Support Worker

CGR Services; Bay of Plenty; On-site; NZD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora in the Bay of Plenty region is seeking School-Based Mental Health Support Workers to join a community-focused early intervention service. The role involves working with tamariki in years 1-8 across schools, supporting whānau and collaborating with clinicians and educators.

You will contribute to bridging gaps between schools, whānau, and the wider community, using a flexible, culturally responsive approach and strong relationship-building skills.

Qualifications

• Experience working within schools, or with Tamariki and whānau in community, education, or health settings.
• Cultural awareness and ability to work effectively with diverse communities including Māori and CALD populations.
• Strong communication and relationship building skills.

Responsibilities

• Support tamariki, whānau, and schools through early mental health interventions.
• Collaborate with clinicians, educators, and community partners to bridge gaps between schools and community.
• Be flexible and proactive in supporting a wide range of activities within the programme.

Skills

School experience

Cultural awareness

Communication skills

Relationship building

Collaborative approach

Full NZ driver's licence

Job description

Based within the area of Putauaki Ki Rangitaiki: (Kawerau, Matata, Thornton, Otakiri, Edgecumbe)Full-time position 1.0 FTEA community-based role supporting tamariki, whanau, and schools through early mental health interventionHealth New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is firmly grounded in the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and is committed to building a health system that serves all New Zealanders.

About the Role

Tīhore Mai I Uta Tīhore Mai I Tai is a school-based mental health service designed to provide accessible and effective mental health services for Tamariki and whānau in Years 1-8 in schools/kura across the Bay of Plenty. Our team of registered mental health professionals deliver individual, whānau and group-based interventions within schools/kura in a Kāhui Akō (a group of schools working together in a specific region). We are expanding our team and looking for School-Based Mental Health Support Workers to work alongside clinicians, helping to bridge the gap between schools/kura, whānau, and the wider community. This role is ideal for someone currently studying or working in education, social services, or health support roles. Our teams work alongside Educations Learning Support Delivery model, ensuring that the unique needs of Tamariki are met through a collaborative approach. We partner with iwi and hapū-based providers, community organisations, and government agencies If youre passionate about shaping the future of mental health support in schools and want to be part of an innovative, dedicated, and caring team, wed love to hear from you! This is a permanent full-time position based within Putauaki Ki Rangitaiki (Kawerau Kāhui Akō).

About the Team/Service/Location

Tīhore Mai I Uta Tīhore Mai I Tai is an innovative school based mental health service delivering early intervention support to tamariki across the Bay of Plenty. The multidisciplinary team includes registered mental health professionals working alongside support workers to deliver individual, whānau, and group-based interventions within schools/kura. The service works in partnership with iwi and hapū providers, education services, community organisations, and government agencies to ensure a coordinated and culturally responsive approach. Based within Putauaki ki Rangitaiki Kāhui Akō, this role offers the opportunity to work in a close-knit community with strong local connections and a shared commitment to improving outcomes for tamariki and their whānau. Click here to learn more about the Bay of Plenty

About You

You will be a motivated and compassionate individual who is passionate about supporting tamariki and whānau. Your approach is flexible, practical, and grounded in building strong relationships within schools and the community.

What you will bring:

• Experience working within schools, or with tamariki and whānau in community, education, or health settings
• Understanding of the Whakatāne community and local networks
• Cultural awareness and ability to work effectively with diverse communities including Māori and CALD populations
• Strong communication and relationship building skills
• Ability to work collaboratively alongside clinicians, educators, and community partners
• A flexible, proactive approach and willingness to support a wide range of activities
• Full NZ drivers licence and ability to travel within the community

To view the Position Description please click here

Working for Health New Zealand

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is dedicated to ensuring excellent healthcare for the people of New Zealand. We embrace a workforce that is diverse and inclusive so that we are better positioned to understand and service our community.

We welcome applications from our Māori, Pacific, disabled, and rainbow communities.