Mental Health & Addictions Pou Lead

Te Tai o Poutini (Kawatiri, Māwhera, Hokitika/Westland, South Westland)

Full-Time / Permanent

Are you a proven clinical team leader ready for your next challenge on Te Tai o Poutini? Wanting to make a meaningful impact in the community?

We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Pou Lead (Team Lead) to provide clinical and operational leadership to our dedicated Mental Health & Addictions team. This is a unique opportunity to make a tangible impact on the health and wellbeing of our community. 

Mō te tūnga | About the role

At Poutini Waiora, we believe in empowering our people to create positive change. As a Pou Lead, you will play a critical role in shaping the direction of our services, supporting a dedicated team of non-clinical and clinical staff, and ensuring we meet the needs of our whānau and communities. The Mental Health and Addictions Team Pou Lead will specifically be responsible for the day-to-day coordination and clinical oversight of our multidisciplinary Mental Health & Addictions team.

Key Responsibilities

  • Providing expert clinical guidance and supervision to staff.

  • Managing complex client caseloads and ensuring high-quality service delivery.

  • Leading and fostering a positive, learning-focused team culture.

  • Driving continuous quality improvement initiatives.

  • A member of the organisational leadership team

  • Building and maintaining collaborative relationships with key community and interagency partners.

  • Championing models of care that are culturally responsive and grounded in the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi.

  • Maintain and effective and collaborative relationship with the MH&A Organisational Clinical Lead.

  • Work to achieve equitable health outcomes for our whānau.

  • IDT and MDT facilitation

Mōu | About You

We are seeking an inspirational and empathetic leader with the drive to achieve equitable outcomes for all people accessing mental health and addiction support. Specifically, someone who:

  • Is a clinical team leader with relevant qualification(s) and registration.

  • Is a proven team leader experience in a mental health and addictions setting.

  • Has a collaborative and culturally competent approach.

  • Has strong communication and clinical decision-making skills.

  • Has a firm understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and a commitment to achieving equitable outcomes for Māori.

  • Ability to complete MSE and experience with AXIS 1 diagnosis

  • Case conferencing and case co-ordination capability

  • Experience in facilitating whanau hui and in case management

  • Ability to complete comprehensive assessments and Risk management plans

To be successful in this role, you will need:

  • Current Annual Practicing Certificate

  • Current full driver’s license

  • High level of Information technology and administration literacy

  • Awareness of or willingness to engage in training related to neurodivergence and inclusive practice, with a focus on kaupapa Māori, trauma-informed, and holistic approaches.

  • Commitment to working effectively with Māori, Pacific, Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) communities.

  • Ability to set and maintain professional boundaries

  • Excellent time management and organisational skills

  • Willingness to work with whānau in their homes

Desirable:

  • Fluency in Te Reo Māori. 

Why Join Us?
We offer:

  • A supportive and flexible work environment that values work-life balance.

  • Professional development opportunities and ongoing training.

  • Be part of a supportive, values-driven team committed to empowering whānau.

  • Make a real difference in the lives of whānau, supporting healthy futures.

Come and join us!

If you are a passionate leader committed to making a difference, we want to hear from you. Apply now and help shape healthier futures for our communities.

Please apply by:

  • Please visit this link and provide a cover letter and tell us about yourself and why this position is perfect for you.

  • Supply a current CV and evidence of relevant qualifications

Applications will be progressed as received. Applications close 5pm Friday 17th October 2025.

For more information on the role, please view Position Description or if you have any questions, please email enquiries@poutiniwaiora.co.nz