Mō te tūnga | Role Overview
We are seeking a Pou Tūmanako to join our Suicide Prevention
& Postvention (SPP) team within Pegasus Mental Health Services.
This is a strategic, relationship-focused role that works at
the interface of community, system, and service delivery, supporting the
implementation of Every Life Matters: Suicide Prevention Strategy 2019–2029,
He Tapu te Oranga o ia Tangata.
The Pou Tūmanako plays a key role in strengthening the
suicide prevention and postvention system across Waitaha, working in
partnership with mana whenua, iwi, and kaupapa Māori providers to co-design and
implement approaches that reflect the aspirations of whānau, hapū, and iwi.
The role supports culturally safe, tikanga-informed, and
mana-enhancing prevention and postvention responses, and provides coordination
and guidance following suspected suicides to ensure responses uphold the mana
of those who have passed and those affected.
Working across a wide network of partners—including iwi,
Māori providers, health services, NGOs, and government agencies—you will
contribute to system-level thinking, identify gaps and opportunities, and
support continuous improvement to better meet the needs of Māori communities.
This role requires the ability to move between strategic
thinking and on-the-ground coordination, supported by sound judgement and the
ability to provide advice and support in sensitive and complex situations.
Please note: This position is primarily a community, systems, and
coordination-focused role. While applicants must have a strong clinical
understanding of suicide prevention and postvention, the role does not involve
providing ongoing therapeutic support to individuals experiencing suicidal
distress. Instead, the successful candidate will provide leadership, advice,
and coordination to support best-practice suicide prevention and postvention
responses across services, organisations, and communities throughout Waitaha
Canterbury.
Permanent | 32 hours per week (0.8 FTE)
Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | What you will bring
Essential
- Current
professional registration and Annual Practising Certificate in a relevant
profession (e.g. Social Work, Nursing, Occupational Therapy, Psychology,
Counselling)
- Demonstrated
experience working with Māori communities, iwi, and kaupapa Māori
providers
- Strong
understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and its practical application in
health
- Experience
across mental health, wellbeing, social services, addictions, community
health, kaupapa Māori services, or related sectors
- Strong
relationship management and stakeholder engagement skills
Highly desirable
- Experience
in suicide prevention, postvention, mental health crisis response,
bereavement support, or psychosocial response
- Experience
supporting people, whānau, or communities experiencing distress, trauma,
grief, loss, crisis, or complex wellbeing needs
You will also demonstrate:
- A
clear commitment to equity and improving outcomes for Māori
- A
mana-enhancing and culturally safe approach to working with whānau
- Ability
to build and sustain trusted, respectful relationships
- Confidence
contributing to system-level thinking and continuous improvement
- Calm,
grounded, and thoughtful practice in sensitive situations
Ko tāmātou e kawemainei | What we offer
- Supportive,
people-focused culture
- Opportunities
for professional growth
- Range
of wellness benefits including a wellness subsidy
- Free
after-hours medical care
Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to apply
Apply online and include a cover letter and your CV.
More information on key responsibilities can be found in the
position description attached to the job listing. If you would like to have a kōrero about this position prior to applying, please feel free to
contact georgia.bridley@pegasus.health.nz -Suicide Prevention Lead.
For information about Pegasus Health, visit Pegasus Health website.
