Clinical Assessor | West Coast

• West Coast - Health of Older People's Service (HOPS)
• Permanent part time working 24 hours per week

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is firmly grounded in the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and is committed to building a health system that serves all New Zealanders.

The Health of Older People's Service (HOPS) is seeking a compassionate, skilled Clinical Assessor to join our Complex Clinical Care Network (CCCN) team. This role is central to enhancing the wellbeing, self-determination and quality of life of our older population through comprehensive assessment, restorative care planning, and coordinated support.

About the Role

As a Clinical Assessor, you will complete holistic clinical assessments using InterRAI Home Care or Contact Assessment tools, identifying medical, rehabilitation and support needs for older people across the West Coast. You will work collaboratively with clients, whanau, and the CCCN interdisciplinary team to prioritise needs and develop restorative, evidence-based Care Plans.

Key responsibilities include:

Clinical Assessment Care Planning

• Complete comprehensive InterRAI assessments.
• Identify client needs that promote independence and self-determination.
• Develop restorative care plans using Post Assessment Guidelines.
• Consult with clients, whanau, caregivers, GPs and service providers as required.
• Document assessments, outcomes, and care plans accurately and promptly.

Care Coordination

• Facilitate referrals to Allied Health and relevant community services.
• Coordinate Support Plans, ensuring service options meet client needs.
• Review and adjust service packages to maintain appropriateness and effectiveness.
• Provide clients with information about available services, choice of provider, and costs where applicable.

Professional Practice

• Work within your professional scope, providing discipline-specific interventions (e.g., OT tasks, nursing input, social work support) as appropriate.
• Maintain high standards of cultural safety and bi-cultural practice.
• Participate in the Single Point of Referral triage system.
• Complete statistical and administrative reporting requirements.

Collaboration Communication

• Work collaboratively as part of the interdisciplinary CCCN team.
• Maintain strong communication pathways with GPs, service providers, and community agencies.
• Represent the service professionally at meetings and client conferences.

Professional Development

• Maintain currency of clinical knowledge in gerontology and the ageing process.
• Participate in ongoing training, supervision, and annual performance reviews.
• Support the learning of students and colleagues as appropriate.

Health, Safety Emergency Procedures

• Comply with West Coast DHB health and safety policies.
• Identify and report hazards, incidents, and clinical risks.
• Maintain competencies in emergency procedures, CPR, and safe manual handling.

About You

Essential Qualifications Experience

• A recognised professional qualification (e.g., Nursing, Social Work, Occupational Therapy) and/or registration under the HPCA Act or relevant professional body.
• Current Annual Practising Certificate (or equivalent for the discipline).
• Commitment to completing and maintaining InterRAI competency (or willingness to complete training).
• Full NZ driver's licence and ability to drive manual and automatic vehicles.
• Strong clinical judgement, assessment skills, and understanding of the ageing process.

Desirable

• Experience in gerontology or specialist older-adult care.
• Knowledge of mental health or health changes affecting older people.
• Understanding of community services, access pathways, and eligibility criteria.

Working for Health New Zealand

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is dedicated to ensuring excellent healthcare for the people of New Zealand. We embrace a workforce that is diverse and inclusive so that we are better positioned to understand and service our community. We welcome applications from our diverse Maori, Pacific, disabled, and rainbow communities.

Health NZ West Coast is situated on the West Coast of New Zealand's South Island. It is unmatched for the scale, diversity, and accessibility of its natural attractions, including rugged coastline, sandy beaches, rainforests, and some of the highest mountain peaks in the country. The region boasts robust tourism and primary production industries, which provide the backbone of the local economy. The town of Greymouth is Central to Te Tai o Poutini West Coast and is located alongside the historically rich and picturesque Greymouth River.

Health NZ West Coast are proud of how we do things. We have a way of working that we consider unique. It's about trying new things, listening to ideas from where