Employment Support Worker

As an Employment Support Worker within the Pou Oranga Whaiora team, you will play a vital role in supporting whaiora (clients) to achieve their employment, training, and education goals as part of their broader recovery journey.

You’ll work closely with whaiora and co-design personalised employment plans that reflect their aspirations, strengths, and cultural identity walking alongside them as they navigate barriers to employment – providing practical support, encouragement, and connecting them to opportunities that align with their goals.

You’ll also build and maintain strong relationships with employers, training providers, community organisations as well as collaborating with a multidisciplinary team – including clinicians, social workers, and workforce development partners to create sustainable pathways for whaiora. Ongoing pastoral care is a key part of this role, ensuring whaiora are supported beyond placement through mentoring, advocacy, and access to social support that help them thrive in the workplace.

Build and support strong networks with employers and training providers across local, regional, and national levels to create employment pathways for whaiora.

Support whaiora to develop personalised employment plans using tools such as path planning, aligning with their aspirations, qualifications, and skills.

Coordinate job placements and work experience opportunities that reflect whaiora goals and provide ongoing support to both whaiora and employers to ensure successful integration.

Deliver pastoral care for up to six months post-employment, helping whaiora to navigate workplace challenges and connect with social supports to sustain employment.

Identify and facilitate access to training and education opportunities, assisting whaiora with applications and transitions into study or vocational training programmes.

Maintain accurate and prompt records of all interactions and progress using the Ara Whanui database, contributing to service evaluation and continuous improvement.

Knowledge of employment processes and rights, including basic recruitment practices and workplace expectations.

Strong organisational and administrative skills, including ability in Microsoft Office and client database systems.

Excellent interpersonal and relationship-building skills, with the ability to connect authentically with whaiora and stakeholders across diverse backgrounds.

Cultural competency and a strong understanding of Te Ao Māori, including the ability to work within kaupapa Māori frameworks and engage respectfully with whānau, hapū, and iwi.

Ability to work across subcultures, including experience engaging with individuals from gang-affiliated or high-needs communities.

A full and clean NZ driver’s license, enabling outreach and community engagement across the rohe.

If your skills and experience match this role, please APPLY NOW! Submit your expression of interest to requesting the job description.

Due to the substantial number of applications, we will only contact shortlisted candidates.

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