School Based Support Worker - Mount Maunganui

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

He Kōrero mō te tūranga - About the Role 

Tihore Mai I Uta Tihore Mai I Tai school-based mental health service is an innovative approach to providing accessible mental health services to Tamariki and whānau in Years 1-8 in schools/kura across the Bay of Plenty. 

A team of registered mental health professionals deliver individual, whānau and group-based interventions within schools/kura in a Kāhui Akō (a group of schools usually in a geographical area, working together). 

The team is now expanding to include School Based Mental Health Support Worker roles which will work alongside clinicians to deliver interventions and bridge the gap between schools/kura, whānau and community. This role may suit a person who is currently training in or already working in the education, social or health services fields in a support role.

The team works alongside Education's Learning Support Delivery model in which the identified learning needs of Tamariki are met through a collaborative approach together with iwi and hapu-based providers, community organisations and government agencies. 

If you would like to work in an area where you can be an integral part of developing a new way of working alongside our committed and passionate team, please get in touch. 

This is a full-time, fixed-term position working until July 2025 to cover parental leave (06/01/2025 – 14/07/2025).  The role is based within the Mount Maunganui Kāhui Akō.

He Kōrero mōu - About You

The successful candidate will have: 

• Experience working within schools/kura OR 
• Experience working with children/tamariki OR 
• Experience working with whānau 
• Knowledge of the particular community in which the role is based 
• Cultural competency and/or awareness of the needs of culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities 
• Flexible “whatever it takes” personality and work ethic 

Mō Tātou – About Us

Situated in the sunny eastern coast of New Zealand's North Island, the Bay of Plenty really is just that, offering vast golden sand beaches, bush clad mountains, lush farmlands and more. Its pleasant climate means that the area has become a favourite for holiday makers, retirees and those looking for a different lifestyle outside of the main cities.

Te Whatu Ora - Health New Zealand, Hauora a Toi Bay of Plenty is spread across a vast geographical area and centred across two hospitals based in Tauranga and Whakatāne.  We serve a population of approximately 308,000 for the major population centres of Tauranga, Katikati, Te Puke, Whakatāne, Kawerau and Ōpōtiki.  Te Whatu Ora Hauora a Toi Bay of Plenty is one of the Bay of Plenty's largest employers with over 4000 staff.

Ko o tatou painga – Our Benefits

• Access to ongoing in-house professional development
• Commitment to staff wellness and healthy working practices (e.g. We support work life balance and flexible work arrangements whenever possible)
• Highly rewarding role and opportunity to make a difference!
• Be a valued member of a multidisciplinary team
• Subsidised onsite hospital gym membership
• Free flu vaccinations
• Discounts (with local businesses)

Tō mātou whakahaere ki te tika, te rerekētanga, me te whai wāhi mai | Our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion

Our name, Te Whatu Ora, means ‘the weaving of wellness'. Whatu is the combining together of people, resources, organisations, thoughts and actions for the betterment and wellbeing of all. Whatu is also a direct reference to the pupil of the eye, and the vision required of the new entity and system.

At Te Whatu Ora we acknowledge and respect our people's diversity and spiritual needs, ensuring a safe workplace that is a whānau orientated and supportive environment. We are working towards a system that better meets the complex demands of a growing population, addresses the persistent inequalities experienced by Māori and ensures greater access, experience and outcomes for those traditionally not well served by the system – Māori, Pacific and Disabled People.

Tō tūranga i roto i Te Whatu Ora | Your place in Te Whatu Ora

When you join us, you become part of transforming the health system. This is a once in a life-time change, that will touch the lives of everyone in Aotearoa, and future generations. We want to see the real you in your application and welcome the real you on board if you come and work with us. Skills are gained across many areas of our life, not just in formal employment. If you can demonstrate the skills listed in the ad, but the experience was gained through whānau life, community or mahi aroha (volunteering) we encourage you to apply and share your story with us in your cover letter.

We particularly welcome applications from our diverse Māori, Pacific, disabled, and rainbow communities.

Me pēhea te tuku tono - How to Apply

You can view the position description below and to apply for the role please click “APPLY NOW.” For tracking and reporting purposes, all applications must be submitted through our online career's portal.

Due to this position having contact with children and Te Whatu Ora Hauora a Toi Bay of Plenty commitment to child protection, you will be subject to ‘safety checks' under the Children's Act at the time of hire and thereafter as per the relevant legislation.

Applications will be reviewed as they are received, so we encourage you to apply early.