Experienced Kaiawhina (Support Worker) | Hamilton

Te Roopu Taurima; Hamilton; On-site; NZD 34,000 - 41,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Career progression

NZQA qualification support

Life and trauma insurance

Staff discounts via benefits app

Wellbeing support

Job summary

Te Roopu Taurima in Hamilton seeks experienced Kaiawhina to support tāngata with intellectual disabilities and complex needs in homes and community settings. You will help build skills, independence and meaningful participation, guided by tikanga Māori and a supportive team.

Working across Whare Manawanui Nawton and Whare Tiaki Mai Hillcrest, you’ll provide person-centred care, promote whanau connections, and contribute to a safe, welcoming environment while following a rotating roster that

Qualifications

• Experience in disability support, mental health, or life skills support.
• Willingness to learn about kaupapa Māori values and practices.
• Strong communication and ability to work collaboratively in a team.
• Flexible with rostered shifts including evenings, weekends, and public holidays.
• Full NZ driver’s licence and reliable transport.
• NZQA qualification desirable.

Responsibilities

• Uphold tikanga Māori values in whare life and daily routines.
• Provide personal cares, cooking, hygiene, daily routines and medication support.
• Collaborate with tāngata to build independence and community connections.
• Maintain a safe, clean, and welcoming whare environment.
• Participate in team hui, handovers and ongoing learning with Kaitaataki.

Skills

Disability support

Mental health support

Life skills support

Teamwork

Communication

Education

New Zealand Certificate in Health & Wellbeing

Job description

Te Roopu Taurima is seeking experienced Kaiawhina to join our RIDSAS residential service in Hamilton. This is an opportunity to support tāngata with intellectual disabilities and complex support needs in their home and community, helping them build skills, achieve goals, maintain relationships and live as independently as possible.

As a kaupapa Māori organisation, we support tāngata and whānau in ways that uphold mana, strengthen relationships and support wellbeing.

Locations: Whare Manawanui, Nawton, Hamilton & Whare Tiaki Mai, Hillcrest, Hamilton

Hours of work: Full-Time, 40 hours per week worked across a rotating roster, including weekends and public holidays

Pay rate: $24.45 - $29.60 per hour (subject to 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