Disability Support Team Lead | Kaitātaki

Te Roopu Taurima; Hamilton; On-site; NZD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading kaupapa Māori disability support provider in Hamilton seeks a Kaitātaki (Team Leader) to manage day-to-day operations and lead a team of Support Workers. The role involves providing culturally grounded support, ensuring compliance with best practices, and maintaining strong relationships with tāngata, whānau, and community partners. Ideal candidates will have good communication skills and a respectful approach to support.

Benefits

Five weeks annual leave

Free indemnity, life and trauma insurance cover

EAP support

Staff discounts across 50+ NZ brands

Qualifications

• Experience working with vulnerable adults or in mental health or disability is a bonus.
• Full driver's licence and access to reliable transportation is required.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team to deliver safe, respectful, and tāngata-centred support.
• Coach and support Kaiawhina in their roles.
• Oversee daily operations including staffing and health & safety.

Skills

Calm, caring and respectful approach

Willingness to learn about kaupapa Māori values

Good communication skills

Teamwork ability

Flexibility in work hours

Education

NZ Certificate in Health and Wellbeing (level 2 or above)

Job description

Overview

As a Kaitātaki (Team Leader), you’ll lead a team of Kaiawhina (Support Workers) to provide high-quality, culturally grounded support to tāngata whaiora (people we support). You’ll play a key role in managing day-to-day operations in one of our whare (homes), ensuring tāngata are supported to live with dignity, independence and connection.

This is a hands-on leadership role – ideal for someone who can bring out the best in others and is open to learning and working in a kaupapa Māori environment.

What you’ll be doing

• Leading a team to deliver safe, respectful, and tāngata-centred support
• Coaching, developing and supporting Kaiawhina in their roles
• Overseeing daily operations including staffing, health & safety, rosters and whare maintenance
• Supporting the development and implementation of tāngata plans, goals, and routines
• Ensuring tikanga Māori values are upheld in every aspect of whare life
• Building strong relationships with tāngata, whānau and community partners
• Ensuring compliance with legislation, policy, and best practice

What we offer

• A values-based, inclusive workplace where your mahi matters
• Five weeks annual leave
• Regular team events and opportunities to grow
• Free indemnity, life and trauma insurance cover
• EAP (Employee Assistance Programme) support
• Staff discounts across 50+ well-known NZ brands via our benefits app

What you’ll bring

• A calm, caring and respectful approach to support others
• Willingness to learn about kaupapa Māori values and ways of working
• Good communication and ability to work well in a team
• Flexibility to work a rotating shift pattern, including days, evenings, weekends and public holidays
• Full driver’s licence and access to reliable transportation
• Experience working with vulnerable adults or in mental health or disability is a bonus
• NZ Certificate in Health and Wellbeing (level 2 or above) is also a bonus, but not essential

Apply now – we’d love to hear from you!

About Te Roopu Taurima

Te Roopu Taurima is Aotearoa’s largest kaupapa Māori disability support provider. We support tāngata whaiora from all walks of life who live with intellectual disabilities and mental health needs.

With almost 400 kaimahi across Te Tai Tokerau (Northland), Tāmaki Makaurau (Auckland), Waikato, and Ōtautahi (Christchurch), we provide 24/7 care through residential, vocational, respite, and mental health services.

At the heart of everything we do are kaupapa Māori values – we walk alongside tāngata so they can live with purpose, whanaungatanga, and a strong sense of identity.