Support Worker - He Wāhi Kainga - Transitional Housing

JobsCloseBy Editorial Insights

Te Rūnanga o Kirikiriroa seeks a compassionate Support Worker for He Wāhi Kainga, a transitional housing service in Hamilton, full-time on-site 8:30 to 5:00, Monday to Friday with occasional after-hours. You’ll join a kaupapa Māori team delivering practical daily living support and wrap-around housing alongside a Housing Navigator. The role requires Level 4 or higher in Mental Health and Addictions, te ao Māori competency or a commitment to growth, strong communication and documentation, a NZ driver license, and the ability to pass vetting. Tips: tailor your application to demonstrate manaakitanga and whanaungatanga, show trust-building skills, maintain boundaries, and give examples of working with diverse residents. Applications close 21 July 2026.

About Te Rūnanga o Kirikiriroa 

Te Rūnanga o Kirikiriroa is a kaupapa Māori organisation grounded in a whānau-first, tikanga-based wellbeing approach. Our mahi is guided by our six pou: whanaungatanga, manaakitanga, arohatanga, rangatiratanga, tika and pono. We deliver health and social services across the lifespan and employ over 150 kaimahi working across Kirikiriroa and beyond. 

About the Service and Role 

He Wāhi Kainga provides transitional housing and wrap-around support for whanaunga transitioning from Henry Rongomai Bennett Centre back into the community.  

You will be part of the multidisciplinary team that provides practical support, advocacy, and guidance to help whanaunga achieve their goals and build the skills needed for independent living.  

Working from a kaupapa Māori and wellbeing-focused approach, you will support whanaunga to strengthen everyday living skills, reconnect with whānau and community, and work towards their long-term housing aspirations.

This role requires someone who is compassionate, reliable, and organised, with the ability to build positive relationships while maintaining professional boundaries. 

You will be working Monday to Friday, 8.30am – 5.00pm. Please note on occasions you may be required to work outside of these hours, depending on the support needs of whanaunga.

Responsibilities 

• Provide practical assistance with daily living activities such as personal care, household tasks, and transportation. 
• Offer emotional support and companionship to whanaunga to help them manage their mental health conditions effectively. 
• Assist in the assessment of whanaunga mental health needs and contribute to the development and implementation of individualised care plans. 
• Educate whanaunga and their families about mental health conditions, coping strategies, and available resources. 
• Maintain accurate and confidential records of whanaunga interactions, care plans, and progress. 
• Provide support during mental health crises, including de-escalation and immediate assistance. 
• Work alongside the Housing Navigator to ensure a full wrap around service is provided and the Housing Navigators has a greater understanding of the needs for the whanaunga when looking into finding them their forever homes. 

About you 

You are passionate about supporting whanaunga and committed to working in a way that upholds their mana, wellbeing and aspirations. You understand the importance of walking alongside people, giving them the time and space to grow, while recognising when support or intervention may be needed. 

You are confident having respectful and courageous conversations, including discussing sensitive issues that may impact a person's wellbeing, independence or housing journey. You are a team player, communicate well with others, and are comfortable working with a range of personalities and complex situations. 

You will also bring: 

• Experience supporting people with mental health needs
• A level 4 or higher qualification in Mental Health and Addictions 
• Competency in te ao Māori, tikanga and te reo Māori, or a commitment to growing your knowledge and capability
• Strong communication, organisational and documentation skills
• The ability to maintain professional boundaries and use sound judgement
• A full New Zealand driver licence
• Ability to pass Police and Oranga Tamariki vetting are required 

Benefits: 

• The opportunity to work in a kaupapa Māori organisation making a meaningful difference for whanaunga 
• Ongoing development and learning opportunities 
• Monthly professional supervision 
• Access to medical insurance 
• Free parking on site 

If you are passionate about supporting whanaunga, value kaupapa Māori practice, and want to be part of a team that leads with compassion and integrity, we would love to hear from you. 

Applications close on 21 July 2026, however we may review applications as they are received.