Employment Support Worker - Fixed Term - Part Time Role

Pou Whakaaro; Whakatāne; On-site; NZD 34,000 - 44,000; Part time

Job summary

Pou Whakaaro in Whakatāne is seeking an Employment Support Worker for a 6-month fixed term contract, 3 days per week (18hrs). You will help people with experience of mental illness or disability engage in employment or training, working with whānau, clinicians and local employers to remove barriers and unlock potential.

The role emphasises strengths-based practice, excellent communication, and the ability to network.

Qualifications

• Experience supporting people in employment.
• Ability to network in the community and engage with employers.
• Qualification as above or willingness to work towards relevant qualification.
• Strength-based practice.
• Excellent communication, listening and group facilitation skills.
• Innovation and problem-solving skills.
• Strong computer, database and report writing skills.
• Team player and willingness to go above and beyond.
• Full clean driver’s licence.
• Able to work independently and as part of a supportive team.
• Understanding of Te Reo and tikanga.

Responsibilities

• Support people with experience of mental illness or disability to be involved in the community and reach their personal goals related to employment and/or training
• Build and maintain effective relationships with employers and people we partner
• Work closely with individuals, whānau and clinicians
• Network with community services and employers
• Remove barriers to employment and unlock the potential of individuals

Skills

Communication skills

Networking with employers

Team player

Problem-solving

Group facilitation

Report writing

Education

NZ Certificate in Health & Wellbeing (Mental Health & Addiction Support Strand Level 4)

Career Guidance / Social Science related qualification

Tools

Microsoft Office

Client Management Systems

Database management

Job description

Jora New Zealand will close on 9th September 2026. Thank you for being with us, we are cheering you on as you continue your career journey.

Employment Support Worker - Fixed Term - Part Time Role

As the Vocational & Employment Support Worker, you will enjoy a challenging role which requires building positive attitudes and self-esteem by removing barriers to employment and unlocking the potential of individuals to expand their employment horizons. You will support people with experience of mental illness or disability, to be involved in the community and reach their personal goals related to employment and/or training. You will work closely with individuals, whanau and clinicians and network with community services, and employers.

Key responsibilities

Support people with experience of mental illness or disability to be involved in the community and reach their personal goals related to employment and/or training

Build and maintain effective relationships with employers and people we partner

Work closely with individuals, whanau and clinicians

Network with community services and employers

Remove barriers to employment and unlock the potential of individuals

About you

Experience supporting people in employment

Ability to network in the community and engage with employers

A qualification in NZ Certificate in Health & Wellbeing (Mental Health & Addiction Support Strand Level 4), or be willing to work towards this, or a qualification in Supported Employment, Career Guidance, Social Science or a related discipline

Strength-based practice

Excellent communication, listening and group facilitation skills

Innovation and problem-solving skills

Strong computer, database and report writing skills

A team player, willing to go above and beyond

Must have a full clean driver's licence

Able to work independently and as part of a supportive team

Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Client Management Systems would be an advantage

An understanding of Te Reo and tikanga

Must have full legal entitlement to work in NZ

Regular supervision

Training opportunities

Modern spacious premises and supportive team culture

About us

Pou Whakaaro is an innovative, entrepreneurial service which sits at the cutting edge of values-based mental illness and disability services.

This is a 6-month fixed term contract, working 3 days per week (18hrs). Please note: interviews may be conducted as applications are received.