"Mental Health Support"

About our team | Mō te tīma

Student Health Services (SHS) provide a full range of primary health care services for students at the University of Otago. We have an experienced team of GPs, Nurses, Mental Health and Wellbeing clinicians, and Administration staff who provide approximately 45,000 appointments per annum. The large and diverse health team and the distinctive campus provide a stimulating and challenging multidisciplinary work environment

The University of Otago’s aspires to be a Te Tiriti-led university that is committed to partnership with mana whenua and upholding Te Tiriti o Waitangi.

Student Health Services is committed to equity and diversity and seeks to provide an accessible, respectful and welcoming environment in which all students and staff receive the individual support and resources they need. SHS promotes and upholds equity in its processes and values the individual differences that enrich its community. We are recognised as a Rainbow Tick certified employer and a Foundation certified and Cornerstone accredited practice, which means we meet a standard of inclusivity and manaakitanga for our staff and students, and we are committed to continuous improvement.

The role | Te mahi

This Mental Health Support role has a strong focus on assessment and triage. Primarily you will be conducting one off assessments, then developing collaborative plans of support with students who are presenting to the service. Robust and enhanced risk assessment skills are required. Experience of working in similar roles is strongly desirable.

You will work both in conjunction with a multi-disciplinary team of mental health professionals and the wider primary care team at Student Health Services. A stepped care approach is required as well as a sound working knowledge of available referral partners and community resources.

In this role, you will report to the Clinical Group Leader of The Mental Health and Wellbeing Team.

Skills and experience | Kā pūkeka me kā wheako

Ideally you will be an experienced and autonomous mental health clinician who communicates clearly and works well in various team environments. A proven ability to function well under pressure of high clinical demand is essential.

Successful candidate will also:
• Be suitably qualified within the mental health field with a strong clinical background in mental health assessment and triage.
• Have current registration with a professional body and APC.
• Have a strong interest and experience in helping young adults.
• Demonstrate experience with assessment, short-term intervention and liaison work (essential).

Further details | Pūroko

This is a permanent, full time (37.5 hours per week) position, located in Ōtepoti, Dunedin.

Hours of work are between 8.30am - 8.30pm on a rostered basis, as negotiated.

The salary range for this role is $89,180 to $113,818 per annum. The successful candidate will be appointed on an appropriate step of the scale dependent on qualifications, skills, and experience.

You must have the right to live and work in New Zealand to apply for this role.

For further information or to discuss the role in confidence please contact Richard Mooney, via the contact details below.

Application | Tono

To submit your application (including CV and cover letter), please click the apply button. Applications quoting reference number 2600340 will close on Sunday, 8 March 2026.

Applications may be reviewed as they are received, and candidates may be asked to interview immediately. The University reserves the right to close this vacancy at any time.

Additional Information

Contact: Richard Mooney

Position details: Job Description

Further Information: Department Website

Create an email with a link to this vacancy: Create email

Location: About Dunedin

Posted: 23/02/2026