ABOUT US

keep our communities safe and change lives. To do this we put safety first, do the right thing, build strong partnerships and reduce re-offending.

Our values embrace the Māori kaupapa concepts of Rangatira (Leadership), Manaaki (Respect), Wairua (Spirituality), Kaitiaki (Guardianship), Whānau (Relationships).

Rangatira (Leadership) We demonstrate leadership and are accountable

Manaaki (Respect) We care for and respect everyone

Wairua (Spirituality) We are unified and focused in our efforts

Kaitiaki (Guardianship) We are responsive and responsible

Whānau (Relationships) We develop supportive relationships

ABOUT THE GROUP OR TEAM

The Pae Ora (Health) Services Team is responsible for the Department’s overall focus on oranga, inclusive of general health, mental health, addictions, and disability. Our priority is to provide services that support the advancement of health equity for Maori. We do this through our strategies, policies, and practices. Within prisons we have a multi-disciplinary approach to service provision to ensure we target and meet the needs of the people in our care.

The Hōkai Rangi Strategy 2019-2024 represents a new strategic direction for the Department: one that builds on the good things that are already happening, learns from doing, and, most importantly, innovates to find new and alternative ways of doing things to achieve better outcomes with Māori and their whānau.

The purpose of the Kairuruku Hinengaro Māori Mental Health Practitioner is to work within a multi-disciplinary team to:

• Assess the oranga needs of those in our care from a whakapapa, hinengaro, wairua and well-being perspective.
• Provide sound support, advice and coordination of Māori initiatives and operations to enhance the well-being of people in our care.

Role Purpose

The registered nurse will provide a comprehensive range of mental health nursing services including triage, assessment and treatment based on best practice in the delivery of health services within a multi-disciplinary team.  The registered nurse will monitor, promulgate and promote best practice in the delivery of health services within the Intervention & Support Unit and across the wider prison environment.  The registered nurse will demonstrate accountability for directing, monitoring and evaluating nursing care that is provided by others and will understand their responsibility in leading colleagues and foster team work to optimise care.

The role accountabilities include:

• Ensure all work reflects our responsibilities to the priority of equity and meeting Te Tiriti obligations.
• Collaborates with the multi-disciplinary team and recognises and values the roles and skills of all team members to facilitate a coordinated approach to the wellbeing of people in our care.
• Keep up to date with best practice and evidence for kaupapa Māori models of care to ensure services meet the needs of Māori and all the people in our care.
• Contribute as a team member within the multi-disciplinary team and participate in assessments.
• Utilise tikanga, reo and rongoā Māori mātauranga to enhance the effectiveness of services provided to people in our care.
• Provide whakapapa assessments including rongoā healing options for those with an identified mental health need.
• Advise and provide support to help educate whānau on the nature, onset, and prognosis of mental health needs ensuring comprehension and understanding for whānau.
• Advise and assist the multi-disciplinary team to ensure treatments, activities and programmes are appropriate to Māori and mental health needs of people in our care.
• Support the development, implementation, and monitoring of kaupapa Māori frameworks.
• Provide services to a high quality, including risk assessment and treatment services to people in our care and referral to appropriate services where necessary.
• Contribute to initiatives to enhance mental health care for people in our care; work with colleagues and foster teamwork to optimise quality and effective care.
• Demonstrate healing focussed practice that reflects a person and whānau centered model.

ABOUT YOURSELF

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

• Experience and knowledge in te reo Māori me ōna tikanga.
• Grounded knowledge of mātauranga Māori.
• An in-depth understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and how it relates to health well-being and equity.
• An understanding of the impact of colonisation on health and wellbeing.
• Knowledge of indigenous methodologies and health models.
• Experience of working effectively within a kaupapa Māori environment, and commitment to on-going personal development in this area.
• Broad knowledge of mental health within a holistic view.
• Experience of working with people presenting with acute and complex mental health and/or addiction issues.
• An understanding of trauma informed care and experience in working with people who have experienced complex trauma.
• Good case management skills.
• Effective facilitation and negotiation skills in an individual or group setting.
• A working knowledge of the Mental Health Act.
• Knowledge of the National Mental Health Sector Standards.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to communicate technical information clearly and effectively to both technical and non-technical members.
• Ability to handle sensitive information in strict confidence.
• Demonstrate ability to access and use available clinical information systems.

Qualifications

• A relevant tertiary qualification is preferred.

Administration

• Use resources in a cost-effective manner.
• Contribute to initiatives which provide increased efficiencies.
• Assist in formulating and reviewing standards, policies and procedures.
• Participate in activities which monitor and/or audit delivery of patient care.
• Accurate completion of all documentation and referrals for allocated patients.
• Assists with the smooth functioning of the mental health service in the prison, for example ordering supplies, stock control, faxing of prescriptions etc.

YOUR JOB COMPETENCIES

Service Focus

• Maintains a helpful and courteous approach when dealing with others.
• Clarifies expectations when providing a service and keeps client informed of progress.
• Anticipates the needs/concerns of those to whom a service is being provided.
• Prioritises and balances the needs of others in overall service provision. 

Communications

• Listens to others and asks questions to clarify own understanding.
• Responds politely and sensitively to queries and alternative points of view.
• Is prepared to take on board others’ ideas and suggestions.
• Produces written communication that is clear, concise, logical, and understood by the reader.
• Communicates in a style appropriate to the recipient or audience.

Responsiveness

• Acts fairly and impartially in all dealings.
• with others, respecting their rights and needs.
• Demonstrates an understanding and respect for Maori, Pacific peoples’ and ethnic minorities’ values and beliefs.
• Incorporates cultural responsiveness, and EEO principles into work practices.
• Promotes EEO policy to peers and others.

Self-Management

• Proactively obtains feedback about their own performance from peers and managers so that they can improve their performance.
• Accepts constructive criticism without becoming defensive.
• Alerts manager when overloaded, stressed, or having difficulty with specific tasks or areas of responsibility.
• Identifies and commits to learning and development opportunities.

Problem Solving

• Identifies and weighs up risk appropriately before taking action.
• Discusses options with manager where appropriate.
• Makes use of relevant and available information and consults others when developing workable solutions.
• Recognises the importance of IOM and its impact on analysis and development of options

Commitment

• Shares the responsibility to maintain a safe and healthy workplace, carries out work-related activities in accordance with safe procedures and reports all hazards, accidents, and incidents.
• Is familiar with the Code of Conduct and statutory confidentiality requirements.
• Always acts with integrity.
• Supports and models the organisation’s values, taking responsibility for their own actions and decisions.

Teamwork

• Proactively shares information, ideas and experience with managers and peers.
• Encourages and supports team members and others they are working with.
• Promotes a work environment where others can exchange opinions and ideas.
• Co-operates with other staff outside their own service or group.

Work Management

• Processes work to the required standards (quality and timeliness).
• Identifies issues and problems and communicates these to manager in a timely fashion.
• Focuses on the task at hand and the work that needs doing without losing track of priorities.
• Is alert to connections and interrelationships between own workload and that of others and consults as appropriate.