START- Rehabilitation Assistant

Health New Zealand - Te Whatu Ora Lakes; Bay of Plenty; On-site; NZD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora Lakes invites applications for a Rehabilitation Assistant within the START team in Tauranga. You will work under the delegation of registered health professionals to provide personalised rehabilitation in patients' homes, helping older people regain strength, mobility and independence after illness or injury.

You will join a multidisciplinary team focused on safe hospital-to-home transitions, collaborating with patients and whānau.

Qualifications

• Experience as Rehabilitation Assistant, Allied Health Assistant or Healthcare Assistant.
• Understanding of rehabilitation, functional recovery and supporting independence.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills with a patient-centred approach.
• Confidence working under delegation and direction of registered health professionals.
• Good organisational skills and ability to work independently in a community setting.
• Collaborative approach to working with multidisciplinary teams, patients and whānau.
• Commitment to culturally safe practice and equitable health outcomes.

Responsibilities

• Provide individualised rehabilitation and practical support in patients' homes.
• Help older people regain strength, mobility and independence after illness or injury.
• Support safe recovery and promote confidence to manage daily activities at home.
• Work within START to ensure timely, coordinated rehabilitation and discharge planning.

Skills

Rehabilitation experience

Rehabilitation concepts

Communication skills

Supervision under health professionals

Organisational skills

Team collaboration

Cultural safety

Job description

Enjoy life in Tauranga, with its welcoming communities, harbour setting and easy access to the outdoorsFixed-term, full-time position 1.0 FTE, until June 2027, working Monday to SundayHelp older people regain their independence and confidence following illness or injury

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

Make a meaningful difference in the recovery of older people through START (Supported Transfer and Accelerated Rehabilitation Team). Working under the delegation of registered health professionals, you will provide individualised rehabilitation and practical support in patients' homes. From helping people rebuild their strength and mobility to supporting everyday activities, your contribution will help them recover safely, regain confidence and maintain their independence in familiar surroundings.

About the Team/Service/Location

START brings together a multidisciplinary team focused on helping older people transition safely from hospital to home. Through timely, coordinated rehabilitation and support, the team works alongside patients and whānau to promote recovery, reduce unnecessary time in hospital and support ongoing independence. Based in Tauranga, you will be part of a collaborative service where every contribution makes a difference to someone's recovery.

Click here to learn more about the Bay of Plenty

About You

You enjoy working with people and take pride in helping them achieve their goals, however small those steps might seem. Patient, encouraging and adaptable, you understand the importance of building trust and supporting people at their own pace. You work well independently in the community while maintaining strong communication with colleagues, patients and whānau.

What you will bring:

• Previous experience as a Rehabilitation Assistant, Allied Health Assistant or Healthcare Assistant
• An understanding of rehabilitation, functional recovery and supporting independence
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with a patient-centred approach
• Confidence working under the delegation and direction of registered health professionals
• Good organisational skills and the ability to work independently in a community setting
• A collaborative approach to working with multidisciplinary teams, patients, and whānau
• A commitment to culturally safe practice and equitable health outcomes

To view the Position Description please click here

Working for 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 Māori, Pacific, disabled, and rainbow communities.