Youth & Peer Support Worker

About Ka Puta Ka Ora Emerge Aotearoa

Ka Puta Ka Ora Emerge Aotearoa is a nationwide provider specializing in mental health, addiction, disability, offender rehabilitation, wellbeing, and housing services. Their core belief centers on enabling every individual to live meaningful and fulfilling lives within communities they choose. Their commitment extends to supporting whānau to thrive to their fullest potential.

At Te Whare o te Kaahu, the team focuses on creating a secure and nurturing environment where rangatahi are encouraged to reconnect with their personal mana, improve their hauora, and explore their unique life paths. Each young person is supported by recognizing their strengths, heritage, aspirations, and potential. The service fosters connection, growth, and renewal, helping rangatahi find their rightful place to stand.

Role Overview

The organization is seeking passionate individuals to join their Youth Residential Respite Service located in Hawke's Bay, catering to young people experiencing mental health challenges. Multiple roles are available, including Support Workers and Peer Support Workers. Applications are welcomed from candidates with either professional or lived experience, or both.

This position offers the chance to be part of a specialized youth service beyond short-term respite care. The program emphasizes a therapeutic, strengths-focused approach, aiding young people through periods of distress, promoting resilience, and maintaining connections with whānau, education, community, and support systems.

Working as part of a collaborative team—including Youth Practitioners, Peer Support Workers, and Health Professionals—you will help to provide a safe and welcoming environment where young people can acquire new skills, boost self-confidence, and progress towards personal wellbeing objectives.

Individuals with lived experience of mental health or addiction recovery are particularly encouraged to apply, as this first-hand knowledge is considered a significant advantage, especially for Peer Support Worker roles, enabling them to inspire hope and positive change for rangatahi.

This service stands as the only dedicated Youth Residential Respite program of its kind in the Hawke's Bay, representing a chance to impact an innovative care model and contribute to the future development of youth mental health support in the area.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver empathetic, youth-centric support within a residential respite environment.
• Establish and nurture trust-based relationships with rangatahi.
• Assist young people in building coping mechanisms, confidence, and autonomy.
• Collaborate with peer workers, practitioners with lived experience, clinicians, and external partners.
• Contribute to a therapeutic program incorporating wellbeing activities, life skills coaching, sensory modulation, and techniques informed by CBT and DBT, as well as facilitating community involvement.
• Ensure a safe and supportive atmosphere during times of distress and recovery.
• Engage in the continuous improvement and evolution of this pioneering service model.

Candidate Requirements

• Possession of a full valid driver's license.
• Qualification at NZ Certificate Level 4 in Health and Wellbeing or an equivalent credential.
• Hold or willingness to attain First Aid certification including CPR.
• Exhibit sound judgment and risk management abilities.
• Ability to meet required vetting standards.
• Eligibility to work legally in New Zealand.

Benefits and Perks

• Hourly wage ranging from $25.67 to $30.52, plus KiwiSaver contributions.
• Additional paid leave including three wellbeing days per year, five to ten days of study leave, and cultural leave days available for permanent staff.
• Access to company pool vehicles, mobile phones, and laptops.
• Discounted health insurance via Southern Cross Health.
• Wellbeing subsidies and the opportunity to utilize services like counselling, budgeting assistance, and mental health workshops.
• Exclusive discounts at selected retail stores.