Mental Health Ward Safety and Support Officer - Tautiaki

Mental Health Tautiaki

Acute Inpatient Unit, Mental Health & Addictions Service 

Permanent, Full time (1.0FTE) 

Rotorua Hospital

Make a Real Difference: Become a Mental Health Tautiaki

Are you ready to be part of something truly special? We're opening a brand-new, contemporary 16-bed mental health inpatient unit, designed with healing and well-being at its core. We're looking for Mental Health Tautiaki who embody kindness, compassion, patience, and innovation to join our dedicated team.

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 MH Tautiaki your responsibilities include:

• ensuring the ward is clean, tidy and safe for staff and tangata whaiora;
• ensuring appropriate stock levels are maintained; and
• assisting nursing staff with tangata whaiora cares and management.

In this vital role, you'll contribute to a safe and supportive environment for our patients, as the name implies create a space where people can settle. While previous Māori Warden or similar type security experience would be a definite asset, what truly matters is your ability to connect with people, offer empathy, and contribute to a therapeutic atmosphere.

Do you have a foundational understanding of Māori tikanga and kawa? That's a huge plus, as we are committed to culturally responsive care. If you're looking for a challenging yet incredibly rewarding opportunity to make a tangible impact on people's lives, we want to hear from you.

About the Team/Service/ Location

Whare Whakaue Mental Health Inpatient Unit provides care for individuals (adults) with complex mental health needs requiring inpatient care. The Inpatient Unit will be moving into a new facility in 2026. The unit is seeking Mental Health Tautiakis to assist the nursing staff and members of the multidisciplinary team in delivering high quality patient care.

This is an exciting opportunity as we continue to embed our new model of care Te Ara Tauwhirotanga: pathways that lead us to act with kindness. Te Ara Tauwhirotanga is the product of extensive co-design with over 400 participants from the Lakes community. Te Ara Tauwhirotanga model of care acknowledges that health, wellbeing and opportunities for healing and recovery are a basic human right and that this can only occur when local, regional and national systems work well together. The model aligns to He Ara Oranga and is designed around three central Pou (pillars) of Tikanga (Values), Tangata (People) and Taiao (Environment).

About you

You will have an ability to:

• Relate effectively with people from different backgrounds and cultures.
• Be flexible and remain calm under pressure.
• Ability to support 

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 Māori, Pacific, disabled, and rainbow communities.

How to Apply

To apply please click “apply now.” All applications must be submitted through our online careers portal before end of posting date. If you have any questions about the role, please contact vacancy@lakesdhb.govt.nz. The selection process starts from the date of advertising. Due to the fast-paced nature of our roles, the vacancy close date may be subject to change.