The Intake Co-ordinator

  • Wellington CBD based 

  • Reports to the Director  

 

Whakamātūtū is seeking a suitably qualified and skilled person to fill the role of Intake Co-ordinator in our programme.  

 

Whakamātūtū provides a short-term, integrated, recovery-oriented and culturally safe programme for people with mental health needs within a supportive and therapeutic community.  It is a therapeutic community centre focusing on interpersonal group psychotherapy, and different therapies like music, art, massage and rongoā.  

 

The programme has three stages: 

  • Stage 1:  Preparation  

  • Stage 2:  Programme, from Monday to Friday from 9.30am to 4.00pm for six weeks,  

  • Post-programme on-going peer support.   

 

As the Intake Co-ordinator you will lead the effective and efficient implementation of Stage 1: Preparation - assessment and preparing people to get the most out of the programme.    Ideally, you will demonstrate that you can work collaboratively with a small management group along with a diverse team of mental health professionals, you are willing to be accountable for your own work,  you have well-developed communication skills both verbal and written and you understand the non- governmental organisation (NGO) work environment.  Most importantly you will be able to work within an environment that is focused on ensuring that all participants in the programme feel nurtured and safe, holding to the values of respect, humanity and manaakitanga.  

 

How to apply  

Please submit a covering letter and a current CV to martin.quinn@whakamatutu.org.nz  by close of business on 31 January 2025.  

Job Description for Intake Co-ordinator 

 The Depression Recovery Centre, Whakamātūtū 

The Depression Recovery Trust is a not-for-profit provider of a dedicated programme and space for mental health recovery, Whakamātūtū.  Whakamātūtū provides a 6-week, structured day programme, informed by the lived experience of others who have recovered, and is based on local and international best practice.  

 Whakamātūtū is committed to removing barriers of access and inclusion for all New Zealanders, particularly Māori and Pasifika.  

 In practical terms, this means Whakamātūtū policies are aligned with national frameworks that drive improvements in health equity.  

 All Whakamātūtū staff should be familiar with, and embed the following precepts into everyday service delivery: 

  • the four key health pillars: physical, mental, cultural and social, and spirituality, 

  • lived experience knowledge and initiatives, 

  • LGBTQ inclusion throughout workplace delivery, design, and outcome measures, 

  •  the Pae Ora Framework; Healthy Futures Strategies of the Ministry of Health, 

  • Māori led responses to service improvement, 

  • Treaty of Waitangi Principles, and 

  • Hauora Māori Models of Care such as Te Whare Tapa Wha.  

 

Position Description 

 

The Depression Recovery centre, Whakamātūtū is seeking a suitably experienced person for the role of intake coordinator.  
The Intake Coordinator Whakamātūtū is responsible for managing the referral and intake process to ensure smooth and timely access to our treatment programmes.  
This includes determining the suitability of clients for the programme, gathering existing relevant clinical and psychosocial information, and collaborating/liaising with referrers, families, and tāngata whaiora to develop a comprehensive understanding of individual’s needs.  

 

The Intake Coordinator oversees the management of the programme waitlist, maintaining clear communication with all stakeholders regarding referral status.  
They play a key role in coordinating with the clinical team to facilitate admission of new tangata whaiora into the programme and documenting assessments and decisions using best practice and organizational standards.  
Additionally, the Intake Coordinator will monitor referral trends and provide feedback to management and clinical staff to support continuous improvement in the programme accessibility.  

 

 Key relationships:  

Internal  

  • Reports to the Director  

  • Management colleagues 

  • Clinical colleagues 

 

External 

  • Referrers 

  • Funders 

  • Clinical colleagues 

 

Key responsibilities: 

  • Coordinate the intake protocol developed by Whakamātūtū and ensure referrals are assessed in a timely manner. 

  • Evaluate the mental health needs and suitability of referred tangata whaiora to participate in the programme.  

  • Provide clear and empathetic communication to individuals regarding the assessment process, program expectations, and potential next steps. 

  • Document assessment findings, clinical observations, and recommendations accurately and securely in compliance with organizational standards. 

  • Provide evidence-based therapeutic interventions, primarily in a group setting, to address a range of mental health challenges and promote recovery, if required.  

  • Contribute to a learning and reflective culture in which kaimahi are safe to challenge, try new things, engage in experimental learning and to act on improvement opportunities. 

  • Contributes to the development and implementation of key strategies, plans and frameworks that drive performance and service delivery to achieve the key objectives of Whakamātūtū. 

 

Minimum job requirements  

  • We are looking for a motivated person who enjoys a challenge and has a positive attitude. 

  • Ideal candidates will have a good understanding of trauma and health inequalities and previous experience working with people with mental health distress.