Health Care Assistant- Casual

Marketplace; Timaru; Remote; NZD 30,000 - 47,000; Part time

Job summary

Health New Zealand – Te Whatu Ora Southern in Timaru is seeking experienced Health Care Assistants for casual, rostered roles across Timaru Hospital and community services. You will support patients under nursing supervision and contribute to the smooth operation of multiple departments.

Ideal candidates will have Level 3 health and wellbeing qualifications or be working towards healthcare credentials, with a patient-centred approach, strong communication, and a collaborative spirit.

Qualifications

• Experience as Health Care Assistant or similar healthcare role.
• Completed or working towards Level 3 health and wellbeing qualification.
• Studying towards a healthcare qualification such as nursing or radiology.

Responsibilities

• Provide care and support to patients under nursing supervision.
• Assist with duties to support smooth service delivery across departments.
• Work across wards, community services, and hospital avoidance initiatives.
• Maintain patient privacy and dignity while prioritising whānau-centred care.

Skills

Patient support

Communication

Teamwork

Privacy & confidentiality

Cultural awareness

Adaptability

Education

Level 3 health & wellbeing qualification

Studying towards healthcare qualification

Job description

# Health Care Assistant- Casual at Health New Zealand - Te Whatu Ora Southern, Canterbury## Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role**Health New Zealand – South Canterbury Timaru Hospital****Casual (when required to meet the needs of the service)****Rostered and Rotating Shifts****Must be available to work mornings, afternoons and nights****About the Role**We are looking for experienced Health Care Assistants to join our Nursing Resource Unit on a casual basis.As part of the Nursing Resource Unit, you'll provide care and support to patients under the direction and supervision of nursing staff, while also assisting with other duties required to support the smooth running of the service.This is a varied role working across different departments at Timaru Hospital as well as community-based services, which may include District Nursing, Early Supported Discharge and Hospital Avoidance.If you enjoy variety, working with different teams and making a positive difference to the experience of patients and whānau, this could be a great opportunity for you.**About You**We are looking for people with previous Health Care Assistant or relevant healthcare experience who have completed, or are working towards, a minimum Level 3 health and wellbeing qualification or equivalent.We will also consider applicants currently studying towards a relevant healthcare qualification, such as nursing or radiology.To be successful in this role, you will:* Be confident supporting people with a range of healthcare needs* Have well-developed communication skills and a friendly, patient-focused approach* Work effectively as part of a wider multidisciplinary team* Know when to seek guidance or assistance from nursing staff* Show initiative and be comfortable working across different environments* Demonstrate genuine sensitivity, cultural awareness and empathy towards others* Understand the importance of privacy and maintaining confidentiality* Be committed to delivering safe, high-quality and person-centred care* Be available to work a variety of casual shifts, including mornings, afternoons, nights or part shifts in all wards and departments within HNZ- SC* Have the right to work in New ZealandYou'll be adaptable, reliable and comfortable joining different teams while always keeping patients and their whānau at the centre of the care you provide.**Working at Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora**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.Our people are at the heart of everything we do. We are committed to being good employers and honouring our equal employment opportunity obligations.We embrace diversity and welcome applications from all people, including all gender identities, ages, ethnicities, sexual orientations and disabilities. A diverse and inclusive workforce helps us better understand and serve our communities.**How to Apply**If you're looking for a flexible Health Care Assistant opportunity where you can work across a variety of services and make a real difference for patients, we'd love to hear from you.Please apply online through our careers portal.For further information about the recruitment process, please contact Becky at [e-mail].## Ngā taipitopito tūranga mahi | Job details| | || --- | --- || Employer: | Health New Zealand - Te Whatu Ora Southern || Location: | Canterbury || Position type: | Casual || Category: | Community Services || Date listed: | 12-Nov-2026 || Salary range: | N/A || Closing date: | 26-Nov-2026 || Reference: | 1260 || Attachment: | No File Attached || File links: | || Website: | |Note: You may be redirected to the employer's careers website.