Family Whanau Support Worker - ref. e0321423

The Position

We are looking for an awesome Family Whanau Support Worker to join our growing team in sunny Nelson on a part-time (0.6FTE) basis. The role is based in Nelson but travel to Tasman will be required. A vehicle is provided for this purpose. We are looking for someone who is committed to making a meaningful difference for the families/whanau they support.

Who We Are

Our work/mahi is whanau centred and driven, underpinned with a Te Whare Tapa Wha approach. We walk alongside whanau and provide support that is solutions focused, and trauma informed.

Whanau are the unsung heroes who every day, through thick and thin, make the decision to support their loved one. This can be a difficult journey. We know that supporting whanau/families through their challenges, where they strengthen their knowledge, resilience and relationships, can improve the overall hauora and wellness for those families.

The Role

As part of this role, you will also be working with children and teenagers and facilitate support and education groups. We also support families/whanau post bereavement.

This is an energetic and at times challenging role which requires the ability to relate to, and work closely with families and whanau, the health professionals who work alongside them, and other agencies involved in their care. It is a highly rewarding role as you will make a significant impact on the lives of the people you work with.

Supporting whanau through their challenges and helping them to attain their goals, making real change, is immensely rewarding work.

• A qualification, preferably related to social services, social work, counselling, psychology or other health, wellbeing or community focus. Professional registration is not required as this is not a clinical position.
• Strong knowledge of mental health conditions, the mental health system and what people and families experience with mental health and addictions challenges.
• Understanding of and preferably experience in engaging with, tikanga Maori.
• Experience and understanding of supporting people from diverse cultures and backgrounds.
• Strong report writing and research skills.
• Computer literacy with experience using (MS365) word, excel, outlook, TEAMs, OneDrive, a client management system and intranet use.
• The ability to integrate easily into a small team with kindness and confidence.
• Proven effective listening and communication skills.
• Clean, current and full NZ driver’s licence.
• The right to work without sponsorship or Visa restrictions in Aotearoa New Zealand. (Please do not apply if you cannot meet this criteria)

• A minimum of two years’ experience in a family whanau support role, and/or the New Zealand certificate in Health and Wellbeing (Level 4 Mental Health and Addicition Support).
• Empathy and understanding of the challenges whanau experience when a loved one is unwell.
• Lived experience in supporting a loved one through mental health challenges.
• Existing knowledge of the Nelson based mental health and addictions networks, resources and social services.
• Group facilitation skills and experience.

Yellow Brick Road is a kindness focused organisation that looks after its people. Join us to work holistically with whanau to build happy, healthy, and self-sustaining communities. We are happy to discuss flexible work hours and hybrid working arrangements

Submit your application as soon as possible as interviews will commence as soon as suitable candidates apply.

Job Description available upon request.