Support Worker

JobSpace; Whakatāne; On-site; NZD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is seeking a permanent full-time School-Based Mental Health Support Worker in the Putauaki ki Rangitaaki area (Kawerau Kāhui Akō). The role supports tamariki in schools through early mental health intervention, working with clinicians and education partners.

You will bring experience in schools or community settings, strong communication, cultural awareness, and a flexible, proactive approach.

Qualifications

• Blued experience in schools, health or community settings with Tamariki and whānau.
• Understanding of Whakatāne community and local networks.
• Cultural awareness and ability to engage with Māori and CALD populations.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to work with clinicians, educators and partners.
• Flexible, proactive approach supporting a wide range of activities.
• Full NZ driver's licence and willingness to travel within the community.

Responsibilities

• Support Tamariki and whānau with early mental health interventions in schools.
• Collaborate with clinicians to bridge schools, whānau and community services.
• Deliver individual, whānau and group-based supports within schools.
• Partner with iwi, hapū providers and education services to coordinate care.

Skills

Experience in schools

Community networks knowledge

Cultural awareness

Communication skills

Collaborative teamwork

Flexible proactive approach

Driver's licence

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.

Based within the area of Putauaki Ki Rangitaiki: (Kawerau, Matata, Thornton, Otakiri, Edgecumbe)

Full-time position 1.0 FTE

A community-based role supporting tamariki, whanau, and schools through early mental health intervention

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 you’re passionate about shaping the future of mental health support in schools and want to be part of an innovative, dedicated, and caring team, we’d love to hear from you!

This is a permanent full-time position based within Putauaki Ki Rangitaiki (Kawerau Kāhui Akō).

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.

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

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.

Please note, we will be reviewing applications when received and may proceed with the recruitment process, before the closing date of this advert.