Psychiatric Assistant

JobSpace; New Plymouth; On-site; NZD 50,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Orientation & induction

Clinical training

Local project & regional collaboration

Job summary

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora Taranaki seeks a Psychiatric Assistant for the Inpatient Mental Health Team at Taranaki Base Hospital in New Plymouth. You will support recovery and future wellbeing under the supervision of a Registered Nurse, contributing to a supportive, learning-focused environment.

Ideal candidates have a Level 4 Health Care Assistant qualification or are prepared to undertake the relevant training; experience in mental health is desirable.

Qualifications

• 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.
• Kindness, compassion and strong communication skills are essential.

Responsibilities

• The Psychiatric Assistant works under the supervision and delegation of the Registered Nurse.
• Assists nursing staff to provide safe and effective care.
• There is an aspect of physicality in this role and training is required (SPEC Training).

Skills

Communication skills

Compassion

Teamwork

Education

Level 4 Health Care Assistant qualification or equivalent

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.

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 people's 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.

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 a 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
• Opportunities to participate on local project and regional collaboration teams

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).

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.

All applications must be submitted through our online careers portal by 8 September 2026. If you have any questions about the role, please contact Michal Caldwell at ***************@tdhb.org.nz.