Mental Health Support Worker jobs

• Acute mental health wards - Henry Rongomau Bennett Centre (HRBC) - soon to be relocating to a new purpose built, contemporary facility
• Full time - 80 hours per fortnight
• Rostered shift patterns
• Ability to work all shifts including night shift

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 individuals who can support our taangata whaiora and their whaanau during their admission period in our brand new state of the art acute adult mental health facility.

There are also limited roles available in our forensic wards which will continue to be located in HRBC.

Maaori are significantly represented across our services, which is why we are moving towards becoming a culturally led, clinically underpinned service

Delivering excellent care in a culturally responsive manner, to support the best outcomes for Maaori is fundamental to our mahi.

Responsibilities of the role:

• To report observed changes in taangata whaioras health status to the registered health professional
• To have an understanding of potential/ actual risk factors and how to de-escalate and escalate to ensure the safety of our taangata whaiora
• To apply culturally safe principles in the workplace

Click here to view the position description.

About the Team/Service

These roles offer an opportunity to work as part a dynamic and passionate team in our mental health environments.

Our new facility consists of two large units, each with their own high dependency areas. Whilst this investment introduces a contemporary purpose built facility, its true significance lies in the opportunity to redefine how care is experienced by taangata whaiora, their whaanau and loved ones.

Candidates with a good understanding of Te Ao Maaori and the ability to support our Maaori taangata whaiora through a strong Te Ao Maaori lens will be prioritised for interview, as are candidates who are willing to do night shifts.

About Hamilton

Hamilton, where Waikato Hospital is situated, is a vibrant city nestled alongside the scenic Waikato River, offering a perfect mix of nature and culture. Explore the stunning Hamilton Gardens, home to themed gardens from Italy to Asia, or visit the Waikato Museum to delve into the region's rich history. The city also boasts the Hamilton Zoo, where you can walk through an aviary filled with native birds. Hamilton is a lively hub, with a variety of cafes, restaurants, and bars, along with events like rugby, cricket, and the famous National Agricultural Fieldays and Balloons over Waikato festival. With its vibrant atmosphere and proximity to outdoor adventures, Hamilton is an ideal place to live and work.

For more information on living and working in Waikato click here

About you

• Competency with te ao Maaori, tikanga, and te reo Maaori or a commitment to starting your journey and taking ownership of your learning and growth
• A passion for making a difference to the lives of our taangata whaiora and whaanau
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• The ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, multidisciplinary team environment

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 online or apply via our Waikato Careers website by clicking here.

All applications must be submitted through our online careers portal before 11:59 pm on 18 October 2026. If you have any questions about the role, please contact Amanda Lewis-Wilson at Amanda.Lewis-Wilson@tewhatuora.govt.nz

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