Job Description

About the Organisation

Te Rūnanga o Kirikiriroa is a kaupapa Māori organisation based on a whānau-first, tikanga-based, wellbeing approach. Our organisation works to a model of care centred around our pou (guiding principles) of whanaungatanga, manaakitanga, arohatanga, rangatiratanga, tika and pono. We deliver health and social services across the lifespan and have a team of over 100 people working across Hamilton city and beyond.

About the Service and Role

Te Ara Pai provides compassionate, culturally responsive support for individuals and whānau impacted by alcohol and other drug use. Guided by our pou, the service offers a safe, non-judgemental space that supports wellbeing and recovery.

We’re looking for a Peer Support Worker to join our amazing Te Ara Pai service, supporting whanaunga with mild to moderate AOD concerns and co-existing mental health needs. Drawing on lived experience, evidence-based practice, and kaupapa Māori values, you’ll deliver peer support that is strengths-based and mana-enhancing. You’ll facilitate group programmes that promote connection and healing, work one-on-one with whanaunga to support individual recovery plans, and support whānau-led navigation and coordination of services to enable seamless, wraparound care.

Responsibilities

• Build positive relationships with whanaunga, grounded in shared experiences of addiction, mental distress, and/or trauma.
• Use lived experience and expertise to foster hope, engagement, self-determination, and recovery.
• Encourage personal growth and self-care by modelling positive behaviours, respect, and compassion.
• Contribute to the development and delivery of individual care plans.
• Actively participate in MDT hui and collaborate with clinicians, residential providers, and sector partners to deliver warp-around support.
• Identify and respond to concerns and risk with compassion, patience, and professionalism.
• Uphold kaupapa Māori values and integrate Te Ao Māori principles into all aspects of practice.
• Maintain timely and accurate records across Recordbase and other required systems.

Skills and Experience

• High integrity, reliability, and strong self-management skills.
• Experience delivering individual and group interventions for AOD and co-existing mental health needs.
• Ability to maintain accurate documentation and case management to organisational and professional standards.
• Able to work independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team.
• Cultural competence and commitment to kaupapa Māori practice; experience applying tikanga Māori desirable.
• Demonstrated empathy and awareness of challenges such as trauma, addiction, mental health, and social disadvantage.

Qualification

• Relevant qualification in social services, health sector, including AOD and Mental Health or related field is preferred.
• Full New Zealand driver licence (manual preferred) and ability to pass Police and MSD vetting are required.

Benefits

• Work in a kaupapa Māori organisation rooted in community service and cultural integrity
• Ongoing development and learning opportunities
• Access to medical insurance
• Monthly supervision to support your professional journey
• Free parking on site

Ready to join us?

If you’re passionate about supporting whanaunga on their recovery journeys and committed to kaupapa Māori practice, we’d love to hear from you.

Join us in making a difference – apply now.

Applications close on 24/03/2026, however we may review applications as they are received.