Administrator | Hillmorton Hospital

• Christchurch – Hillmorton Health Campus - Director of Area Mental Health Services (DAMHS) Office
• Full time permanent position working 40 hours per week

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is firmly grounded in the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and is committed to building a health system that serves all New Zealanders.

Join a specialist team supporting essential mental health legislative processes

We are seeking an organised and detail-focused Administrator to join the Director of Area Mental Health Services (DAMHS) Office. This important role supports the accurate administration and coordination of legislativ requirements relating to mental health and compulsory care legislation.

This is a unique opportunity to work within a specialist environment that plays a critical role in supporting clinical services, the courts, and the wider mental health system. 

About the Role

As the DAMHS Office Administrator, you will provide high-quality administrative support to ensure legislative obligations are accurately recorded, monitored, and processed within required timeframes.

You will work closely with clinical teams, courts, District Inspectors, lawyers, and external agencies to coordinate hearings, maintain legal records, and support compliance with mental health legislation.

As part of the Administration Pay Equity Claim settlement these roles have been mapped to National Role Profile 5 /Band 5

For further information about the administration and clerical pay equity settlement please follow the link below: 

PSA National Health Administration Collective Agreement - FINAL (tewhatuora.govt.nz) 

Key Responsibilities

Legislative Administration

• Maintain accurate records relating to:
• Assessments
• Compulsory Treatment Orders (CTOs)
• Extensions of orders
• Leave and AWOL documentation
• Consent to treatment
• Clinical and judicial reviews
• CP(MIP) and IDCCR requirements
• Ensure legal documentation is completed accurately and processed within required timeframes
• Monitor and maintain up-to-date patient information within the patient management system
• Process legal documentation relating to:
• Mental Health (Compulsory Assessment and Treatment) Act
• Substance Addiction (Compulsory Assessment and Treatment) Act
• Intellectual Disability (Compulsory Care and Rehabilitation) Act
• Criminal Procedure (Mentally Impaired Persons) Act

Court & DAMHS Office Coordination

• Coordinate Family Court hearings and weekly court visits
• Liaise with Family Court staff, District Inspectors, and legal representatives
• Ensure hearing information is distributed accurately and on time
• Notify clinical teams, consumers, and whānau of upcoming hearings
• Maintain legislative registers and office records

Customer Service & Communication

• Respond to queries and emails professionally and promptly
• Build positive working relationships with clinical teams, courts, District Inspectors, and lawyers
• Promote a culture of professionalism, collaboration, and customer service excellence 

About You

Essential:

• Proven administration experience in a busy environment
• Excellent keyboard and data entry skills
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• High attention to detail and accuracy
• Strong organisational and time management skills
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information appropriately
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team

Desirable:

• Knowledge or experience relating to the Mental Health Act and associated legislation
• Experience working within a mental health or healthcare environment
• Familiarity with patient management systems (SAP or similar)
• Commitment to ongoing learning and professional development 

Working at Health New Zealand

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is dedicated to ensuring excellent healthcare for the people of New Zealand. We embrace a workforce that is diverse and inclusive so that we are better positioned to understand and service our community. We welcome applications from our diverse Māori, Pacific, disabled, and rainbow communities. 

How to Apply

To apply please click “apply now.” All applications must be submitted through our online career’s portal.  If you have any questions about the role, please contact Kerri McCarthy at Kerri.McCarthy@TeWhatuOra.govt.nz

We will review applications as received and may proceed with the recruitment process, before the closing date of this advert.

Position description Apply now

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