Nicola Rolleston

My current role as a Health Improvement Practitioner, commonly known as a HIP, allows me to work within general practice teams and provide immediate support for a range of mental health and addiction concerns. The HIP role is a busy and varied one with an emphasis on 'no wrong referral' and allows me to work as part of the collaborative care team and also offer interventions to emergency presentations

• The main advantage to tangata whaiora is the immediacy of the support
• The approach is typically brief and focused on providing immediate support and practical strategies
• Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to develop comprehensive treatment plans for optimal patient care.
• Improved efficiency within the practice by proactively identifying bottlenecks in workflow processes and implementing targeted improvements.
• Enhanced patient outcomes by implementing evidence-based practices and closely monitoring progress.
• Identified opiate-free pain control methods to reduce usage of overprescribed narcotics.
• Delivered exceptional care to diverse populations while respecting cultural differences and unique medical requirements of each patient group.
• Increased patient satisfaction scores through excellent communication, empathy, and understanding of individual needs.
• Managed complex caseloads while ensuring the highest level of care for each patient under my supervision.
• Excelled in time management skills, enabling the completion of all daily tasks while providing exceptional care to patients.
• Developed strong working relationships with colleagues and external partners to facilitate effective collaboration on shared goals.
• Championed a positive work environment by fostering open communication channels among staff members and encouraging teamwork.
• Participated in continuing education and professional development to enhance expertise and skills.
• Collaborated with public health agencies on community outreach programs promoting wellness initiatives targeting specific population needs.

I currently contract to Raise/Southern Cross Wellness as an EAP/Brief intervention counsellor. Referrals are for EAP or health insurance tangata whaiora and sessions are by zoom or phone. I am allocated referrals for complex or high risk whaiora and am CIMA trained for crisis management interventions.

• Used cognitive behaviour therapy to assist clients in recognisng and redirecting poor habits.
• Implemented evidence-based therapeutic interventions to promote positive behaviour change.

My responsibilities included those of the Team Leader who is currently on extended leave including; coordinating the intake of new referrals, which involves conducting initial assessments, identifying any safety concerns or risks, making clinical decisions on whether to accept or decline cases, finding suitable housing for the referred individuals, and assigning them to a case worker within the team. Additionally, I managed a case load of tangata whaiora, who present with complex AOD/mental health/physical health issues and/or challenging behaviours

• A significant part of my role includes audits, internal supervision, quality assurance and leading the team with clinical support and guidance to promote sound clinical and ethical practices that align with organisational policies and processes
• Mentored junior caseworkers and provided guidance on best practices, leading to a more skilled team.
• Established rapport with diverse clientele by demonstrating cultural competence and sensitivity in all interactions.
• Improved case resolution rate by conducting thorough investigations and collaborating with relevant agencies.
• Provided support during crisis situations, helping clients navigate through challenging circumstances successfully.
• Conducted regular evaluations of case progress, making adjustments as needed to achieve desired results.
• Built strong relationships with partner organisations, fostering collaboration for better client outcomes.
• Streamlined casework processes for increased efficiency and effectiveness in serving clients.
• Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to develop holistic solutions for clients'' needs.
• Managed complex cases involving multiple stakeholders, ensuring all perspectives were considered for a fair outcome.
• Maintained accurate records of each case, ensuring proper documentation and compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Assisted clients in preparing applications for social security benefits, housing and assistance programs.
• Provided crisis counselling and intervention services to clients in emergency situations.
• Developed and maintained strong relationships with community resources for successful referrals.
• Assisted individuals with mental/physical challenges in accessing necessary accommodations within the community, promoting increased independence and quality of life.

Company Overview: Nova Trust consists of two programs, Nova Recovery, a 12-week residential AOD initiative, and Nova Supported Recovery and Treatment Unit (STAR)

The STAR unit aims to improve the health and wellbeing of individuals placed under the Compulsory Substance Addiction Treatment Act who have been deemed to lack capacity

As an addictions practitioner, my role was to manage cases between the two facilities:

• I worked closely with tangata whaiora in both unit who presented with complex co-existing problems. My role included assessing brief executive brain function and mental capacity and collaborating with the MDT team to create a holistic treatment plan and contributing towards reporting on tangata whaiora cases during court hearings.
• Group facilitation and programme development
• Brief assessment, safety & risk identification, planning and management.
• AOD counselling, relapse prevention planning, brief interventions - CBT, ACT, Motivational Interviewing and talk therapy.