Health Improvement Practitioner Relief/Mentor

• Are you passionate about the health and well-being of our community?
• Are you a highly motivated, experienced Health Improvement Practitioner who enjoys variety and a fast-paced work environment?
• Would you like to work flexibly with General Practice teams across Canterbury who are committed to providing high quality mental health support to patients?

Ko tāuake mahi | What you will be doing

Te Tumu Waiora - te reo for ‘to head towards wellness’ - is a primary mental health and addictions care and support model which aims to provide all New Zealanders experiencing mental distress or addiction challenges with access to convenient, high quality, integrated and person-centered care and support.

The model centers mental health and wellbeing in general practice through specialised roles: Health Improvement Practitioners and Health Coaches work within the practice teams, while Support Workers assist from community bases.

This is a newly established advanced role designed to provide flexible relief and mentoring support across all Health Improvement Practitioner (HIP) services in Canterbury. As a highly experienced HIP, you will step in to support practices where needed, help practices respond to service requirements and guide practices as they embed the Te Tumu Waiora model. Because this role spans multiple PHOs and practices, we’re looking for someone who is adaptable, self‑motivated, and confident working in varied settings, able to quickly build rapport and deliver high‑quality behavioural health support wherever the need arises. With a mix of clinical delivery, mentoring, and model‑support work, this position offers meaningful variety and the opportunity to make a real impact on the wellbeing of people and communities across Canterbury.

Employment of this role sits with Pegasus Health but will work across Primary Health Organisations (PHOs), including Pegasus Health, Waitaha Primary Health, Christchurch PHO, Arataki PHO and potentially others.

Mōu| About you

We’re looking for someone who has:

• Had a minimum of 12 months of experience working within General practice as a Health Improvement Practitioner.
• A good understanding of and is skilled in delivering talking therapy modalities, for example, ACT, CBT, FACT and a relevant registered health professional qualification under the HPCA Act.
• A working knowledge of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and its application to health care
• Demonstrated commitment to addressing issues of equity in health and service delivery
• Highly developed interpersonal and communication skills
• The ability to develop relationships with a wide variety of people and exhibit flexibility and adaptability. 
• Established relationships or ability to build relationships within Māori, Pacific and wider community networks
• The ability and experience to work autonomously and as part of a wider team
• Enthusiasm and passion about improving healthcare and being proactive to support the practice team.
• Previous experience working in or with primary health care providers

Ko wai mātou | About Us

Pegasus Health supports many aspects of health and wellbeing in Canterbury by providing services and support to general practices and community-based health providers.

Tō Mātou Uara | Our Values

We are inclusive – every voice is important to us

We strive – for better everyday.

We connect -together we succeed.

We act with integrity – doing what is right.

Me pēheatetukutono | How to apply

All applications for this position must be made through our website. Click on 'Apply Now' to submit your application.

Closing date for applications: 12 February 2026. We will be reviewing applications as they come in, so we encourage you to apply early, as the role may be filled before the closing date.

For further information about Te Tumu Waiora or the role please contact Deb Bradshaw, Clinical Lead at Deb.Bradshaw@pegasus.health.nz