Senior Support Worker

4 days ago

New Plymouth, 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

If you're passionate about social justice and want to be part of a transformative service, we'd love to hear from you. Apply with your CV and cover letter.

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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