Support Worker

• Based within the area of Tauranga Moana: Te Puke, Tauranga Peninsula, Papamoa, and Northern Cluster (Te Puna through to Katikati)
• Full-time position – 1.0 FTE
• A community-based role supporting tamariki, whanau, and schools through early mental health intervention

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

Tīhore Mai I Uta Tīhore Mai I Tai is a school-based mental health service designed to provide accessible and effective mental health services for Tamariki and whānau in Years 1-8 in schools/kura across the Bay of Plenty. 

Our team of registered mental health professionals deliver individual, whānau and group-based interventions within schools/kura in a Kāhui Akō (a group of schools working together in a specific region). 

We are expanding our team and looking for School-Based Mental Health Support Workers to work alongside clinicians, helping to bridge the gap between schools/kura, whānau, and the wider community. This role is ideal for someone currently studying or working in education, social services, or health support roles.

Our teams work alongside Education’s Learning Support Delivery model, ensuring that the unique needs of Tamariki are met through a collaborative approach. We partner with iwi and hapū-based providers, community organisations, and government agencies

If you’re passionate about shaping the future of mental health support in schools and want to be part of an innovative, dedicated, and caring team, we’d love to hear from you!

We have permanent, full and part-time positions available that are based within Tauranga Moana: Te Puke, Tauranga Peninsula, Papamoa, and the Northern Cluster (Te Puna through to Katikati) Kāhui Akō.

 We are open to applications from those seeking part-time hours. If this is you, please specify in your cover letter how many hours you would like to be considered for and your preferred location as a part of your application.

About the Team/Service/Location

Tīhore Mai I Uta Tīhore Mai I Tai is an innovative school based mental health service delivering early intervention support to tamariki across the Bay of Plenty. The multidisciplinary team includes registered mental health professionals working alongside support workers to deliver individual, whānau, and group-based interventions within schools/kura. The service works in partnership with iwi and hapū providers, education services, community organisations, and government agencies to ensure a coordinated and culturally responsive approach. Based within Tauranga Moana Kāhui Akō, this role offers the opportunity to work in a close-knit community with strong local connections and a shared commitment to improving outcomes for tamariki and their whānau.

Click here to learn more about the Bay of Plenty

About You

You will be a motivated and compassionate individual who is passionate about supporting tamariki and whānau. Your approach is flexible, practical, and grounded in building strong relationships within schools and the community.

What you will bring:

• Experience working within schools, or with tamariki and whānau in community, education, or health settings
• Understanding of the Whakatāne community and local networks
• Cultural awareness and ability to work effectively with diverse communities including Māori and CALD populations
• Strong communication and relationship building skills
• Ability to work collaboratively alongside clinicians, educators, and community partners
• A flexible, proactive approach and willingness to support a wide range of activities
• Full NZ driver’s licence and ability to travel within the community

To view the Position Description please click here

Working for 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 Māori, Pacific, disabled, and rainbow communities.

How to Apply

To apply for the role please click “apply now.”  All applications must be submitted through our online careers portal before 11:59pm on 6 July 2026. If you have any questions about the role, please contact bp-Careers@tewhatuora.govt.nz

Please note, we will be reviewing applications when received and may proceed with the recruitment process, before the closing date of this advert.