Programme Lead - Access and Choice

Programme Lead - Access and Choice

Location: Dunedin or Invercargill

FTE: 1.0

Join our dynamic team and help shape the future of mental health and wellbeing services in the Southern region

At WellSouth, we are dedicated to promoting health equity, ensuring everyone has access to the highest quality of care and enabling better health outcomes for people in the Southern region.

The Access & Choice Program Leader (PL) is responsible for providing day to day oversight of the Access & Choice Service, including related planning, coordination, implementation, support, and evaluation.

The PL will provide operational management of the team as well as high quality information, communications, interaction, support and service to internal and external stakeholders, as well as support in managing operational resources to ensure the long-term viability of WellSouth.

About you- To be successful in this role you will:

• A tertiary degree in health, allied health or social services.


• Extensive experience in primary care and community mental health, with a strong understanding of the role these services play in supporting consumers.


• Previous leadership experience and proficiency in driving continuous quality improvement and service development, with the ability to manage multiple priorities effectively.


• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, and ability to build strong relationships with stakeholders at all levels.


• A strong and proven commitment to cultural safety and an understanding of the implications of the Treaty of Waitangi in a public health context.


• High motivation, energy, and professionalism, with strong problem-solving skills and the ability to work independently under pressure.


• Strong organisational, planning, and digital literacy skills, with a commitment to ongoing learning and professional development.

We offer: 

• A supportive work environment where you will make a real impact on the lives of our diverse communities.


• Opportunities for personal and professional growth.


• A commitment to upholding the principles of the Te Tiriti o Waitangi.


• A strong focus on supporting the health and wellbeing of our employees which includes a competitive salary, flu vaccinations, an annual wellness voucher and a day off on your birthday.


• 5 weeks annual leave after two years


• Sick leave entitlement of 5 days will be available from commencement of employment and another 5 days at 6 months of employment. 10 days entitlement will be available at 12 months service thereafter.


• Inhouse equity training, Te Reo training and associated professional development


• We are a rainbow tick certified workplace, the first PHO in Aotearoa New Zealand.

 Our Values - Tō Mātou Uara

• He mana tō te whānau – Whānau Centred


• Tōkeke - Equitable


• Manawa whakaute - Respectful


• Pono – Transparent

For the full Position Description click here: Position Description

Please note that we don’t always work to fixed closing dates & may interview candidates as their applications are received.

Applications close: 25 September 2025

Applications must include a CV, and a cover letter.

WellSouth is smokefree and we support the Government’s Vision of a Smokefree Aotearoa 2025.

WellSouth Primary Health Network is an equal opportunity employer committed to upholding the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi. We encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds.