• Permanent full-time (1.0 FTE) opportunity based at The Whakatata House
• Work within an experienced multidisciplinary team and develop your expertise as an Occupational Therapist, Registered Nurse, Psychologist, or Social Worker.
• Provide mental health interventions for vulnerable young people in collaboration with external services

Our Purpose: Why we do it

When you work with the Canterbury District Health Board, you're part of something very special. We plan, fund and deliver health services to the almost 600,000 people that live in the Canterbury region. Our primary goal is to put people at the heart of everything we do.

The Team: What we do

Working exclusively with adolescents who are under the Youth Justice system, the multidisciplinary Youth Forensic Team provides mental health interventions for vulnerable young people to break the cycle at a crucial time in their lives. The team has a range of skills and areas of clinical expertise. Opportunities for professional development are provided and encouraged as we are keen to build up the expertise and resourcefulness of this team!

We currently have permanent full-time (40hr per week) opportunity for a NZ registered Occupational Therapist, Psychologist, Social Worker or Nurse to join our team! You will be passionate about wanting to help make meaningful improvements to the lives of disadvantaged and/or vulnerable adolescents. This positions will see you working Monday - Friday within service hours 0830 - 1700.

Some travel will be required including to Te Puna Wai the o Tuhinapo in Rolleston, and within the Christchurch community for home visits and meetings with Non-Government Organisations (NGO's) and other agencies.

Profession-specific position descriptions available upon request.

The Role: Where you fit in

In this role, you will be responsible for:

• Undertaking comprehensive mental health screens and assessments utilising clinical interviewing, diagnostic, behavioural assessment;
• Formulating and delivering appropriate intervention plans, youth court liaison work, as well as some case management work;
• Presenting assessments and materials to other groups;
• Providing consultation and interventions into Te Puna Wai o Tuhinapo (Youth Justice residence) and the Youth Wing at Christchurch Men's prison;
• Liaison with Youth Justice Agencies, Non-Government Organisations (NGO's) and Regional services.

Your skills will include:

• Excellent assessment skills and a sound knowledge of available treatment options, as well as experience in case management;
• Proven organisational skills combined with excellent communication skills that enable you to work with the various non-clinical stakeholders in this role;
• Proven knowledge of the youth justice system;
• Clinical experience working in a youth mental health service including alcohol and drugs, and/or experience in Youth Justice;
• Registration as a Nurse OR with an Allied Health profession Board and current Annual Practicing Certificate is essential;
• As some travel is required, a full NZ driver's license is essential.

We're passionate about continued professional development. Successful applicants will be strongly encouraged to complete further training in Youth Forensics through the University of Auckland.

Our Culture: What matters to us

Ko ngā tāngata, te mātua mahi

Putting people at the heart of all we do

Health is ultimately all about people. What's important around here is the way we care for and respect others, the responsibility taken for delivering outcomes, and going about our work with integrity.

Belonging Here: Becoming part of our story

Being part of the Canterbury District Health Board, you will enjoy a fantastic benefits scheme, the opportunity for flexible working arrangements and ongoing focus on your career development.

The Canterbury DHB believes that diversity and inclusion is key to ensure we deliver the best care for our diverse population. The Canterbury DHB is an inclusive and equal opportunity employer that welcomes and respects everyone.

If this role has sparked your interest but does not match your skills then please visit our careers website and have a look at our roles that better suit your expertise.

If you are interested in this role please apply directly on our career site . Please note only applications submitted via our career site will be accepted.

Contact us on for additional information.