Mental Health Assistant

JobSpace; Hastings; On-site; NZD 52,000 - 68,000; Full time

Job summary

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is seeking a Mental Health Assistant to support Registered Nurses and the multidisciplinary team in Nga Rau Rākau inpatient unit at Hawke's Bay Fallen Soldiers Memorial Hospital. You will assist with daily activities, observations, and therapeutic engagement while helping create a safe, person-centred environment.

No two days are the same: you will help with recreational and recovery-focused activities, basic cares, and ward maintenance, while building positive

Qualifications

• Must have strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively in a team.
• Compassionate and respectful approach to supporting patients and whānau.
• Ability to follow direction while using initiative in a fast-paced inpatient setting.

Responsibilities

• Support Registered Nurses and the multidisciplinary team to deliver safe, compassionate care.
• Assist with daily activities, observations and therapeutic engagement for inpatients.
• Contribute to maintaining a safe, clean and supportive ward environment.

Skills

Communication skills

Teamwork

Compassionate approach

Initiative

Education

NZ Certificate in Health and Wellbeing Level 4

Job description

Jora New Zealand will close on 9th September 2026. Thank you for being with us, we are cheering you on as you continue your career journey.

Permanent, Full Time, 80 hours per fortnight (1 FTE)

This is a great opportunity to step into a key role where you can make a meaningful impact, lead change, and contribute to improving outcomes for the communities we serve.

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

As a Mental Health Assistant, you will support Registered Nurses and the wider multidisciplinary team to deliver safe, compassionate, and person-centred care within the inpatient mental health unit. You'll work closely with tangata whaiora, assisting with daily activities, observations, and therapeutic engagement, while helping to create a safe and supportive environment.

No two days are the same - your role will include supporting recreational and recovery-focused activities, assisting with basic cares, maintaining the ward environment, and building positive relationships with whaiora and their whānau. This is a hands-on role where you'll contribute directly to wellbeing, dignity, and recovery outcomes, while being an important part of a collaborative care team.

About the Team/Service/Location

Our Nga Rau Rākau inpatient unit is a supportive and multidisciplinary mental health service based at Hawkes Bay Fallen Soldiers Memorial Hospital. You'll be joining a team committed to providing compassionate, culturally safe care and improving outcomes for our diverse community.

About You

As a Mental Health Assistant, you will bring:

• A Level 4 New Zealand Certificate in Health and Wellbeing (or working towards it)
• Strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively in a team
• A compassionate, respectful approach to supporting tangata whaiora and whānau
• Ability to follow direction while using initiative in a fast-paced environment

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.

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.