Experienced Kaiawhina (Support Worker) | Manukau

Te Roopu Taurima is looking for an experienced Kaiawhina to join our supervised RIDSAS residential service in Manukau.

RIDSAS (Regional Intellectual Disability Supported Accommodation Services) provides specialist support for tāngata with intellectual disabilities and complex needs. Our supervised whare supports tāngata who are approaching the end of their court order and preparing for their next steps in life. As a Kaiawhina, you’ll play an important role in helping people build confidence, develop their strengths and work towards greater independence in the community.

Our approach is grounded in tikanga Māori and the belief that every person deserves to be treated with dignity, respect and compassion. We work alongside tāngata and whānau to uphold mana, strengthen connections and support each person to achieve their goals.

Location: Whare Whakatipu, Manukau

Job type: Full-time and part-time opportunities

Shifts: Rostered shifts, including days, evenings and sleepovers. Availability to work across these shifts is required.

Pay rate: $24.45–$29.60 per hour, depending on recognised care and support worker qualifications.

Please note: We are unable to provide visa sponsorship

for this role. Applicants must have full work rights.

About the Role

Working as part of a team, you’ll provide consistent, structured support in a supervised residential environment. You’ll follow individual support plans, help maintain a safe and respectful whare, and support tāngata with their daily activities and goals.

A key part of the role is recognising when someone may be becoming distressed or escalating, responding calmly and using agreed strategies to manage risk. You’ll need to apply sound judgement, maintain professional boundaries and balance safety and supervision with building trust and encouraging independence.

You’ll also maintain

accurate records, report incidents and communicate with colleagues, whānau and other professionals to ensure consistent support.

What we’re looking for

Experience supporting people with complex behavioural needs in a residential, rehabilitation, mental health, justice or similar setting.

Strong relationship-building skills, with the ability to maintain professional boundaries while respecting each person’s dignity, choices and independence.

Confidence recognising signs of distress or escalation and using calming, de-escalation and breakaway techniques to manage challenging situations safely.

Good judgement, communication and teamwork skills, including the ability to follow support plans, maintain

accurate records and share important information with colleagues.

An understanding of Te Reo Māori and tikanga Māori, or a willingness to learn.

A NZ Certificate in Health and Wellbeing (Level 3 or 4), social work qualification or equivalent would be an advantage.

Applicants must be able to meet all pre-employment requirements, including employer references, right-to-work checks, police vetting, a New Zealand driver licence check, a health assessment and drug and alcohol screening.

Why Join Us?

Work in a supportive, values-based organisation where your contribution makes a difference.

Access career development opportunities and support to gain higher NZQA qualifications.

Enjoy staff discounts across more than 50 New Zealand brands.

Access free Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) support, including counselling, health coaching, financial and legal guidance, and Rongoā Māori wellbeing services.

Receive free life and trauma insurance.

Access free annual flu vaccinations.

About Te Roopu Taurima

Te Roopu Taurima is a kaupapa Māori organisation providing residential, community and vocational support for tāngata with intellectual disabilities and mental health needs across Te Tai Tokerau/Northland, Tāmaki Makaurau/Auckland, Waikato and Waitaha/Canterbury.

Our mahi is grounded in tikanga Māori, Te Whare Tapa Whā and our commitment to tino rangatiratanga. Our values of Aroha, Whanaungatanga, Tika, Kia Mārama and Whakapono guide how we work with tāngata, whānau and each other.

If you have the experience and approach we’re looking for, we’d love to hear from you. Apply today and join a team making a meaningful difference in the lives of tāngata and their whānau.

Rangatiratanga mō tātou kātoa i runga i ngā tikanga o tēnā o tēnā o tēnā

Ensuring empowerment and self-determination regardless of disability, age, gender, race or status.