Care for our tāngata whaiora to ensure they have what they need in our Nelson mental health service
Join our compassionate Nelson team providing support for tangata whai ora in a peaceful crisis respite setting in The Wood. Using trauma-informed and AOD recovery approaches, you’ll help create a safe and supportive space for people.
We’re seeking a part-time Support Worker to join our team in Nelson. Based in a beautiful villa in The Wood, surrounded by tranquil trees and gardens, our 24/7 Crisis Respite and acute-admitting community house provides short-term support for people experiencing mental health distress who are unable to remain at home. In this role, you’ll play a vital part in supporting tangata whai ora to rest, recover, and refocus using trauma-informed and AOD recovery approaches.
This shift is Sunday & Monday, 7am – 3.30pm.
You’ll also:
For this role, mental health experience is essential and a minimum qualification of the NZ Level 4 Health and Well Being certificate is required (or an equivalent qualification or be currently working towards it). To check equivalency go to https://www.tewhatuora.govt.nz/our-health-system/pay-equity-settlements/care-and-support-workers-pay-equity-settlement/pay-equity-and-qualification-equivalencies. A calm caring demeanour is essential and skills in de-escalation and mindfulness are valued. You’ll align with our commitment to a recovery-focused approach and have the ability to provide medication support with meticulous attention to detail.
You’ll have:
As a leading mental health and addiction service in Aotearoa, we empower individuals to live full lives in their communities. Prioritising mental health while aiming for overall well-being, we foster strong whānau connections. Our commitment to personalised support is reflected in our 'whatever it takes' wairua and spirit.
Closing date: 9 October 2026. Please note, this advert may close early if a suitable candidate is found.
Position description: https://www.wisegroup.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/PW-Support-Worker.pdf
Contact: Vanessa Kingsbury, Team Coach at Vanessa.Kingsbury@pathways.co.nz if you have any questions.
For further information, visit our website www.pathways.co.nz
Pathways is committed to healthy lifestyles and actively supports a smoke free environment. We encourage people with lived experience of mental illness & addictions to apply.

At the Wise Group we believe in creating new opportunities for the wellbeing of people, vulnerable populations, organisations, and communities.
We operate in New Zealand's mental health and addictions sector, are one of the largest non government providers in the sector
From humble beginnings over 35 years ago, today we employ over 1,500 staff throughout the country, working in areas from frontline service to software development. We have a parent and subsidiary structure encompassing a family of charitable entities, all linked by a common dream. Our structure nurtures synergy and innovation, and means we’re transparent and accountable.
Our whānau includes:
• Wise Management Services
• Pathways
• Real
• Te Pou
• Le Va
• Workwise
• Wild Bamboo
• LinkPeople
• The People's Project
• Housing First Auckland
Here's what drives us:
Each year our Group works with thousands of New Zealanders and their families. We provide people with a broad range of community-based mental health and wellness services. In doing so we dramatically reduce their need for high-cost hospital and acute services and help people have happier, more fulfilling and more productive lives.
Each year the Group's housing services help people find and live in affordable homes, also helping them appreciate the rights and responsibilities of being tenants and managing homes.
Each year the Group's employment agency helps people who experience a serious mental health condition get off benefits, become financially independent and reclaim their self-esteem by finding and retaining paid jobs.
Each year people throughout the country attend professional development programmes through the Group's NZQA certified training organisation.
Each year thousands of mental health professionals in the public and private sector are supported and developed via the Group's national workforce development organisation.
Together we make a real difference by creating connections to support people to find and live their dreams.