Health Care Assistant START

• Thames START, Thames Hospital
• Permanent, part-time, or 0.8 FTE (64 hours) per fortnight
• Rostered shifts Monday to Sunday, 0700 – 2030 hours

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.

Exciting opportunities have arisen for a suitably qualified health care assistant to be part of the Thames START team which forms part of the wider START service.

For this exciting role in Thames, we require a dynamic health care assistant with a passion for rehabilitation in the community setting to join our team.

Click here to view the position description.

About the Team/Service

START (Supported Transfer and Accelerated Rehabilitation Team) is an Older Persons and Rehabilitation led programme which provides and promotes rehabilitation of patients within their home environment.

START aims to reduce the pressure on hospital beds, through avoiding hospital admissions, earlier discharge, preventing readmissions and improving the quality of care for this group of patients.

The service will cover the rural areas surrounding Thames, including Waihi, Paeroa, Coromandel and Ngatea and therefore driving is part of the role. The fleet vehicle is supplied.

About Waikato

The Waikato region is a dynamic mix of stunning scenery and cultural richness, providing a variety of experiences for every age. Whether you're catching epic surf, discovering breathtaking underground wonders, or immersing yourself in the magic of a famous movie landscape, there's something for everyone to enjoy. 

 For more information on living and working in Waikato click here

About Thames

Thames Hospital is a modern 50-bed secondary care facility offering a comprehensive range of services, including an emergency department, inpatient care, day surgery, an infusion unit, rehabilitation services, birthing unit and low-acuity mental health care. Our hospital boasts 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 a robust quality improvement program, CME opportunities, and an RMO teaching program. Telehealth is expanding at Thames, supporting inpatient care, outpatient clinics, and emergency services like stroke thrombolysis.

Located in the heart of The Coromandel, Thames is a charming town steeped in history and surrounded by stunning natural beauty. The area offers 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 find endless opportunities to explore the Coromandel Ranges and Kauaeranga Valley with hiking and camping right on your doorstep. Thames also marks the beginning of the Hauraki Rail Trail, perfect for cycling through the region’s scenic landscapes. With an abundance of cafés, boutique shops, and local attractions, Thames provides a perfect balance of adventure, relaxation, and community. It's an ideal place to build your career while enjoying the serene beauty and lifestyle of the Coromandel.

For more information on living and working in Waikato click here

Join us - Come and join us at Thames Hospital

About you

• Have experience working in the community setting preferably with the older person.
• Assist with the routine activities of daily living within the patient’s own home.
• Coach rehabilitation activities. 
• Work within an interdisciplinary team to meet patient goals.
• Provide care delegated by a registered nurse or allied health professional.
• Commit to ongoing education and development.
• Be a team player.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Hold a clean full New Zealand driver licence.
• Be eligible to work in New Zealand.
• 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.

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 14 July 2025. If you have any questions about the role, please contact Rachael Devey at Rachael.Devey@TeWhatuOra.govt.nz

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