Health Care Assistant - START
Health Care Assistant - START
Permanent, Full-time, Rostered
Lakes district
This is a unique opportunity to move beyond the traditional hospital setting, and make a tangible difference in patients' lives where it matters most: their own homes. As part of the START team, you are not just providing care; you are a key player in a rehabilitation journey, helping patients regain their independence and confidence in a familiar environment.This role offers high autonomy, variety, and the deep satisfaction of seeing real-world progress every day.At Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora Lakes, we recognize that to care for our community, we must first care for our people. By joining the START team, you will join a collaborative, tight-knit team where your voice is heard and your observations directly influence patient recovery plans.
Experience the unique fulfilment of building deep, respectful relationships with patients and whanau within their own homes, contributing to more equitable health outcomes for our region
Beyond the workplace, you are minutes away from excellent mountain biking in Whakarewarewa Forest, the serene waters of our regions lakes, and iconic thermal springs. We support your wellbeing with a culture that truly respects your time away from work, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the vibrant outdoor adventure and multicultural community that makes the Lakes district home.
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 Health Care Assistant (HCA), you will play a major role in your patients rehabilitation journey. Your day will involve traveling across the beautiful Lakes district to visit patients recently discharged from the hospital. You will assist them with daily living activitiessuch as mobility exercises, personal care, and meal preparationall while following a specific rehab plan designed by our clinical team.You are the eyes and ears of the team, monitoring progress and ensuring patients feel safe and supported as they recover.
No two days are the same; one morning you might be helping a patient navigate their own kitchen after a stroke, and the next, you will be assisting someone with post-operative exercises. You will document patient progress and collaborate closely with Physiotherapists, Occupational Therapists, and Registered Nurses to adjust care as the patient improves.This is a proactive, energetic role requires both empathy and practical problem solving skills.
About the Team/Service/ Location
Our START Team is a multidisciplinary group of professionals dedicated to the Early Supported Discharge model, ensuring patients receives intensive, short-term rehabilitation at home to prevent hospital readmission. We pride ourselves on our collaborative culture and our "patient-first" philosophy.
Health New Zealand |Te Whatu Ora Lakes provides healthcare from its two modern and progressive general hospitals in Rotorua and Taupo, New Zealand. The Lakes district is becoming the lifestyle destination of choice and is well known for its many outdoor recreational activities, family friendly beaches, and a growing multi-cultural community.Working at Health New Zealand Te Whatu Ora Lakes provides a great opportunity to balance an amazing lifestyle with a rewarding professional experience. As well as a supportive, inclusive and diverse work environment, Health New Zealand |Te Whatu Ora Lakes offer competitive salary, free staff parking, free flu vaccination, discounts (with local businesses), and access to Employee Assistance Program.
For more information on living and working in Rotorua and Taupo click here
About you
As a Health Care Assistant, you will bring a enthusiasm for high quality patient care and a practical approach to community-based healthcare.- Experience: Previous experience in a healthcare setting (hospital, aged care, or home care) with a focus on rehabilitation or patient support.
- Communication: Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to build rapport quickly with patients and their whanau in their homes.
- Adaptability: A high level of initiative and the ability to work independently while following clinical instructions.
- Requirements: A clean, full New Zealand drivers license is essential, as this is a community-based roaming role.
Click here for Position Description
Click here for Collective Agreement (if applicable)
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 Maori, Pacific, disabled, and rainbow communities.
How to Apply
To apply please click apply now. All applicati