Disability Support Worker | Kaiawhina

Te Roopu Taurima; Whangarei; Hybrid; NZD 32,000 - 40,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

NZQA qualification support

Supportive team culture

Life and trauma insurance

Staff discounts

Wellbeing support (EAP)

Job summary

Te Roopu Taurima in Whangārei seeks a Kaiāwhina to support tāngata with diverse needs within our whare, guided by tikanga Māori. The role emphasizes dignity, independence, and respect, working with the Kaitaataki and wider team to provide personalised, hands-on support that enables participation in community life.

This part-time position supports NZQA qualification progress, offers career development, and fosters a supportive, culturally safe workplace that values whanau connections.

Qualifications

• Experience in disability support or related care roles.
• Ability to uphold kaupapa Māori values and practices.
• Good communication and teamwork abilities.
• Willingness to work evenings, weekends and public holidays.
• Full NZ driver’s licence and reliable transport.
• NZQA qualifications desirable.

Responsibilities

• Uphold tikanga Māori values in whare life.
• Support personal cares, meals, hygiene, routines, and medication with training.
• Build independence, life skills, and connections with whānau and community.
• Maintain a safe, clean, welcoming whare environment.
• Collaborate with Kaitaataki and team; participate in handovers and learning.

Skills

Disability support experience

Mental health experience

Life skills support

Tikanga Māori values understanding

Strong communication

Team collaboration

Flexible availability

NZDriver licence

Education

NZ Certificate in Health & Wellbeing

Job description

Te Roopu Taurima is the largest kaupapa Māori disability support provider supporting tāngata (people we serve) of all ethnicities with intellectual and physical impairments. Guided by tikanga Māori, we uphold the mana and unique identity of every individual we support, creating culturally safe, inclusive, and empowering environments for tāngata to live their best lives.

We are looking for a Kaiāwhina (Support Worker) to support tāngata across a range of needs within our whare (residential homes), with a focus on dignity, independence, and respect, while upholding tikanga Māori in every aspect of whare life.

Location: Whangarei

Hours of work: Part-Time, 8 hours per week worked across a rotating roster

Pay rate: Based on completed recognised Care and Support Worker qualifications

Note: Visa sponsorship or Work visa support is not available for this position.

About the role

As a Kaiawhina, you will be based in one of our whare, supporting tāngata with a range of support needs, from supporting independence through to more intensive daily support. Working alongside your Kaitaataki (Team Leader) and wider team, you will provide personalised, hands-on support that enables choice, independence, and participation in community life, guided by tikanga Māori.

Duties include

• Ensuring tikanga Māori values are upheld in every aspect of whare life
• Supporting tāngata with personal cares, cooking meals, hygiene, daily routines and activities, and medication support (with training)
• Working alongside tāngata to build independence, confidence, life skills, and connections with whānau, culture, and community
• Maintaining a safe, clean, and welcoming whare environment
• Working closely with your Kaitaataki and team, including participating in team hui, handovers, and ongoing learning

Skills and experience

• Experience in disability support, mental health, or life skills support, with a calm, caring and respectful approach to supporting others
  
• Willingness to learn about kaupapa Māori values and practices
• Strong communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively within a team
• Flexible and reliable, with availability to work rostered shifts including evenings, weekends, and public holidays.
• Full NZ driver's licence and reliable transport
• A New Zealand Certificate in Health & Wellbeing is desirable

What we offer

• Career progression and assistance with NZQA qualifications
• Supportive team culture
• Life and trauma insurance cover
• Staff discounts across 50+ well-known NZ brands via our benefits app
  
• Wellbeing support through EAP, including counselling, health coaching, financial and legal guidance, and Rongoā Māori services

At Te Roopu Taurima, we are committed to fostering an inclusive, diverse, and equitable workplace grounded in te ao Māori and tikanga Māori. We support all kaimahi to feel valued, respected, and empowered in their roles. Our workplace promotes fair employment practices, encourages ongoing professional development, and prioritises a safe and healthy environment for everyone.

We welcome people from all backgrounds, cultures, and experiences, recognising the unique strengths and perspectives each person brings to our kaupapa.

Rangatiratanga mō tātou kātoa i runga i ngā tikanga o tēnā o tēnā o tēnā

Ensuring empowerment and self-determination regardless of disability, age, gender, race, or status