Mental Health Assistant - Whaikaha

Canterbury District Health Board; Christchurch; On-site; NZD 45,000 - 55,000; Part time

Job summary

The Canterbury District Health Board is seeking a resilient Mental Health Assistant for the Whaikaha High Care Area at Hillmorton Hospital. You will support adults with intellectual disabilities in a secure 4-bed unit, assisting with daily living activities and collaborating with a multidisciplinary team to craft personalized care plans.

We offer a permanent, part-time position (0.94 FTE, 37.6 hours/week) on a rotating roster across mornings, afternoons and nights.

Qualifications

• Current Full Driver's Licence is essential.
• Experience in supporting daily living activities and routines.

Responsibilities

• Support consumers with activities of daily living (ADLs) and daily routines.
• Work closely with the nursing team to facilitate activities on and off the ward.
• Contribute to multidisciplinary care plans to promote independence and community engagement.

Skills

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Time management

Adaptability

Job description

• Hours– 0.94FTE (37.6 hours a week) Positions available
• Shifts– Rotating Roster, 4 days on and 2 daysoff. Monday to Sunday across Morning, Afternoon and Night shifts.
• Status– Permanent
• Location– Hillmorton Hospital

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is firmly grounded in the principlesof Te Tiriti o Waitangi and is committed to building a health system thatserves all New Zealanders.

About the Role

The Whaikaha High Care Area is asecure 4-bed inpatient Intellectual Disability (ID) unit at HillmortonHospital. The team provides assessment andtreatment options tailored to the needs of intellectually disabled people. Adedicated multidisciplinary team of health professionals work together to craftpackages of care that enable consumersto learn new skills and ways ofmanaging their illness, so that they can return home, be part of theircommunity and lead a good life.

Here, we are focusing onrehabilitation of our tāngata whaiora by discovering and building on theirpersonal strengths and providing a supported transition back to theircommunities. Delivering a high standard of care is important to the Whaikahateam. Our focus is on a person’sindividual skills and abilities to maintain their independence whilstencouraging them to develop new skills. We promote the person to remain engagedwith the wider community to maintain their social networks and advocate continuumof care. Supporting consumers to engage in meaningful activities in theinpatient areas and in the community as supported by the multi-disciplinaryteam.

• As a Mental Health Assistant, you will be involved in supporting consumers with theiractivities of daily living (ADL’s) as well supporting them with theirdaily routines. You may be required to help facilitate activities for ourconsumers, this could also be an activity off the ward/ off-site. You willbe well supported by and work closely with the nursing team.

About you

We are looking for someone who is resilient, motivated and friendly.Has akind and caring nature and willingness to help others.

• Current Full DriversLicence is essential
• Excellent communicationskills and interpersonal skills
• Excellent timemanagement skills and a willingness to learn
• Ability to be versatileand follow direction
• Ability to work wellunder pressure
• Ideally experience as aHealth Care Assistant/ Mental Health Assistant, though not essential
• Experience in a settingworking with individuals with intellectual disabilities is desirable butnot essential

Working at Health New Zealand

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is dedicated to ensuringexcellent healthcare for the people of New Zealand. We embrace a workforce thatis diverse and inclusive so that we are better positioned to understand andservice our community. We welcome applications from our diverse Māori,Pacific, disabled, and rainbow communities.

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

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