Clinical Manager Mental Health - Hikitia

About this role

• Elevate Mental Health Services: Drive efficiency and clinical excellence.
• Lead Whānau-Centric Care: Oversee operations and support teams.
• Foster Collaborative Networks: Enhance clinical practices in prison settings.

'Ki te wātea te hinengaro, me te kaha rere o te wairua, ka tāea ngā mea katoa”

‘When the mind is free and the spirit is willing, anything is possible' - Ngapo Wehi.

Ngā kawenga | About the role

Our Clinical Manager Mental Health position at our newly commissioned Waikeria Prison facility presents an exciting opportunity to join our welcoming and skilled team, contributing to the evolution of Mental Health services throughout the Ara Poutama Aotearoa, Department of Corrections. The role of Clinical Manager Mental Health involves ensuring the efficient delivery of mental health services, promoting clinical excellence, and enhancing the overall well-being and health outcomes for individuals under our care. The Clinical Manager will oversee the daily operations of the intervention and support practice team, actively contributing to the implementation of a whānau-centric model of care that addresses disparities for Māori, aligns with Hōkai Rangi, and supports optimal clinical practices.

Beyond providing expert knowledge and clinical leadership, the success of this role hinges on building relationships and networks. Adopting a proactive and collaborative approach, you will work closely with key stakeholders, including Prison Directors, Health Centre Managers, Custodial staff, Forensics, and various NGO providers. This collaborative effort aims to continually improve the development of best clinical practices within our prison environment.

Download our job description from the job application page to find out more about the role.

He kōrero mōu | About you 

As a registered health professional under the HPC or Social Work Act, you will possess a post-graduate qualification in Mental Health. You will have advanced people and clinical leadership experience within a mental health setting, encompassing accountability for service development, priority setting, process management, and decision-making.

Your knowledge will extend to a robust understanding of Te Ao Māori, coupled with demonstrable application of Te Tiriti o Waitangi within a practice environment. Your track record will include a proven ability to develop and maintain effective stakeholder relationships, both internal and external. You will have demonstrated experience working effectively in a cross-cultural context.

If you meet these criteria and are eager to contribute to our organisation, we encourage you to submit your application.

Utu ā-tau | Salary

The full salary range is $156,013 - $174,777. Appointment and remuneration will reflect skills and experience relevant to the role.

Mō mātou | About us

Join Ara Poutama Aotearoa - Department of Corrections, where your work will contribute to improving public safety, reducing re-offending, and address the overrepresentation of Māori in correctional facilities. As a values-led organisation, we use the principles of rangatira (leadership), manaaki (respect), wairua (spirituality), kaitiaki (guardianship), and whānau (relationships) to guide our work and achieve the goals of our Hōkai Rangi strategy.

We value inclusion and diversity in our workforce, and as a Public Service organisation we are committed to building a workforce that reflects the public we serve. We strive to make our recruitment process fair, and we encourage you to discuss reasonable accommodations with us if required.

About Waikeria; a new 500-bed facility at Waikeria Prison, with an additional 100-bed dedicated mental health and addiction service. The new facility represents a step forward to realising our organisational strategy Hōkai Rangi. The new facility will feature more spaces for whānau interaction than seen in any of our prisons to date. Multiple visits facilities combined with greater use of technology to promote contact between prisoners and their whānau will help support their reintegration with the community. Hikitia, the new mental health and addiction service based from the new facility, will be the first of its kind in Aotearoa New Zealand. We are working in partnership with mana whenua Raukawa and Ngāti Maniapoto, Te Whatu Ora Waikato and Te Aka Whai Ora, and the Waikato District Health Board to design a Māori model of care, inclusive of evidence-based practice.

Tono ināianei | Apply Now

To submit an application and view the position description, click the apply link. All applications must be submitted through our careers site to ensure transparency – applications received via email will not be considered.

When applying, submit a tailored CV and a cover letter describing your motivation for joining the department highlighting relevant skills and experience and the alignment to our work.

Applications Close 11pm Sunday, 4th January 2026.

If you want to find out more about a career with us visit our careers page or email our team at careers@corrections.govt.nz