Community Support Worker

About the role

Purapura Whetu Trust are seeking a multilingual, committed and culturally responsive Community Support worker (Muslim Wellbeing Practitioner) to join our Muslim Wellbeing Team in Christchurch. This is a fixed term full-time role until July 2029.

This is a rewarding opportunity to work alongside individuals, families and whānau from Muslim communities, supporting their wellbeing, independence, social connection and participation within the wider community.

The successful applicant will bring strong interpersonal skills, cultural awareness and the ability to build trusting relationships with people from diverse backgrounds.

About you

We are looking for someone who has:

• At least two years' relevant community support, social services, health, wellbeing or related experience; OR a relevant tertiary qualification/degree.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• A person-centred and whānau-focused approach to support.
• The ability to work respectfully with people from diverse cultural and social backgrounds.
• Good understanding of confidentiality, professional boundaries, safeguarding and appropriate support practices.
• Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team.
• Good written and spoken English, as English is essential for working within the New Zealand service environment.
• Fluency or working proficiency in one or more of the following languages is highly desirable: Urdu, Sindhi, Punjabi, Potohari or Hindi.
• An understanding of Muslim cultures, traditions and community needs would be highly regarded.
• Working knowledge of the Paua System would be extremely advantageous.
• Good computer and record-keeping skills.
• A current New Zealand driver's licence is Mandatory as this is role with client interaction.

Why multilingual capability matters

The Muslim Wellbeing Team supports people and whānau from a range of cultural and linguistic backgrounds. The ability to communicate in languages commonly spoken within the communities we support can help build trust, improve communication and contribute to culturally responsive service delivery.

Applicants who can communicate in Urdu, Punjabi, Potohari, Sindhi and/or Hindi, in addition to English, are particularly encouraged to apply.

You do not need to speak all of these languages. Proficiency in one or more of the listed languages will be considered alongside your other skills, experience and qualifications.

Key responsibilities of the role:

As a Community Support worker (Muslim Wellbeing Practitioner), you will:

• Provide person-centred support to individuals and whānau in the community.
• Support people to achieve their wellbeing, social, cultural and personal goals.
• Develop positive and respectful relationships with service users and their whānau.
• Support individuals with daily living, community participation and connection to appropriate services.
• Assist with wellbeing planning and goal setting.
• Advocate for service users where appropriate.
• Work collaboratively with families, whānau, community organisations and other professionals.
• Provide culturally responsive support that respects each person's identity, values and circumstances.
• Maintain accurate and timely case notes, records and other required documentation.
• Follow organisational policies, professional standards, health and safety requirements and relevant New Zealand legislation.
• Participate positively as a member of the Muslim Wellbeing Team and wider Purapura Whetu organisation.

What we offer

• An opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals, families and whānau.
• A supportive and culturally responsive team environment.
• Professional development and learning opportunities.
• The opportunity to contribute to innovative community-based wellbeing services.
• A role within an organisation committed to improving wellbeing outcomes for the communities we serve.

Eligibility to work in New Zealand

Applicants must have the legal right to work in New Zealand.

We welcome applications from:

• New Zealand citizens;
• New Zealand residents/permanent residents; and
• applicants who currently hold a valid New Zealand visa with appropriate work rights for this position.

Applicants will be required to provide evidence of their right to work in New Zealand as part of the recruitment process.

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How to apply

If you are passionate about supporting people and whānau, have relevant experience or qualifications, and can bring strong cultural and/or multilingual capability to our team, we would love to hear from you.

Please submit your CV and a cover letter outlining your relevant experience, qualifications, language capability and why you are interested in joining the Muslim Wellbeing Team.

Applications close:

For further information: please contact [email protected]

Purapura Whetu Trust is committed to providing a safe, inclusive and respectful workplace and welcomes applications from suitably qualified people from diverse backgrounds.