewhatuora.govt.nz 

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