Mental Health Assistant - Acute Mental Health at Health New Zealand - Te Whatu Ora Southern, Otago

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

• Wakari Hospital
• Casual vacancy
• Salary band $28.30 - $35.69 per hour and holiday loading
• Free on-site parking

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 looking for a positive and confident Mental Health Assistant to support our tight-knit team in Acute Mental Health - Ward 9B.

As a Mental Healthcare Assistant, you will be responsible for:

• supporting our nurses and other members of the healthcare team
• patient movement
• patient cares, as required
• stock reconciliation
• ward maintenance
• patient watch/supervision, with one-on-one care as required
• rostered shift duties (Monday through Sunday).

View position description.

About us

Wakari Hospital provides care within a range of different settings and environments. You'll join an expert multi-disciplinary clinical team who provide input to consumers requiring comprehensive assessment and/or treatment. The majority of consumers present with serious, complex mental health and/or intellectual disabilities.

About you

Our ideal applicant will:

• hold a full driver's licence
• be confident and physically able to provide support and assist consumers
• be able to adapt to a changing environment
• have strong computer literacy skills
• have experience working with people in the health sector is an advantage.

If you enjoy the idea of gaining valuable experience within the mental health sector and really making a difference, we would love to hear from you.

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 serve our community. We welcome applications from our diverse Māori, Pacific, disabled, and rainbow communities.

Salary range

This role is covered by the terms and conditions of the expired NZNO CEA and the salary will be in accordance with the MHA Pay Scale, between $28.30 - $35.69 per hour, dependent on relevant experience.

How to apply

To apply please click 'apply now'. All applications must be submitted through our online careers portal by Sunday, 8 March 2026. If you have any questions about the role, please contact Ben Kingsbury ben.kingsbury@tewhatuora.govt.nz

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

We only accept online applications. Please apply via our website.