Disability Support Worker | Kaiawhina

Te Roopu Taurima; Canterbury; On-site; NZD 50,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid Birthday Leave (PSA Members)

NZ Certificate in Health & Wellbeing (

Training & development

Life and trauma insurance

Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)

Staff discounts across 50+ NZ brands

Long service leave

Job summary

Te Roopu Taurima invites a compassionate Kaiawhina (Support Worker) to assist tāngata whaiora to live with dignity and independence. You’ll be based in one of our whare, collaborating with the Kaitātaki and team to support daily routines, health plans, and participation in community and cultural life.

Full training is provided, including the NZ Certificate in Health & Wellbeing (Levels 2–4). A warm, inclusive workplace with values at its core awaits, plus opportunities for development and

Qualifications

• Experience working with vulnerable adults or in mental health or disability is a bonus.
• Willingness to learn about kaupapa Māori values and ways of working.

Responsibilities

• Supporting daily routines such as meals, hygiene, and household tasks.
• Encouraging tāngata to grow their independence and confidence.
• Supporting health and wellness plans, including medication (with training).
• Helping people stay connected to their culture, whānau, and local community.
• Maintaining a safe, warm and welcoming whare.
• Participating in regular team hui and learning opportunities.

Skills

Empathy

Communication

Teamwork

Flexibility

Education

NZ Certificate in Health & Wellbeing (Level 2+)

Job description

As a Kaiawhina (Support Worker), you’ll play a hands-on role in supporting tāngata whaiora (people we support) to live with dignity, independence and connection. You’ll be based in one of our whare (homes), working closely with your Kaitātaki (Team Leader) and wider team to support daily routines, encourage independence, and help tāngata take part in community and cultural life. Full training is provided.

What you’ll be doing:

• Supporting daily routines such as meals, hygiene, and household tasks
• Encouraging tāngata to grow their independence and confidence
• Supporting health and wellness plans, including medication (with training)
• Helping people stay connected to their culture, whānau, and local community
• Maintaining a safe, warm and welcoming whare
• Participating in regular team hui and learning opportunities

What we offer:

• A values-based, inclusive workplace where your mahi matters
• Paid Birthday Leave (PSA Members)
• Full training and support to gain the NZ Certificate in Health & Wellbeing (Levels 2–4)
• Regular team events and opportunities to grow
• Free life and trauma insurance cover
• EAP (Employee Assistance Programme) support
• Staff discounts across 50+ well-known NZ brands via our benefits app
• Dedicated in-house training to support your development
• Long service leave to recognise your commitment

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!

Mō mātou – 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.