Psychiatric Assistant

North Island - Taranaki; New Plymouth; On-site; NZD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is seeking a motivated Psychiatric Assistant to join the Inpatient Mental Health Team at Taranaki Base Hospital in New Plymouth. You will support recovery and wellbeing in a collaborative, learning-focused environment.

The role is supervised by a Registered Nurse, requiring empathy, good communication, and readiness for physical tasks and SPEC training. Applicants with a Level 4 Health Care Assistant qualification or equivalent are encouraged to apply.

Qualifications

• Level 4 Health Care Assistant qualification or equivalent.
• Mental health experience desirable.
• Strong communication skills and empathy.

Responsibilities

• Assist the Registered Nurse and nursing staff to provide safe, effective care.
• Work under supervision and delegation; participate in care delivery.
• Be prepared for physical aspects of the role and participate in SPEC training.

Skills

Communication skills

Teamwork

Education

Level 4 Health Care Assistant qualification

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.

North Island - Taranaki – New Plymouth, North Island

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

We are seeking an enthusiastic and motivated Psychiatric Assistant to join our Inpatient Mental Health Team at Taranaki Base Hospital.

This is an opportunity to make a difference in peoples lives by supporting recovery and future wellbeing.

We provide a supportive environment that encourages active learning.

A strong team approach to support you in your role and your own wellbeing.

About the Team/Service/ Location

At Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora Taranaki we are committed to recognising the value our people bring to our organisation within a supportive team of healthcare professionals that provide comprehensive care to our patients.

We believe having workforce that is diverse and inclusive, we are a pro-equity Health Organisation, and this means that we will be better positioned to understand and serve our community.

When you choose to work with us, we will offer you:

A comprehensive orientation and induction to our organisation and your department

Access to clinical training and education

Project Maunga - our New Facilities currently under construction check this out on our website www.tdhb.org/maunga.shtml

Opportunities to participate on local project and regional collaboration teams

About you

Ideally you will have a Level 4 Health Care Assistant qualification or equivalent or be prepared to undertake the relevant training. Experience in a mental health setting or similar is desirable.

If you are kind and compassionate, have a healthy dose of common sense and great communication skills, we would like to hear from you.

The Psychiatric Assistant always works under the supervision and delegation of the Registered Nurse, assisting the nursing staff to provide safe and effective care. There is an aspect of physicality in this role, and you will be required to under SPEC Training (Safe Practise Effective Communication)

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.