Peer Support Advocate - Outreach Services

Ngati Ranginui Iwi Soc.Inc.; Tauranga; On-site; NZD 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

Ngāti Ranginui Iwi Society Incorporated is seeking a Peer Support Outreach Advocate to provide assertive, community-based outreach and practical support to people experiencing homelessness or rough sleeping. The role draws on lived experience of recovery to build relationships that encourage engagement with housing, health, and social services.

Based in Tauranga, the advocate works with a multidisciplinary team including a Mental Health Nurse and Housing Navigators, assisting clients to access

Qualifications

• Lived experience of recovery from homelessness, mental health challenges, addiction, or other significant life challenges.
• Current Full New Zealand Driver Licence.
• Demonstrated understanding of peer support principles, trauma-informed practice, recovery-oriented practice, harm reduction, and Housing First philosophy.
• Genuine empathy and compassion with ability to build trusting relationships.

Responsibilities

• Engage with people experiencing homelessness in streets, parks, vehicles, emergency accommodation, transitional housing, marae, and community locations and build trusting relationships.
• Identify individuals who may require mental health, addiction, or housing support and conduct regular wellbeing check-ins.
• Use lived experience to inspire hope and recovery, reduce fear and stigma, and share practical recovery strategies.
• Work alongside the Mental Health Nurse to engage clients before and during assessments, accompany the nurse on outreach visits, and monitor wellbeing changes.
• Assist clients to attend housing appointments, complete housing applications, obtain identification, and access income support.
• Provide practical support including food and essential supplies, clothing and hygiene items, transport, and access to resources.
• Support whānau to reconnect with whānau and support networks, participate in marae and community activities, and access kaupapa Māori programmes.
• Advocate alongside clients with Kāinga Ora, MSD, Health NZ, GPs, and community organisations.
• Maintain accurate records of outreach contacts, engagement, supports, progress, and referrals.

Skills

Lived experience

Driver licence

Communication skills

Empathy

Education

Certificate in Peer Support / Mental Health / Health & Wellbeing

Job description

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Peer Support Advocate - Outreach Services

The Peer Support Outreach Advocate provides assertive, community-based outreach and practical support to people experiencing homelessness or rough sleeping. Using lived experience of mental health recovery, addiction recovery, homelessness, or other significant life challenges, the Peer Support Outreach Advocate builds trusting relationships that encourage engagement with housing, health, and social support services. Working closely with the Mental Health Nurse, Addiction Counsellors, and Housing Navigators, the Peer Support Outreach Advocate helps identify barriers to housing, promotes recovery and hope, and supports whānau to transition from homelessness into stable accommodation. The role is grounded in manaakitanga, whanaungatanga, trauma-informed practice, and the belief that recovery is strengthened through connection, shared experience, and cultural identity.

Key responsibilities

• Engage with people experiencing homelessness in streets, parks, vehicles, emergency accommodation, transitional housing, marae, and community locations and build trusting relationships through consistent, respectful engagement
• Identify individuals who may require mental health, addiction, or housing support and conduct regular wellbeing check‑ins
• Use lived experience to inspire hope and recovery, reduce fear and stigma associated with accessing services, and share practical recovery strategies
• Work alongside the Mental Health Nurse to engage clients before and during assessments, accompany the nurse on outreach visits, and help monitor changes in wellbeing
• Assist clients to attend housing appointments, complete housing applications, obtain identification documents, and access income support
• Provide practical support including food and essential supplies, clothing and hygiene items, transport assistance, and access to community resources
• Support whānau to reconnect with whānau and support networks, participate in marae and community activities, and access kaupapa Māori programmes
• Advocate alongside clients with Kāinga Ora, Ministry of Social Development, Health New Zealand services, General Practitioners, and community organisations
• Recognise and report concerns relating to deteriorating mental wellbeing, suicide or self-harm risk, family violence, substance-related harm, and unsafe living environments
• Maintain accurate records including outreach contacts, client engagement, practical supports provided, progress towards goals, and referrals made

About you

• Lived experience of recovery from homelessness, mental health challenges, addiction, or other significant life challenges, with the ability to use that experience safely and professionally
• Certificate in Peer Support, Mental Health, Health and Wellbeing, or equivalent experience (or willingness to undertake training)
• Current Full New Zealand Driver Licence
• Experience working with vulnerable populations
• Demonstrated understanding of peer support principles, trauma-informed practice, recovery-oriented practice, harm reduction, and Housing First philosophy
• Genuine empathy and compassion with ability to build trusting relationships
• Strong communication and active listening skills
• Respect for diversity and lived experience, cultural humility and responsiveness
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team
• Positive role modelling and professionalism

About us

Te Whare Mauri Ora is an Integrated Homelessness, Mental Health and Wellbeing Outreach Service provided by Ngāti Ranginui Iwi Society Incorporated, based in Tauranga and the Western Bay of Plenty. The service is grounded in manaakitanga, whanaungatanga, trauma-informed practice, and the belief that recovery is strengthened through connection, shared experience, and cultural identity.

Note: Applications will be reviewed promptly upon receipt until a suitable candidate is found.