Senior Support Worker

Pay & Benefits Staff discounts, Free gym membership, wellness day

Listed Fri 31 Oct, 10 : 12 am

Type Part time, Permanent

Senior Support Worker – Te Whare o Tapatahi

Part-Time | YMCA Ngamotu | Taranaki

About Us

Te Whare o Tapatahi is a kaupapa Maori-informed emergency shelter supporting tane experiencing homelessness.

Operated by YMCA Ngamotu, we offer sleeping, bathroom, laundry, and kitchen facilities for up to 20 tane.

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 whanau.

The Role

We're hiring two permanent part-time Senior Support Workers to lead overnight operations.

You'll supervise junior staff, support tane 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

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

• 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 services, social work, or emergency accommodation

Ability to take charge of both staff and guests, effectively manage emerging issues, and ensure the smooth operation and safety of the facility.

Empathy and understanding of homelessness challenges

Knowledge of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and Te Ao Maori values

Crisis response and trauma-informed practice experience

Strong communication and interpersonal skills

Strong time management skills, and ability to multi-task

Understanding of mental health, addiction, and domestic violence services

Full, clean driver's licence

Desirable

Experience in kaupapa Maori or bicultural settings

Familiarity with Housing First, harm reduction, and strength-based approaches

Ability to speak Te Reo Maori or a Pacific language

What we can offer

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

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.

Apply now for this role or get more information by contacting Recruitment.

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