Front of House- The Peoples Project

Wise Group; Hamilton; On-site; NZD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Extra annual leave

Wellbeing days

$250 Extraordinary Card

Job summary

The People’s Project in Hamilton is seeking a Front of House/Tāngata Whai ora Coordinator. You will be the first point of contact for clients and partners, creating a welcoming, calm, and supportive environment.

You will triage needs, connect clients with the right team members, and coordinate with a multidisciplinary team to ensure a positive first interaction. We value warmth, empathy, and practical support.

Qualifications

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Calm, welcoming, and professional approach.
• Experience in community services, housing, or client-facing support roles.

Responsibilities

• Welcome tangata whai ora and visitors to the service.
• Answer incoming phone calls in a professional, warm manner.
• Coordinate client engagement and triage needs.
• Maintain welcoming spaces reflecting dignity and manaakitanga.
• Organise catering for staff events.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Calm disposition

Organisational skills

Rapport building

Judgement

Privacy & confidentiality

Trauma-informed practice

Cultural responsiveness

Job description

• Permanent full-time position based in Hamilton CBD
• Monday to Friday 8:00am to 4:30pm
• Extra annual leave + paid wellbeing days + $250 Extraordinary Card

Every day, people walk through our doors carrying different stories, challenges, hopes, and goals.

For some, reaching out to The People's Project may be the first step towards stability after a long period of uncertainty. A warm welcome, a friendly conversation, or a reassuring voice on the phone can make all the difference.

We're looking for an empathetic, organised, and people-focused person to join our team as Front of House at The Peoples Project.

This is not a traditional reception role, as it incorporates tāngata whai ora (client) co-ordination. This is an opportunity to be part of a Housing First service that walks alongside people experiencing homelessness and housing instability. You'll play a vital role in helping tangata whai ora, whānau, and community partners connect with the right support at the right time. Sometimes we get one chance to connect with people. So, your skill in that moment is pivotal.

About Us

The People's Project works from a Housing First approach, recognising that housing is a foundation for wellbeing, recovery, connection, and belonging. We support people experiencing homelessness and housing instability to achieve their goals and build the life they want for themselves.

Our work is guided by manaakitanga, whanaungatanga, dignity, and respect. Relationships are at the heart of everything we do.

About the Role

As our Front of House/Tāngata Whai ora Coordinator, you will be the first point of contact for many people engaging with our service, whether they walk through the door, pick up the phone, or are referred by a community partner.

You will help create a welcoming, calm, and safe environment where tangata whai ora feel valued and supported. You'll listen to people's needs, help identify the most appropriate pathway, and connect them with the right team members and services.

Working closely with our multidisciplinary team, you will ensure people receive a positive experience from their very first interaction with The People's Project.

Key Responsibilities

• Welcome tangata whai ora, whānau, visitors, and partners to the service.
• Answer incoming phone calls in a professional, warm, and responsive manner.
• Respond to enquiries and connect callers and visitors with the most appropriate team member or service.
• Gather information to assist with triaging clients and identifying immediate support needs.
• Monitor team availability and coordinate client engagement throughout the day.
• Support people while they wait, ensuring they feel comfortable, informed, and cared for.
• Provide refreshments and practical hospitality to clients and visitors.
• Maintain welcoming spaces that reflect dignity, safety, and manaakitanga.
• Support the team with client-related coordination and administrative tasks.
• Ensure urgent information and client needs are communicated promptly to appropriate staff.
• Build positive relationships with tangata whai ora from diverse backgrounds and with varying support needs.
• Contribute to a positive team culture and a service environment where everyone feels respected and included.
• Organise catering for staff events
• Bring your positive approach to any other tasks required to support the team and its objectives

About You

You are someone who genuinely enjoys working with people and has a natural ability to help others feel at ease.

You understand that small acts of kindness matter. Whether it's greeting someone by name, offering a coffee, listening carefully to their concerns, or helping them access support, you know these moments can shape a person's experience and sense of belonging.

You will bring:

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• A calm, welcoming, and professional approach.
• The ability to build rapport with people from all walks of life.
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage competing priorities.
• Good judgement and the ability to respond appropriately to changing situations.
• A commitment to maintaining privacy, confidentiality, and professional boundaries.
• A genuine belief that everyone deserves to be treated with dignity and respect.
• Experience in community services, social services, housing, health, mental health, addictions, hospitality, customer service, or client-facing support roles.
• Knowledge of trauma-informed practice/willingness to learn
• Experience engaging with people experiencing homelessness or other complex life circumstances.
• Understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and culturally responsive practice.

Why Join Us?

At The People's Project, you'll be part of a passionate team committed to ending homelessness and improving outcomes for people in our community.

Every interaction matters. Every connection counts.

If you are someone who can offer warmth, empathy, practical support, and a welcoming presence, we'd love to hear from you.

This position is focused on supporting the delivery of The People's Project services and the experience of tangata whai ora accessing those services.

Closing date | Rā Katinga: 25 November 2026 . Please note, this advert may close sooner if a suitable candidate is found before the closing date.

Contact | Korero: Wendy Grant, Team Lead on [e-mail] for any queries.

Pathways is committed to healthy lifestyles and actively supports a smoke free environment. We encourage people with lived experience of mental illness & addictions to apply.