Lead Coordinator - Te Manawa Taki Community Wraparound Teams

• Hamilton based with travel across the Te Manawa Taki region
• Permanent - 80 hours per fortnight

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

We are seeking a registered health care professional (Registered Nurse, Occupational Therapist or Social Worker) to lead the Intensive Community Wraparound Team across the Te Manawa Taki region.

The primary purpose of the role is:

• Line management and budgetary responsibilities where the position holder will be regularly challenged by a wide range of health, social and budgetary determinates that impact strategic service development and delivery.
• To develop sustainable processes for whaiora transitioning from prison to community across Te Manawa Taki and support structures within the community.
• To develop defined communication channels, role clarity, and coordination with Ara Poutama, Te Whatu Ora and regional services throughout Te Manawa Taki.
• To develop processes and dashboards with partner agencies to meet/ monitor service level KPIs and outcome measure, providing monthly reports.

Key responsibilities of the role includes:

• Ensure effective partnerships and collaborative working relationships with Te Whatu Ora, Te Manawa Taki Prison Service and Ara Poutama.
• Develop and strengthen strategic collaboration for sustainable systems, processes, and pathways within Waikato and across Te Manawa Taki.
• There will be demand to meet deadlines, deliver measurable benefits, maintain accuracy and quality of information to report service outcomes.

Click here to view the position description and click here to view the annexure.

About the Team/Service

The Te Manawa Taki Intensive Community Wraparound team is a new Forensic Mental Health Service that is being developed to upscale Forensic Mental Health Services to address capacity needs in Te Manawa Taki, resulting from the expansion of Waikeria Prison. It will enhance service provision and support for high risk, high needs tangata whaiora released from Waikeria, Springhill and Tongariro prisons. The intensive community wraparound service is to specifically address the significant increase in service demand expected across the Waikato and the wider Te Manawa Taki region. The districts that are within Te Manawa Taki are; Waikato, Bay of Plenty, Lakes, Taranaki and Tairawhiti.

The Service will comprise of a number of small teams (totalling around 12 staff) based locally across the Te Manawa Taki region, employed by Te Whatu Ora Waikato and centrally line managed by the Lead Coordinator based in Hamilton. The teams will specifically provide coordinated and clinical support for whaiora released from prison back to their locality that present with high risk/high needs. The regional team will work collaboratively with their local statutory and non-governmental organisations.

Key outcomes for tangata whaiora

• A coordinated and supportive plan is in place for their transition to their community.
• Experience a systematic intensive mental health support service across Te Manawa Taki. Opportunities to develop fulfilling valued social roles in the community and being active, contributing members of their communities.
• Reduced risk of recidivist offending.

About Hamilton

Hamilton, where Waikato Hospital is situated, is a vibrant city nestled alongside the scenic Waikato River, offering a perfect mix of nature and culture. Explore the stunning Hamilton Gardens, home to themed gardens from Italy to Asia, or visit the Waikato Museum to delve into the region's rich history. The city also boasts the Hamilton Zoo, where you can walk through an aviary filled with native birds. Hamilton is a lively hub, with a variety of cafes, restaurants, and bars, along with events like rugby, cricket, and the famous National Agricultural Fieldays and Balloons over Waikato festival. With its vibrant atmosphere and proximity to outdoor adventures, Hamilton is an ideal place to live and work.

For more information on living and working in Waikato click here

About you

• Competency with te ao Māori, tikanga, and te reo Māori or a commitment to starting your journey and taking ownership of your learning and growth.
• Whānau centred, collaborative and partnership approach.
• Experience working in a mental health, forensic service, community health or primary care setting.
• Experience working with Māori and Pasifika groups.
• Highly developed interpersonal communication and negotiation skills including demonstrated ability to build productive working relationships with colleagues to achieve required outcomes.
• Ability to take a proactive role with other organisations to achieve sustainable outcomes for tangata whaiora.
• Registration with the applicable registration board with a current annual practicing certificate.

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 online or apply via our Waikato Careers website by clicking here.

All applications must be submitted through our online careers portal before 11:59 pm on 15 March 2026. If you have any questions about the role, please contact Robyn Payne at Robyn.Payne@TeWhatuOra.govt.nz

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