Professional Administrator - MHAS

Te Whatu Ora - Health New Zealand; Palmerston North; On-site; NZD 68,000 - 77,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Learning environment

Supportive culture

Lifestyle options

Wellness programmes

Job summary

Te Whatu Ora - Health New Zealand in Palmerston North is seeking a Mental Health Administrator to provide welcoming, confidential administrative support to clinical teams, ensuring safe, timely and culturally responsive care.

You will schedule appointments, process referrals, maintain records and support meetings, while working across Mental Health and Addiction Services. A health administration background and empathy are essential; a safety check may apply.

Qualifications

• NCEA level 2 or equivalent.
• Administrative or reception experience, ideally in a health or other service setting.
• Confidence with Microsoft Office and a willingness to learn clinical information systems.
• Empathy, patience and a calm manner when working with people who may be distressed.
• A commitment to confidentiality, cultural safety and Te Tiriti o Waitangi.

Responsibilities

• Welcome and support tāngata whaiora, whānau and visitors, and answer calls and enquiries with compassion and clarity.
• Schedule appointments and clinics, follow up missed appointments, and keep booking information up to date.
• Process referrals, correspondence and clinical documentation.
• Maintain accurate records in our clinical and patient management systems, and handle health information in line with privacy requirements.
• Support meetings and multi-disciplinary team processes.
• Work alongside colleagues across Mental Health and Addiction Services and Support Services.

Skills

MS Office

Empathy

Confidentiality

Calm demeanor

Communication

Education

NCEA Level 2 or equivalent

Health administration qualification

Job description

Salary: $67,943 – $77,141 per annum (pro rata for 0.8 FTE)

Kia ora, are you an organised, caring administrator who wants your work to make a difference?

Mental Health and Addiction Services is looking for a Mental Health Administrator to join our team in Palmerston North. You will often be the first voice or face that tāngata whaiora and their whānau meet when they reach out for support, so your warmth, calm and professionalism matter.

• An encouraging learning environment where you will continue to grow and be challenged
• A professional and supportive culture and team setting
• Fulfilling and challenging work with great lifestyle options
• Tailored wellness programmes

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

You will provide welcoming, accurate and confidential administrative support to our clinical teams, helping them deliver safe, timely and culturally responsive care. Day to day, you will:

• Welcome and support tāngata whaiora, whānau and visitors, and answer calls and enquiries with compassion and clarity.
• Schedule appointments and clinics, follow up missed appointments, and keep booking information up to date.
• Process referrals, correspondence and clinical documentation.
• Maintain accurate records in our clinical and patient management systems, and handle health information in line with privacy requirements.
• Support meetings and multi-disciplinary team processes.
• Work alongside colleagues across Mental Health and Addiction Services and Support Services.

About you

You will bring:

• NCEA Level 2 or equivalent, or a relevant administration or health administration qualification.
• Administrative or reception experience, ideally in a health or other service setting working with the public.
• Confidence with Microsoft Office and a willingness to learn clinical information systems.
• Empathy, patience and a calm manner when working with people who may be distressed.
• A commitment to confidentiality, cultural safety and Te Tiriti o Waitangi.

Experience in mental health, addiction or wider health services, knowledge of the Mental Health Act, or a willingness to use te reo Māori and tikanga in your everyday mahi would be an advantage.

About the Team/Service

You will be part of a supportive team that values people, learning and doing things well. You will have the chance to grow your skills in a health environment where your contribution has a real impact on communities across our region.

This role involves contact with children and young people, so a safety check under the Children's Act 2014 is required. Employment is conditional on a satisfactory result.

Te Pae Hauora o Ruahine o Tararua – MidCentral is a 350-bed hospital in the city of Palmerston North, Manawatū, a city in the Lower North Island of New Zealand. Palmerston North Hospital is a secondary hospital and offers most medical and surgical specialties with the exception of Cardiothoracic, Plastic and Neurosurgery. The hospital serves a local population of 180,000 but is the base for a regional head and neck oncology service which has responsibility for a population of 550,000 and draws patients from Whanganui, Taranaki, and Hawke's Bay.

Employing over 2500 people, MidCentral offers a supportive work environment that accepts and values all employees. We actively seek Māori kaimahi into our workforce and provide an environment which delivers our commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion.

About the Location

Manawatū offers the perfect blend of city convenience and rural charm. Whether you're drawn to peaceful village life, vibrant townships, or the buzz of the city, you'll find your ideal lifestyle here. It's a family-friendly region that's easy to live in and even easier to love. The region is also home to excellent schools and two tertiary institutions: Massey University and the International Pacific College.

Outdoor enthusiasts are spoiled for choice—beaches, ski fields, lakes, and mountains are all within reach, along with fantastic hiking and mountain biking tracks. No traffic, an easy commute to work and a strong community feel, help achieve true work-life balance.

Our central location makes it easy to explore the rest of New Zealand, whether you're heading off on a road trip or catching a short flight.

For more information on living and working in the Manawatū:

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.

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

Job details

Job Reference:

Job Reference: 1952650

Location:

North Island - Manawatu / Whanganui - Palmerston North

Job type:

Job type: Permanent Full time

Expertise:

Non-clinical - Administration - Administration