Housekeeper - Te Whare Manaaki, Hillmorton Hospital

Housekeeper - Te Whare Manaaki, Hillmorton Hospital

Te Whare Manaaki is a 15-bed Medium Secure Forensic Unit providing specialist care for people who, as a result of mental illness, have seriously offended or are assessed as being at high risk of serious offending. The Forensic Mental Health Service is a dynamic and rewarding environment with a strong commitment to quality improvement, rehabilitation, and providing care in the least restrictive manner possible.

We pride ourselves on working collaboratively as a multidisciplinary team and in partnership with tangata whaiora and their family/whānau. Our team is committed to providing a safe, therapeutic and supportive environment that promotes recovery, independence and successful reintegration into the community.

We currently have a permanent, full-time Housekeeper vacancy at Te Whare Manaaki. This role is an important part of the day-to-day functioning of the unit, helping ensure the environment is safe, organised, well stocked and able to support the delivery of high-quality care.

Key responsibilities include:

• Supporting the smooth daily operation of the unit, including:
• kitchen and dining area responsibilities
• linen and laundry management
• ordering, receiving and restocking supplies
• maintaining and restocking housekeeping, clinical and other ward areas
• raising and following up maintenance requests as required
• Completing environmental checks in liaison with the Charge Nurse Manager or delegate.
• Coordinating with cleaning and other support services to maintain a safe, clean and therapeutic environment.
• Identifying and responding proactively to housekeeping and environmental needs across the unit.
• Supporting tangata whaiora with activities and practical day-to-day needs, as requested by nursing or allied health staff. This may include completing shopping on behalf of tangata whaiora who do not have access to leave and assisting with the withdrawal of personal funds held through the hospital account.
• Working collaboratively with the wider multidisciplinary team to support the effective day-to-day functioning of the service.

While you will not carry a patient load, this role involves regular direct contact with tangata whaiora within a medium secure forensic mental health environment. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, along with a caring, respectful and non-judgemental approach, are therefore essential.

You will need to be comfortable working both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team, using initiative to identify priorities and respond to competing demands within a busy clinical environment. You will also work closely with the allied health team to support therapeutic groups and help tangata whaiora engage in meaningful activities throughout their time on the unit.

Skills and Experience:

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills and the ability to engage respectfully with a wide range of people.
• A caring, compassionate and non-judgemental approach.
• Effective problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Initiative and a proactive approach to their work.
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage competing priorities.
• The ability to work well both autonomously and as part of a team.
• The ability to remain calm and work effectively within a busy mental health environment.
• A full and clean New Zealand driver's licence is essential.
• Previous experience as a Hospital Aide, Housekeeper, Mental Health Assistant or in a similar role is desirable.
• Previous experience within mental health or another healthcare environment is highly desirable.

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.