Mental Health Assistant | Greymouth

• Greymouth - Te Nīkau, Grey Hospital and Health Centre - Kahurangi Dementia Unit
• Permanent part-time position working 36 hours per week (On a roster.  All shifts, morning, afternoon and night -  9 X 8-hour shifts for a fortnight)

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

About the role

The Mental Health Assistant (MHA) plays an important role in providing high-quality, person-centred care within the Kahurangi Dementia Unit. Working as part of the healthcare team and under the direction and supervision of a Registered Nurse, you will support residents to maintain dignity, comfort, and quality of life.

This role includes both clinical and non-clinical tasks and may involve redeployment to other wards or departments to ensure safe staffing levels.

Key responsibilities

Delivery of care

• Provide care to residents in line with their individual care plans under the supervision of a Registered Nurse
• Maintain best practice standards that uphold dignity, privacy, comfort, and quality of life
• Participate in shift handovers and report any changes in residents’ condition to the Registered Nurse
• Welcome new residents and support them to settle into the unit
• Answer call bells promptly and respond to resident requests for assistance
• Support residents to engage in meaningful activities, including outings and walks
• Assist with nutrition by ensuring food and fluids are provided appropriately

Clinical and non-clinical support

• Assist with personal care, housekeeping, linen changes, and waste management as required
• Ensure equipment and supplies are used correctly and economically
• Write progress notes for each resident at the end of each shift
• Participate in medication administration only once deemed competent and authorised by a Registered Nurse
• Provide cover during periods of sick leave, annual leave, or other absences

Professional practice

• Deal with enquiries courteously and direct them to the appropriate person when required
• Use computer systems and software such as Word and Outlook
• Maintain confidentiality of resident and staff information at all times
• Adhere to Health NZ | Te Whatu Ora policies and procedures
• Complete all mandatory education within required timeframes 

About you

Qualifications and experience

Essential

• Computer literacy
• Willingness to complete further dementia-focused training within one year of commencing employment

Desirable

• Careerforce Level 2, 3, or 4 qualifications
• Safe Practice Effective Communication (SPEC) training
• Previous experience as a Mental Health Assistant or Healthcare Assistant, particularly in aged residential or dementia care 

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 careers’ portal. 

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