Disability Support Worker | Kaiawhina | Kaikohe

Kaiawhina (Support Worker) | Kaikohe, Te Tai Tokerau (Northland)

Te Roopu Taurima is seeking a full-time Kaiawhina to join our residential service in Kaikohe. This is an opportunity to support tāngata with intellectual disabilities and/or mental health 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.

Location: Kaikohe, Te Tai Tokerau (Northland)

Hours of Work: 40 hours per week, over a rotating 24/7 roster, including evenings, weekends and public holidays

Pay rate: $24.45 - $29.60 per hour (subject to recognised care and support worker qualifications)

About the Role

This is a hands-on role in a 24-hour residential service supporting tāngata in their home and community. You’ll work rostered shifts as part of a calm, supportive and tangata-focused team, helping maintain a safe, welcoming and consistent living environment.

The role includes supporting tāngata with daily living, personal care, community activities, appointments, documentation and their individual goals. You’ll encourage choice, independence and participation, while working alongside whānau, colleagues and other professionals.

What we’re looking for:

• Experience supporting people with intellectual disabilities and/or mental health needs.

• Strong communication, relationship-building and teamwork skills, with a respectful and inclusive approach.
• Sound problem-solving and decision-making skills, with the ability to remain calm in challenging situations.
• Good computer literacy and documentation skills.
• Knowledge of, or a commitment to learning, Te Reo Māori and tikanga Māori.
• Flexibility to work rostered shifts, including nights, weekends and public holidays.

• A Level 2 Certificate in Health and Wellbeing, or a willingness to complete this within 12 months of starting employment. A Level 3 or 4 qualification would be advantageous.

• Ability to meet all pre-employment requirements, including employer references, right to work, police vetting, NZ Driver Licence check, health assessment and drug and alcohol screening.

Why Join Us?

• A supportive, values-based workplace.
• Career progression and support to gain higher NZQA qualifications.
• Access to staff discounts across 50+ New Zealand brands.
• Access to free EAP support, including counselling, health coaching, financial and legal guidance, and Rongoā Māori wellbeing services.
• Free life and trauma insurance.
• Free annual flu vaccinations.

About Te Roopu Taurima

Te Roopu Taurima is a kaupapa Māori organisation providing residential, community and vocational support for tāngata with intellectual disabilities and mental health needs across Te Tai Tokerau/Northland, Tāmaki Makaurau/Auckland, Waikato and Waitaha/Canterbury.

Our mahi is grounded in tikanga Māori, Te Whare Tapa Whā and our commitment to tino rangatiratanga. We’re proud of the relationships we build with tāngata and whānau and the difference our kaimahi make every day.

Our values of Aroha, Whanaungatanga, Tika, Kia Mārama and Whakapono guide how we work with tāngata, whānau and each other.

Apply today and become part of a team making a real difference in the lives of tāngata and their whānau.

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.