Allied Health Assistant, Permanent

• Nelson Hospital, Nelson
• 0.5FTE (40 hours a fortnight) 
• Permanent part-time

Health NZ is firmly grounded in the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and is dedicated to serving all New Zealanders. Through integration and collaboration, we’re building a health system underpinned by partnership, equity, sustainability, whānau-centred care, and excellence.

About the role

If you’re a motivated and caring individual looking to contribute to the Physiotherapy team working within the Assessment, Treatment, and Rehabilitation (AT&R) Unit at Nelson Hospital, we would love to hear from you.

As an Allied Health Assistant (AHA) within Physiotherapy, you will play a vital role in supporting patients through their rehabilitation journey. You’ll assist the multidisciplinary team in implementing treatment programs, helping patients regain their independence and confidence. This position provides an excellent opportunity for someone who thrives in a caring and dynamic environment, enjoys variety in their day-to-day work, and values teamwork.

You will be joining a great, tight-knit team of Physiotherapists and other Assistants that are committed to supporting the best possible health outcomes for our community. You will work under the supervision of Registered Physiotherapists to provide safe, efficient and effective AHA interventions in the hospital. The role will also include effective management of resources and equipment.  

About the Team/Service/Location

The Physiotherapy team at Nelson Hospital focus on providing high-quality, patient-centred care for individuals requiring rehabilitation and support. We aim to help our patients regain independence, improve their quality of life, and achieve their goals through a multidisciplinary approach. The dedicated AT&R team includes occupational therapists, physiotherapists, speech-language therapists, and nursing staff, all working collaboratively with patients and their families.

About you:

The successful candidate will:

• Support the implementation of rehabilitation plans under the supervision of physiotherapists.
• Assist patients with mobility, exercises, and daily living activities to achieve their rehabilitation goals.
• Provide practical and emotional support to patients and their families throughout their recovery journey.
• Document progress and maintain accurate patient records.
• Prepare equipment and resources for therapy sessions and activities.
• Ensure therapy spaces are clean, organised, and well-stocked with necessary equipment.

Skills and experience

• Year 11 – NCEA Level 1 English and Maths (or equivalent) and a current full driver’s licence.
• New Zealand Certificate in Health and Wellbeing – Health Assistance Strand, NZQA Level 3 (or a commitment to complete).
• Previous experience in a healthcare or rehabilitation setting (advantageous but not essential).
• A compassionate, patient-focused individual with a positive attitude.
• Physical fitness and the ability to assist with patient transfers and mobility tasks.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to work effectively with patients, families, and the wider team.
• A willingness to learn and adapt to the varied demands of the role.
• Competency with te ao Māori, tikanga, and te reo Māori or a commitment to starting your journey and taking ownership of your learning and growth.
• Experience in projects / initiatives which give effect to Te Tiriti principals and frameworks, and the application of Mātauranga Māori and Kaupapa Māori approaches, particularly as they apply in healthcare settings.

Working for Health New Zealand

Health NZ is ‘the weaving of wellnesses. We're dedicated to ensuring excellent healthcare for the people of Aotearoa/New Zealand. The Equity Work Programme at Health NZ focuses on helping everyone in the health system think about equity when they do their work. It also promotes the cultural change needed for the whole system to reach equity in health outcomes. 

Our people are at the heart of everything we do. Health New Zealand are committed to being good employers and honouring our equal employment opportunity obligations. 

Our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion 

• We want to see the real you in your application and welcome the real you on board if you come and work with us. Skills are gained across many areas of our life, not just in formal employment. If you can demonstrate the skills listed in the ad, but the experience was gained through whānau life, community or mahi aroha (volunteering) we encourage you to apply and share your story with us in your cover letter. 
• We particularly welcome applications from our diverse Māori, Pacific, disabled, and rainbow communities. 

How to apply

To view the position description and/or apply for the role please click “apply now.” All applications must be submitted through our online career’s portal before 11:59pm on Monday 13 January 2025.

For general application enquiries please contact our recruitment team Athena.Nguyen@nmdhb.govt.nz

For role specific information please contact Deidre Crichton – Team Leader Physiotherapy, Deidre.Crichton@nmdhb.govt.nz