Disability Support Worker | Kaiawhina

Te Roopu Taurima; Rangiora; On-site; NZD 30,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading disability support provider in Canterbury is seeking a Kaiawhina (Support Worker) to support individuals with intellectual disabilities and mental health needs. In this role, you will assist with daily routines, promote independence, and help maintain a safe and welcoming environment. Full training is provided. Ideal candidates will have a caring approach, good communication skills, and flexibility for shift work.

Benefits

Paid Birthday Leave

Full training and support

Free life and trauma insurance cover

Staff discounts across 50+ NZ brands

Qualifications

• Calm and caring approach to support others.
• Willingness to learn about kaupapa Māori values.
• Experience working with vulnerable adults is a bonus.

Responsibilities

• Support daily routines such as meals and personal hygiene.
• Encourage independence and confidence in tāngata.
• Support health and wellness plans, including medication.

Skills

Caring and respectful approach

Good communication skills

Flexibility to work rotating shifts

Understanding kaupapa Māori values

Education

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

Job description

Overview

As a Kaiawhina (Support Worker), you’ll be 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.

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

Benefits

• 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!

About Te Roopu Taurima

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.