Mental Health Support Worker - CHB

This permanent, full-time role is based in the Waipukurau office with a start date of January 2027. Regular travel to the Hastings site is required for team hui and organisational events; candidates based in Hastings may use a fleet vehicle to travel to Waipukurau three days per week and work from the Orchard Road office two days per week.

About the organisation

Te Taiwhenua o Heretaunga is a local, successful and nationally recognised kaupapa Māori health and social services organisation providing services to whānau across the East Coast for over 40 years. In addition to the main site in Heretaunga, services are offered in Central Hawkes Bay, Wairoa, Manawatu and Wairarapa.

About the service

Oranga Hinengaro is a community-based, kaupapa Māori, high-needs mental health service supporting whaiora and their whānau in Central Hawkes Bay. The service focuses on those living with complex, ongoing mental health needs. The community-based Support Worker role is part of a wider team of registered and clinical specialists based in Hastings, providing wrap-around support and regular contact with whaiora and their whānau.

Schedule

Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 5:00pm. Regular travel to the Hastings site for MDT hui, team hui and other organisational events. Candidates based in Hastings may use a fleet vehicle to travel to Waipukurau three days per week and work from the Orchard Road office two days per week supporting the wider Oranga Hinengaro team.

Responsibilities

• Work alongside whaiora experiencing mental health challenges, supporting their journey to wellbeing
• Provide practical and emotional support, helping whānau navigate services
• Collaborate with keyworkers, clinicians and other services within the organisation to provide wrap-around support
• Uphold the mana of each whaiora, using a strengths-based, whānau-centred approach

Skills and attributes

• High standard of professionalism and work ethic
• Able to work independently and be self-motivated
• Ability to communicate with and motivate whānau from all walks of life
• Willingness to work effectively as part of a team
• Knowledge of kaupapa and tikanga Māori within a mental health or social services context

Requirements

• Current and valid Full Driver's Licence
• Level 4 Certificate in Mental Health or other relevant tertiary qualification
• At least 2 years of relevant on-the-job experience in community-based mental health or support work

Benefits

• 5 weeks annual leave
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Birthday leave
• Wellness initiatives
• Kaupapa-driven activities and events

Applications close Monday 9 November 2026.