Job Description

Community Support Worker

• Are you passionate about the health and wellbeing of our community?
• Have you got experience with supporting whaiora with complex health and wellbeing challenges?
• Do you thrive in a fast-paced work environment?

About the organisation:

He Waka Tapu is a Kaupapa Māori organisation who have been supporting individuals and the community for over 20 years. He Waka Tapu works to increase the health and wellbeing of Whānau.

About the role:

This role works within the Te Tumu Waiora service. Te Tumu Waiora is a model that translates to ‘to head towards wellness’ and is a framework for how we support whaiora, tying together physical, mental and social needs.

The model puts mental health and wellbeing at the heart of general practice, where Community Support Workers, Health Coaches and Health Improvement Practitioners work within GP Clinics across the community to link whaiora to relevant services.

This role is an integral part of the general practice team, working directly with individuals and their whānau, identifying areas of support and connecting them to the right services, ultimately aiming to help improve their mental health and wellbeing and reach achievable outcomes.

The key priorities of the role include:

• Cultural connection and social engagement – navigating community initiatives and events of whaiora to get a sense of belonging and explore their identity.
• Whānau support – providing wrap around support for individuals and families utilising the Te Whare Tapa Wha model to minimise barriers to overall wellbeing.
• Advocacy and adherence to Mental Health, Addictions and Housing services.
• Planning and adherence to healthy lifestyles – including nutrition, exercise and stress management.

We have three part-time vacancies, ranging from 0.6 FTE and 0.8 FTE, where you may be required to work in several settings across Canterbury in general practice, the community and within our main office.

About you:

The right candidate will have significant demonstrated experience working in a fast-paced environment, with the ability to juggle a diverse caseload, the majority of whom have complex health and wellbeing needs, including potentially navigating addiction challenges.

You will also have the following skills and experience:

• Experience with supporting whānau with mental and/or physical health conditions.
• The ability to work as part of a team but also be motivated enough to work alone.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Excellent English written and communication skills.
• Experience working with Māori and Pasifika whānau, both adults and youth.
• Understanding of the importance of evidence-based models, policies, practices and procedures.

Benefits and perks 

• Ongoing professional development and training  
• Free gym membership 
• Company laptop and mobile phone 
• Life Insurance 

Our Culture  

Me mahi tahi tātou mo te oranga o te whānau 

Working together for the wellbeing of family 

Our services are delivered using a kaupapa Māori framework encompassing Tinana (physical well-being), Wairua (spiritual well-being), Hinengaro (mental well-being), Whānau (family well-being).  

Manaakitanga 

We are respectful and show generosity and care for others, ensuring everyone’s mana is enhanced 

Whānaungatanga 

We build relationships through shared experiences and working together 

Rangatiratanga 

We lead by inspiring others to see what is possible 

Whakākoako 

We all learn 

For further information about the work that we do, check out our organisation online at  http://www.hewakatapu.org.nz  

If you wish to apply, please do so via Seek and attach your CV and a cover letter to your application.  

If you have any questions about the role, please contact Renee at renee@hewakatapu.org.nz  

Please note that Applicants for this position should have the legal right to work in New Zealand and a full driver's license.