Healthcare Assistant- Outpatients

Te Whatu Ora - Health New Zealand; Timaru; On-site; NZD 45,000 - 58,000; Part time

Job summary

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora – South Canterbury, Timaru Hospital, is seeking a motivated Healthcare Assistant to join the Outpatients team on a 0.8 FTE basis. You will support patient care, assist with daily operations, and work with nursing and allied staff to ensure a smooth outpatient experience for patients and whānau.

The role requires a genuine commitment to patient care, strong communication, teamwork, and the ability to handle a busy outpatient environment with flexibility and

Qualifications

• Patient care focused with a genuine interest in health outcomes.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills essential.
• Friendly, professional, and caring approach to patients and whānau.
• Ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary team.
• Good organisational skills and attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Support patients during outpatient appointments and care activities.
• Prepare clinical areas and assist with patient flow.
• Undertake delegated patient care activities as directed.
• Maintain stock levels and assist with equipment cleaning/preparation.
• Support administration and non-clinical tasks for the team.

Skills

Patient care

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Team collaboration

Organisation

Privacy & confidentiality

IT literacy

Education

NZ Certificate in Health and Wellbeing (Level 3+)

Job description

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora – South Canterbury

Timaru Hospital

Permanent 0.8 FTE (64 hours per fortnight)

Outpatients Department

Support High-Quality Care for Patients Across a Range of Specialist Services

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.

About the Role

We have an exciting opportunity for a motivated and compassionate Healthcare Assistant to join our Outpatients team at Timaru Hospital.

As a Healthcare Assistant, you'll play an important role in supporting the delivery of high-quality patient care and assisting the smooth day-to-day operation of our busy Outpatients Department. Working alongside nursing, medical, administration, and allied health staff, you will provide practical support that contributes to a positive experience for patients and whānau.

This is a varied role that may include supporting patients during their outpatient appointments, preparing clinical areas, assisting with patient flow, undertaking delegated patient care activities, maintaining stock levels, cleaning and preparing equipment, and supporting the wider team with administrative and non-clinical tasks. The role requires a flexible and proactive approach along with a genuine commitment to patient care.

About the Team / Service / Location

The Outpatients Department provides a wide range of specialist clinics and services to people across South Canterbury. As part of the team, you'll work in a fast-paced environment supporting the delivery of care across multiple specialties while helping ensure patients receive a welcoming, efficient, and professional service.

Based in Timaru, South Canterbury offers an outstanding lifestyle with affordable housing, excellent schools, short commute times, and easy access to beaches, mountains, lakes, hiking, skiing, and cycling. It's the perfect place to build your career while enjoying genuine work‑life balance.

About You

To be successful in this role, you will have:

• A genuine interest in patient care and supporting positive health outcomes
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• A friendly, professional, and caring approach
• The ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team
• Good organisational skills and attention to detail
• The ability to manage competing priorities in a busy clinical environment
• Confidence using computer systems and technology
• A commitment to maintaining patient confidentiality and privacy
• The ability to follow direction while working independently when required
• A commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and improving equitable health outcomes for Māori
• New Zealand Certificate in Health and Wellbeing (Level 3 or above), or willingness to work towards this qualification.
• Previous experience as a Healthcare Assistant, Caregiver, or in a healthcare environment
• Knowledge of infection prevention and control practicesExperience working with patients, whānau, or members of the public in a service‑focused role
• Knowledge of safe manual handling techniques.

Working for Health New Zealand

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is ‘the weaving of wellness'. 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.

Salary Range

This role is covered by the terms and conditions of the relevant collective agreement and salary will be in accordance with the applicable pay scale and dependent on experience.

Job details

Job Reference:

Job Reference: 1255

Location:

South Island - Canterbury - Timaru and South Canterbury