Peer Whanau Support Worker - Specialist Eating Disorder Service

• Te kuuwaha o te waiora - Journey to Wellness, 135C Silverdale Road, Hamilton
• Permanent part time positions with flexible working hours - workdays are Monday to Friday between the hours of 8.00am and 5.00pm. Ideally, we would like the successful applicant to work a minimum of 32 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 Role

The Waikato Specialist Eating Disorders Service (SEDS) is entering an exciting new phase of growth. We are evolving from a predominantly adult service to an across‑the‑lifespan model, providing compassionate, evidence‑based care for people aged 12–65 experiencing acute and severe eating disorders.

We are seeking a motivated and thoughtful peer support worker to join our specialist team at this pivotal time. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to the development of a growing service and help shape how eating disorder care is delivered across the Waikato region.

We welcome applications from people who have lived experience of providing care to a child with an eating disorder. 

In this role, you will be:

• Developing peer relationships with the parents and carers of those in treatment with the SEDS team, that are based on mutuality and authenticity as outlined in the CPSLE competencies (available on request).
• Using your 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 whanau within 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.

Click here to view the position description.

About the Team

SEDS is a multidisciplinary team that works in an interdisciplinary, collaborative way. We recognise that self‑care and ongoing development are essential to effective practice and are committed to providing high‑quality supervision, training, and opportunities for growth. Our work is holistic, involving clients, whānau, and communities.

SEDS also leads the Te Manawa Taki (Midland) Regional Eating Disorder Hub, providing education, consultation, supervision, and site visits to colleagues in Taranaki, Lakes, Bay of Plenty, and Tairāwhiti. 

About Hamilton

Waikato Hospital is a major regional hospital in Hamilton and is a leading tertiary teaching hospital located in Hamilton, New Zealand, serving as the regional hub for the Midland area, which includes the Waikato, Bay of Plenty, Lakes, Tairawhiti, and Taranaki districts. With around 722 inpatient beds, 22 operating theatres, and a dedicated outpatient clinic and procedure centre, Waikato Hospital provides comprehensive hospital services, including radiology, laboratory, and pharmacy. As a major teaching hospital with affiliations to the University of Auckland, University of Waikato, and Wintec, it offers a dynamic learning environment and access to research opportunities. The hospital is equipped with advanced diagnostic and treatment facilities located on the Waiora Waikato Hospital Campus, with both road and air ambulance support.

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

It is essential that you have lived experience providing care and support to a child with an eating disorder. Training and supervision will be provided as part of your professional development. All SEDS team members receive specialist supervision and ongoing opportunities to develop knowledge and skills.

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 31 May 2026. If you have any questions about the role, please contact Robyn Payne at Robyn.Payne@TeWhatuOra.govt.nz

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