Whānau Support Worker

6 days ago

Christchurch Central, New Zealand Barnardos Full time NZ$45,000 - NZ$65,000 per year

We're looking for 5 compassionate Whānau Support Workers to join our Multi-disciplinary Team supporting the newly formed School Attendance Services.

These are all permanent, full-time (40 hours per week) opportunities, based in Christchurch.

In this role, you'll work directly with tamariki and their whānau in schools, homes, and communities—building trusted relationships and taking a wellbeing-focused approach to address barriers to school attendance.

Your ability to connect, empower, and uplift whānau aspirations will be key to success in this role.

Your Role:

  • Ensure the wellbeing and safety of Tamariki remains paramount
  • Improve access to learning
  • Support the development of life skills
  • Support intervention planning with goals for change
  • Maintain concise and up to date client information
  • Participate in case management, assessment and planning meetings
  • Develop and maintain supportive, trusting relationships with Tamariki and whānau

What you'll bring:

  • NCEA Level 2 or NZQA level 2-3 (essential)
  • Relevant qualification in Social Services, Education, Human Services and/or Health and Wellbeing (desirable)
  • 2+ years' experience working with Tamariki/rangatahi with complex needs (essential)
  • 2+ years' experience managing, resolving and diffusing complex situations (essential)
  • Full, clean NZ drivers' license (essential)
  • A strengths-based, culturally responsive approach
  • Ability to work collaboratively within a multi-disciplinary team

Culture

This work can sometimes be challenging. You will need resilience and a passion for working with youth, be flexible, have a positive attitude, and exhibit the ability to build strong professional relationships with young people, whanau/families, staff, and service providers.  A comprehensive induction programme is undertaken with ongoing education, training, and support offered to all staff.

Embody Our Values

  • Kotahitanga (Unity): Cultivate a sense of belonging through meaningful relationships with tamariki, rangatahi, colleagues, and the wider community
  • Mahi Tōtika (Excellence): Demonstrate unwavering integrity and purpose in all aspects of your work, striving for the highest standards of care
  • Kaikōkiritanga (Innovation): Drive positive change with creativity, constantly seeking new and effective ways to support tamariki and rangatahi
  • Āta Whakarongo (Active Listening): Let tamariki and rangatahi voices shape your approach, ensuring their perspectives are central to decision-making
  • Māiatanga (Empowerment): Nurture growth and unlock potential in tamariki, rangatahi, and colleagues, fostering a culture of continuous learning and development

About Barnardos Aotearoa 

For over 55 years Barnardos has been shaping brighter futures together with children and families in Aotearoa. Our mahi across social services, early learning and advocacy for children's rights and wellbeing means we're there for the whole childhood journey, and beyond.

For a copy of the position description, please contact

Ready to create positive ripples? Apply now and let's transform young lives together

We will commence interviews as applications are received.

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