Mental Health Assistant | Hillmorton Hospital

• Christchurch - Hillmorton Health Campus - Regional Forensic Mental Health Services - Te Whare Mauri Ora (TWMO)
• Permanent full-time position working 37.5 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.

Te Whare Mauri Ora (TWMO) is a 13-bed open forensic rehabilitation ward based at Hillmorton Hospital. As part of Health New Zealand’s Regional Forensic Specialist Mental Health Services, we provide multidisciplinary assessment and treatment in a supportive environment for tangata whaiora.

Our focus is on recovery—supporting individuals whose mental illness has contributed to serious offending, or who present a high risk to themselves or others, to safely transition back into the community.

We are looking for a compassionate and reliable Mental Health Assistant to join our team.

About the Role

As a Mental Health Assistant, you will play a key role in supporting tangata whaiora and the clinical team. You will assist nursing staff with patient care while helping to maintain a safe, respectful, and therapeutic ward environment.

This is a hands-on role where your empathy, communication skills, and ability to build trust will make a meaningful impact. 

Key Responsibilities

Whaiora Care and Support

• Support tangata whaiora with daily living needs in a respectful and caring manner
• Build positive relationships and observe changes in mood, behaviour, or wellbeing

Monitoring and Safety

• Maintain a safe environment by following procedures and monitoring risks
• Respond appropriately to incidents or emergencies

Support Treatment Plans

• Assist with care plans and encourage participation in activities that support recovery

Communication and Documentation

• Maintain clear and accurate documentation
• Communicate effectively with the multidisciplinary team
• Uphold confidentiality and privacy at all times

Professional Practice

• Follow workplace policies and procedures
• Demonstrate respect, integrity, and teamwork
• Engage in ongoing learning and development

Te Tiriti o Waitangi

• Support equitable health outcomes for Māori
• Respect and uphold the values of tangata whenua and mana whenua
• Contribute to culturally safe care and support Māori workforce development 

About You

Essential:

• Experience supporting people in a mental health or related care setting
• Strong communication skills with the ability to show empathy, patience, and respect
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team and follow direction
• Understanding of confidentiality and safe practice

Desirable:

• Experience applying Te Tiriti o Waitangi in practice
• Previous experience working within a mental health setting 

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. If you have any questions about the role, please contact Recruitment Partner Lisa Gray on Lisa.Gray2@tewhatuora.govt.nz

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

Whilst Health New Zealand is undergoing change, affected employees will be given preference and priority for this position. 

Position description Apply now

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