Health Care Assistant START

About the Company Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is committed to building a healthcare system that serves all New Zealanders, grounded in the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi. We are dedicated to providing excellent healthcare services and are proud of our diverse and inclusive workforce. About the Role We are excited to announce an opportunity for a qualified health care assistant to join the Thames START team, part of our wider START service. This role is available on a permanent, part-time basis, or 0.8 FTE (64 hours) per fortnight, with rostered shifts scheduled from Monday to Sunday between 0700 and 2030 hours. As a health care assistant in this dynamic team, you will have a passion for rehabilitation in a community setting. Your responsibilities will include assisting with routine activities of daily living within the patient's home, coaching rehabilitation activities, and collaborating with an interdisciplinary team to achieve patient goals. You will also provide care as delegated by a registered nurse or allied health professional, and you will be encouraged to pursue ongoing education and development opportunities. About the Team/Service The Supported Transfer and Accelerated Rehabilitation Team (START) focuses on older persons and rehabilitation. Our program promotes rehabilitation within the patient's home environment to reduce pressure on hospital beds by preventing admissions, facilitating earlier discharges, and reducing readmissions. Our service covers the rural areas surrounding Thames, including Waihi, Paeroa, Coromandel, and Ngatea, which involves driving as part of the role. A fleet vehicle will be provided for this purpose. About Waikato The Waikato region offers a blend of stunning scenery and cultural richness, providing a variety of experiences for individuals of all ages. From epic surf spots to breathtaking underground wonders, Waikato has something for everyone. For additional information on living and working in Waikato, please refer to our website. About Thames Thames Hospital is a modern 50-bed secondary care facility that provides a comprehensive range of services, including an emergency department, inpatient care, day surgery, an infusion unit, rehabilitation services, a birthing unit, and low-acuity mental health care. Our hospital features 24-hour laboratory and radiology services, including advanced CT imaging. As an accredited training hub, we support 5th and 6th-year medical students from Auckland University, PGY2 House Officers, and registrars in Rural Hospital Medicine and General and Acute Care Medicine. We offer various quality improvement programs, continuing medical education opportunities, and an RMO teaching program. Our telehealth services are expanding, supporting inpatient care, outpatient clinics, and emergency services like stroke thrombolysis. Thames is a charming town located in the heart of The Coromandel, known for its rich history and stunning natural beauty. The area features a mix of colonial architecture, a vibrant arts scene, and a rich cultural heritage, including Māori history and the town's gold mining past. Outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate the endless opportunities for exploration in the Coromandel Ranges and Kauaeranga Valley, with hiking and camping readily accessible. Thames also serves as the starting point for the Hauraki Rail Trail, ideal for cycling through scenic landscapes. With numerous cafés, boutique shops, and local attractions, Thames offers a perfect blend of adventure, relaxation, and community, making it an ideal location to build your career while enjoying the serene beauty of the Coromandel. About You To be successful in this role, you will have: - Experience working in a community setting, preferably with older adults - The ability to assist with routine activities of daily living in the patient's home - Skills to coach rehabilitation activities - Experience working collaboratively within an interdisciplinary team - A commitment to ongoing education and development - Excellent interpersonal and communication skills - A clean, full New Zealand driver licence - Eligibility to work in New Zealand - Competency with te ao Māori, tikanga, and te reo Māori, or a commitment to starting your journey in this area and taking ownership of your learning and growth Working at Health New Zealand At Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora, we strive to ensure excellent healthcare for all New Zealanders. We welcome applications from diverse communities, including Māori, Pacific, disabled, and rainbow individuals, as we believe a diverse workforce is essential in understanding and serving our community effectively. How to Apply If you are interested in this opportunity, please click 'Apply online' or visit our Waikato Careers website to submit your application. All applications must be submitted through our online careers portal by 11:59 pm on 14 July 2025. If you have any questions about the role, please reach out to Rachael Devey via email at Rachael.Devey@TeWhatuOra.govt.nz.