Mental Heath Assistant | Greymouth

• Greymouth - Te Nikau Manaakitanga IPU 
• 0.6 FTE – 24 hours per week
• Permanent part-time 

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is firmly grounded in the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and is dedicated to serving all New Zealanders. Through integration and collaboration, we’re building a health system underpinned by partnership, equity, sustainability, whānau-centred care, and excellence.

About the role

We are seeking a compassionate and dedicated Mental Health Assistant to join our Mental Health Service team. In this role, you will provide high-quality support within wards or departments as part of a healthcare team under the direction of a Registered Nurse, Enrolled Nurse, or Midwife.

You will assist in both clinical and non-clinical tasks in a professional manner and may be redeployed to other wards or departments to ensure adequate coverage. Your role will also include assisting with routine housekeeping duties as needed and providing backup support during staff absences.

Key Responsibilities:

• Assist nursing staff with ward maintenance, including moving, cleaning, and making beds.
• Support patients with daily hygiene tasks, including toileting and showering.
• Engage with patients to encourage meaningful activities and support the Unit Wellbeing Program.
• Monitor patient safety, assist with unit security, and provide specialized patient observations.
• Manage linen supplies by replacing full linen and rubbish bags and ensuring a sufficient supply of clean linen.
• Maintain patient dignity and privacy at all times.
• Communicate clearly and effectively with patients, staff, and visitors.
• Ensure all necessary equipment and stock are available and in good working order.
• Respond to patient call bells and seek the appropriate nurse when necessary.
• Order, store, and replenish stock as required.
• Collect patient meals from the kitchen as needed.
• Assist orderlies or other staff in transporting patients for diagnostic tests.
• Perform ward clerk duties and use relevant computer software, including Microsoft Word and Outlook.
• Escort patients to outings or events.
• Adhere to Health NZ policies and procedures.
• Undertake special projects as required.

About you

• Completed or willing to complete Level 3 Health and Wellbeing (Mental Health and Addictions) within 12 months of employment.
• Any existing Level 3 qualification should align with the requirements of the IPUH&W Support Work qualification.
• Willingness to undertake further Mental Health and Addiction unit standards (through micro-credentialing) if necessary.
• Computer literacy is essential.
• Safe Practice Effective Communication (SPEC) training is an advantage.
• Previous experience as a Mental Health Assistant (MHA) or Healthcare Assistant (HCA) is an advantage.

Working for Health New Zealand

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is ‘the weaving of wellnesses. We're dedicated to ensuring excellent healthcare for the people of Aotearoa/New Zealand. The Equity Work Programme at Health NZ focuses on helping everyone in the health system think about equity when they do their work. It also promotes the cultural change needed for the whole system to reach equity in health outcomes.

Our people are at the heart of everything we do. Health New Zealand are committed to being good employers and honouring our equal employment opportunity obligations.

Our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion

We want to see the real you in your application and welcome the real you on board if you come and work with us. Skills are gained across many areas of our life, not just in formal employment. If you can demonstrate the skills listed in the ad, but the experience was gained through whānau life, community or mahi aroha (volunteering) we encourage you to apply and share your story with us in your cover letter.

We particularly welcome applications from our diverse Māori, Pacific, disabled, and rainbow communities.

Health NZ West Coast is situated on the West Coast of New Zealand’s South Island. It is unmatched for the scale, diversity, and accessibility of its natural attractions, including rugged coastline, sandy beaches, rainforests, and some of the highest mountain peaks in the country. The region boasts robust tourism and primary production industries, which provide the backbone of the local economy. The town of Greymouth is central to Te Tai o Poutini West Coast and is located alongside the historically rich and picturesque Grey river.

Health NZ West Coast are proud of how we do things. We have a way of working that we consider unique. It's about trying new things, listening to ideas from wherever they come from and working together as one. We are passionate about attracting, recruiting, and retaining talented people – to become part of our team.

How to Apply

To view the position description and/or apply for the role please click “apply now.” All applications must be submitted through our online careers. If you have any questions about the role, please contact Kerri McCarthy at Kerri.McCarthy@TeWhatuOra.govt.nz.

Please note, we will be reviewing applications when received and may proceed with the recruitment process, before the closing date of this advert.