Occupational Therapist – Auckland Women’s Prison, Wiri

Newly Created Multi-Disciplinary Team focused on Mental Health and Wellbeing

Kotahi ano te kaupapa; ko te organa o te iwi

Opportunity to implement, influence and refine a new Model of Care to transform intervention and support for prisoners vulnerable to self-harm or suicide. 

New Zealand and international literature has established that prisoners have greater mental health needs than the general population, and have a greater risk of self-harm and suicide.

The Department of Corrections devotes significant time and resource into caring for prisoners vulnerable to self-harm and suicide.  Alongside the significant recent investments in mental health services for prisoners, the Department has identified an opportunity to take a more holistic and long-term approach to improve the well-being of these prisoners.

Consequently, Corrections are developing a new, prison-wide model of care to transform intervention and support for prisoners vulnerable to self-harm or suicide.  This model will be responsive, flexible and appropriate to the needs of the individual prisoner.

As a result we are creating multi-disciplinary teams whose focus will be to implement the model of care as well as having the opportunity to influence the ongoing review. As part of this team, this role will provide comprehensive occupational therapy assessments and deliver safe and clinically effective interventions.

In this position you will be responsible for promoting recovery models of practice across the disciplines, ensuring prisoner’s sensory and occupational needs are met through the continuum of mental health care.

Key responsibilities will encompass:

• Ensuring prisoners are engaged in meaningful activities within our challenging environment
• Manage a caseload of clients with increasing complexity providing effective occupational therapy interventions
• Undertaking comprehensive triage and assessments with clients
• Establishment of therapeutic relationships and expectations with clients, whanau and the multidisciplinary team, inclusive of the wider health team and external agencies
• Contributing to the development of the model, providing an Occupational Therapy perspective for the team

We welcome applications from Occupational Therapists who present with:

• a minimum of five years clinical practice, coupled with a sound knowledge of mental health theory including the recovery model, risk assessment and management, cognitive behavioural therapy, sensory processing and aggression models
• Experience in mental health practice such as acute inpatient forensic care and rehabilitation
• A desire to make a difference and contribute to a new model of care and wellbeing

You will bring creativity to enhance the therapeutic individual care plans and in return will embrace the opportunity to work in a credible multi-disciplinary team focusing on improving the wellbeing of prisoners.

Working in this environment will give you the opportunity to operate at the secondary Mental Health level, whilst being supported by an allied workforce, namely Corrections Officers as well as your MH colleagues from other disciplines.

This is the right role for you, if you wish to be challenged, stimulated and have the opportunity to contribute to something new, exciting and empowering.

Corrections embraces diversity and is committed to an inclusive workplace. We recognise and celebrate the uniqueness of individuals and celebrate the collective talent of all employees.

Please note: This role will work across seven days a week however there are no night shifts. The roster will be determined in conjunction with the Clinical Manager and the team to ensure cover.

Follow the link below to view the Director Health speaking about this new initiative.

https://youtu.be/HyVNY9cFxt0

To view the job description and to apply for this position please follow:  https://corrections.nga.net.nz/?jati=F55899E0-A729-2CEE-864E-A4000B9162BF