DAMHS Administrator at Health New Zealand - Te Whatu Ora Te Pae Hauora o Ruahine o Tararua MidCentral, Manawatu / Whanganui

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

DAMHS Administrator – Palmerston North Hospital | Permanent Full-time

Do you enjoy working in a fast-paced environment where accuracy and organisation are critical?

Are you looking for a role where your work directly supports patient care and legal processes?

We are seeking a highly motivated, organised, and detail-focused Administrator to join the Director of Area Mental Health Services (DAMHS) office within Mental Health and Addiction Services at Palmerston North Hospital.

Benefits

• 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

As a DAMHS Administrator, you will coordinate and manage the administrative functions of the DAMHS office, ensuring compliance with the Mental Health (Compulsory Assessment and Treatment) Act 1992 and the Substance Addiction (Compulsory Assessment and Treatment) Act 2017.

Your day-to-day work will include preparing legal documentation, maintaining accurate databases and tracking systems, and ensuring all statutory timeframes are met. You will also support Mental Health Court processes, liaising with court officials, clinicians, lawyers, and whānau to ensure smooth and timely proceedings.

This is a high-responsibility role requiring strong attention to detail, excellent time management, and the ability to manage sensitive and confidential information with professionalism.

About you

To be successful in this role, you will demonstrate:

• Proven experience in administration within a complex environment (health, legal, or government preferred)
• Strong organisational skills with exceptional attention to detail and accuracy
• Advanced skills in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel) and database management
• Ability to prioritise workload, meet deadlines, and work both independently and as part of a team
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and the ability to work with a wide range of stakeholders
• Professionalism, discretion, cultural awareness, and the ability to handle sensitive situations

It would be advantageous (but not essential) to have experience in mental health or knowledge of relevant legislation.

About the Team/Service

You will be part of the Mental Health and Addiction Services administration team, supporting clinicians and statutory roles to deliver safe, effective, and legally compliant care.

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.

MidCentral region offers an excellent lifestyle for families with scenic spots for hiking and mountain-biking, great schools and tertiary institutions.  With the mountains, city and sea at your doorstep, you'll get to taste the best of both worlds – the perfect blend of rural and city living.

About the Location

Manawatū is known for its effortless blend of city and rural living; here you can choose your ideal lifestyle, from peaceful rural villages, to bustling townships, or city life.  It's a family-friendly place that's easy to live and work, with easy access to an array of outdoor activities – beaches, ski fields, lakes, mountains, as well as fantastic mountain biking and hiking tracks. No traffic and an easy commute to work, really help a with true work-life balance. Our fantastic central location means exploring other parts of New Zealand is easy as a drive or a short flight. We are well served with excellent schooling options, as well as two tertiary institutes – Massey University and the International Pacific College.

For more information on living and working in the Manawatu click here

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.  

How to Apply

To apply please click “apply now.”  All applications must be submitted through our online careers' portal by the advertised date. If you have any questions about the role, please contact Roxanne Janse Van Rensburg Roxanne.JanseVanRensburg@midcentraldhb.govt.nz

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

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