Support Worker or Peer Support Worker - Specialist Eating Disorders Service

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

• Te kuuwaha o te waiora - Journey to Wellness, 135C Silverdale Road, Hamilton
• Permanent part time positions with flexible working hours - work days are Monday to Friday between the hours of 8.00am and 5.00pm. Ideally we would like applicants to work between 20-30 hours per week 

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is firmly grounded in the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and is committed to building a health system that serves all New Zealanders.

About the Roles

We are searching for both support workers and peer support workers.

Peer support workers must have lived experience of an eating disorder or as a carer of a loved one with an eating disorder.

The peer support worker is responsible for:

• Developing peer relationships with the tangata whaiora who are in treatment with the SEDS team, that are based on mutuality and authenticity as outlined in the CPSLE competencies (available on request).
• Using their lived experience to inspire hope and offer encouragement in the journey through the service.
• The promotion of choice, self-determination and active participation of the person, in the implementation through the MDT of care and support options utilising a strengths-based and trauma informed approach.
• Understanding and promoting the importance of connections with family and whānau, communities, and other health services.
• Being an integral and valued member of the multi-disciplinary team, contributing to the team culture and developing relationships with SEDS kaimahi.
• Challenging stigma and discrimination and proactively promoting inclusion and diversity.
• Supporting the maintenance of a safe and therapeutic community mental health environment with care provided in a recovery orientated, culturally appropriate and sensitive way in accordance to the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi.

Support workers require a genuine interest in supporting people who are on an eating disorder recovery journey.

The support worker is responsible for:

• Providing support services to tangata whaiora, for example: providing support around meals, grocery shopping and food preparation.
• Developing a positive working relationship with the tangata whaiora who are on their eating disorder recovery journey. 
• Providing support to clinical staff in delivery of services to tangata whaiora.
• Understanding and promoting the importance of connections with family and whānau, communities, and other health services.
• Being an integral and valued member of the multi-disciplinary team, contributing to the team culture and developing relationships with SEDS kaimahi.
• Supporting the maintenance of a safe and therapeutic community mental health environment with care provided in a recovery orientated, culturally appropriate and sensitive way in accordance to the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi.

We do not expect all applicants to have experience in the eating disorders field but an awareness of mental health and willingness to learn is vital.  You also need a positive mind set, lots of patience and the capacity to be encouraging and compassionate.

The salary for this position will be based on experience and in line with the PSA Allied, Public Health, Scientific and Technical Collective Agreement. Additional benefits include kiwisaver contributions (if eligible), professional development and wellness support.

Click here to view the position description for Community Support Worker or click here for Peer Support Worker.

About the Team

The Specialist Eating Disorders Service (SEDS) is a multi-disciplinary team providing evidence based treatment and support to clients experiencing complex and severe eating disorders.  We are a team of passionate clinicians who work in a holistic way together with our clients, their families and communities.  We also lead the Midland Region Expert Eating Disorder Hub and have been tasked with promoting and developing Eating Disorder services in the five Districts within the Midland Region.

About Hamilton

Hamilton, where Waikato Hospital is situated, is a vibrant city nestled alongside the scenic Waikato River, offering a perfect mix of nature and culture.  Explore the stunning Hamilton Gardens, home to themed gardens from Italy to Asia, or visit the Waikato Museum to delve into the region's rich history.  The city also boasts the Hamilton Zoo, where you can walk through an aviary filled with native birds. Hamilton is a lively hub, with a variety of cafes, restaurants, and bars, along with events like rugby, cricket, and the famous National Agricultural Fieldays and Balloons over Waikato festival.  With its vibrant atmosphere and proximity to outdoor adventures, Hamilton is an ideal place to live and work.

For more information on living and working in Waikato click here

About you

• A current full NZ drivers licence. 
• Experience working effectively with people from diverse cultures and backgrounds, especially Maaori and Pasifika communities and their whaanau. 
• Experience or genuine interest in working with clients and families affected by eating disorders and/or other mental health problems.
• Ability to contribute positively to a multidisciplinary team.
• Ability and willingness to acquire new knowledge and apply this appropriately.
• A level 4 New Zealand Certificate in health and well-being or be working towards one is an advantage.

Working at Health New Zealand

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is dedicated to ensuring excellent healthcare for the people of New Zealand. We embrace a workforce that is diverse and inclusive so that we are better positioned to understand and service our community. We welcome applications from our diverse Māori, Pacific, disabled, and rainbow communities.

How to Apply

To apply please click “Apply online” or apply via our Waikato Careers website by clicking here.

All applications must be submitted through our online careers’ portal before 11:59 pm on 27 April 2025. If you have any questions about the role, please contact Kelly Pacheco, Team Leader - Kelly.Pacheco@waikatodhb.health.nz or 027 357 4158 or Maree Sievwright, Clinical Lead – Maree.Sievwright@waikatodhb.health.nz or 021 356 458.

We will review applications as received and may proceed with the recruitment process, before the closing date of this advert.