Behaviour Support Lead

About us

Aspire Community Support provides residential, supported living and community-based services for people with disabilities across the Waikato region. We are committed to supporting people to live great lives through personalised support, meaningful relationships, community participation, and innovative practices that promote independence and choice.

About the role

The Behaviour Support Lead plays a critical role in supporting people with disabilities and complex support needs to live meaningful, self-determined lives within their homes and communities. Working within Aspire's Vision, Values, Philosophy, and Strategic Direction, you will provide specialist leadership, coaching, assessment, planning and intervention to support people to achieve their goals, aspirations, independence, wellbeing, and participation in community life. You will work alongside people we support, families and whānau, support staff, clinical professionals, NASC services, health providers, and community partners to develop practical, evidence-informed approaches that enhance quality of life while reducing behaviours of concern.

Key responsibilities

• Provide specialist positive behaviour support assessment, planning, implementation and review
• Develop and oversee behaviour support plans and risk management strategies
• Coach, mentor and support frontline teams to build confidence and capability
• Lead responses to complex situations, incidents and behavioural challenges
• Support staff to utilise trauma-informed and person-directed approaches
• Work collaboratively with families, advocates, clinicians and external agencies
• Monitor outcomes and ensure supports remain effective and aligned with best practice
• Contribute to safeguarding, quality improvement and service development initiatives
• Assist with crisis management and provide professional guidance during complex situations
• Promote the rights, dignity, autonomy and inclusion of people supported by Aspire

About you

You are an experience practitioner who can remain calm under pressure, build strong relationships, and make sound professional decisions in complex environments.

Essential

• Preferred qualification in Psychology, Social Work, Occupational Therapy, Applied Behaviour Analysis, Nursing, Human Services, Disability Studies, or a related field
• Demonstrated experience supporting people with disabilities and complex behavioural needs
• Strong understanding of Positive Behaviour Support and person-centred practice
• Experience undertaking risk assessments and developing support plans
• Excellent communication, coaching and relationship-building skills
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively within multidisciplinary teams
• Full New Zealand Driver Licence
• Ability to meet police vetting and workforce safety checking requirements
• Experience working within disability, mental health, forensic or community support environments
• Knowledge of New Zealand disability support systems and human rights-based practice

Desirable

• Experience working within disability, mental health, forensic or community support environments.
• Knowledge of New Zealand disability support systems and human rights-based practice.
• Experience providing leadership, supervision, mentoring or staff development.
• Experience with quality systems, safeguarding and incident review processes.

What We Offer

• An opportunity to make a genuine difference in people's lives.
• A values-driven organisation committed to high-quality support.
• Professional development and ongoing training opportunities.
• The chance to influence practice and help shape Aspire's behaviour support framework.
• Supportive leadership and a collaborative culture.
• A varied and rewarding role where no two days are the same.
• $200 towards your annual health check
• EAP Service available for your mental wellbeing
• Staff Benefit Card with discounts at participating retailers

Apply Now

If you are passionate about positive behaviour support, believe in the rights and potential of every person, and want to help lead excellence in disability support, we would like to hear from you.

For further information and to receive a copy of the position description, please email: [email protected]

Closing Date: 16 October 2026

Applications will be reviewed as they are received, and the position may close earlier ifthe right candidate is found. Only suitable candidates will be contacted for an interview.