Ko wai mātou - About us:

Hato Hone St John has been serving New Zealanders since 1885. Today, we have nearly 12,000 kaimahi working across Aotearoa to enhance the health and wellbeing of our communities. From responding to 111 calls to supporting people to stay healthy through health education, access and monitoring, we make a life-changing difference every day.

He aha te tūranga - About the role: 

Reporting to the Health and Wellbeing Advisory Lead, the Psychological Health Specialist provides subject matter expertise to support the effective management of psychological health and psychosocial risks across the organisation.

Working alongside HSW Advisors and leaders, you will provide expert guidance on complex and sensitive psychological health matters, contribute to the design and delivery of psychological health initiatives, and support the development of organisational capability. The Psychological Health Specialist also plays a key role in strengthening preventative approaches, supporting organisational learning, and applying specialist expertise to improve psychological health outcomes across the organisation.

Key responsibilities include:

• Provide expert advice and guidance on complex psychological health matters, including suicide risk, trauma exposure, PTSD, anxiety, depression, stress-related concerns, and other psychological health risks.
• Advise on support pathways, intervention options, and referral processes, ensuring workers are connected with appropriate internal and external services.
• Develop, implement, deliver, and evaluate psychological health programmes, initiatives, resources, and communications that promote positive psychological health outcomes.
• Contribute to the design and implementation of organisational psychological health and wellbeing strategies, frameworks, and initiatives.
• Coach and support HSW Advisors, leaders, and people leaders to recognise, assess, and respond effectively to psychosocial risks and psychological health concerns.
• Work closely with HSW Advisors, Business Partners, leaders, and other stakeholders to support the management of psychosocial risks and complex psychological health matters.
• Liaise with external providers and specialist services to support effective outcomes while maintaining appropriate confidentiality and privacy requirements.

Ko wai koe - About you:

To be successful in this role, you will have:

• A recognised qualification in Psychology, Counselling, Mental Health, Social Work, or related discipline with relevant professional registration and practising certification. 
• Experience working within emergency services, first responder, defence, public sector, or other high-risk operational environments (highly desirable)
• Demonstrated experience supporting psychological health, psychosocial risk, or workplace wellbeing initiatives.  
• Strong understanding of trauma-informed approaches, mental health literacy, and psychosocial hazards.  
• Experience supporting leaders and workers through complex or sensitive psychological health matters.  
• Proven ability to coordinate external support providers and referral pathways appropriately.  
• Strong communication, relationship-building, and influencing skills, with the ability to engage effectively with people at all levels and manage sensitive conversations with empathy, professionalism, and discretion.

Me pēhea te tuku tono - How to apply

Click “I’m interested” expressions of interest will close on 23rd July 2026

For further information please contact Sara Symons at [email protected] or Anita Teague, [email protected] for a confidential discussion.

At Hato Hone St John, we embrace diversity, welcoming everyone to bring their authentic selves to work. We value unique perspectives, fostering inclusivity to better serve our communities, and we’re committed to creating a workplace where everyone belongs.

E pōhiritia nei e mātou, te whānau o Hato Hone St John, ngā rerekētanga o ia tāngata ki te haramai.  E āwhinatia e mātou I ngā whakaaro rerekē, kia mahi pai I roto I ngā hāpori katoa.  Ko tā mātou nei haepapa, kia hanga tētahi āhuru mōwai mā tatou, kia mahi haumaru ai.

If you need accommodations for accessibility, please reach out to the recruiter listed for equitable participation in our recruitment process.

Research shows that women and people from under-represented groups are less likely to apply for roles when their experience doesn’t match the job description perfectly. If you’re excited and think you have what it takes, we want to hear from you! Even if your experience doesn’t align 100%. Please apply or contact the recruitment advisor listed on the advertisement for a kōrero.