Senior Support Worker

14 hours ago

New Plymouth District Taranaki, New Zealand YMCA Full time

**Senior Support Worker - Te Whare o Tapatahi**
**Part-Time | YMCA Ngāmotu | Taranaki**

**About Us**
Te Whare o Tapatahi is a kaupapa Māori-informed emergency shelter supporting tāne experiencing homelessness. Operated by YMCA Ngāmotu, we offer sleeping, bathroom, laundry, and kitchen facilities for up to 20 tāne. Currently open three nights a week, we’re expanding to a seven-night service and growing our daytime programme.

More than a shelter, Tapatahi is a space of connection, healing, and empowerment. Our mahi is grounded in **manaakitanga**, **kotahitanga**, and **whanaungatanga**, creating a safe and inclusive environment for our whānau.

**The Role**
We’re hiring **two permanent part-time Senior Support Workers** to lead overnight operations. You’ll supervise junior staff, support tāne directly, and ensure the shelter runs safely and smoothly. You’ll work alongside security and junior staff to uphold a trauma-informed, mana-enhancing environment.

**Key responsibilities include**:

- Crisis response and de-escalation
- Accurate record-keeping and shift reporting
- Promoting culturally responsive care
- Liaising with external agencies to support client outcomes

**Rostered shifts (14.5-23 hrs/week)**:

- 6:00 pm - 9:30 pm
- 10:00 pm - 7:00 am
- 6:00 am - 2:00 pm

**What You’ll Bring**
- 2+ years’ experience in homelessness, social work, or emergency accommodation
- Empathy and understanding of homelessness challenges
- Knowledge of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and Te Ao Māori values
- Crisis response and trauma-informed practice experience
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills
- Understanding of mental health, addiction, and domestic violence services
- Full, clean driver’s licence

**What we can offer**

At YMCA Taranaki, we value our team and offer a range of benefits to support your growth and wellbeing:

- Ongoing professional development and training
- First Aid certification support
- Staff concessions on childcare, OSCAR services, holiday programmes, birthday parties, and facility use
- Free membership to our Fitness Centre
- Free onsite parking
- A paid Wellness Day Off each year

**Desirable**:

- Experience in kaupapa Māori or bicultural settings
- Familiarity with Housing First, harm reduction, and strength-based approaches
- Ability to speak Te Reo Māori or a Pacific language

**Join Us**

**Note**: Applicants must have NZ residency or a valid work visa. YMCA Taranaki is committed to child protection and adheres to the Children’s Act requirements, including police checks and references.

**Job Types**: Part-time, Permanent

Expected hours: 14.5 - 23 per week

**Benefits**:

- Employee discount
- Gym membership

Work Location: In person

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