Rough Sleepers Support Worker - Casual

Te Whare o Tapatahi (YMCA Taranaki) - Casual Support Workers

Te Whare o Tapatahi is a kaupapa Māori-informed emergency shelter supporting tāne experiencing homelessness. Operated by YMCA Ngāmotu, we offer sleeping, bathroom, laundry, and kitchen facilities for up to 20 tāne. Currently open four nights a week, we’re expanding to a seven-night service and growing our daytime programme.

More than a shelter, Tapatahi is a space of connection, healing, and empowerment. Our mahi is grounded in manaakitanga, kotahitanga, and whanaungatanga, creating a safe and inclusive environment for our whānau.

The Role

We are seeking compassionate and committed Support Workers on a casual basis to join our team. In this role, you will provide direct care and support to individuals using the shelter, including supervision, crisis intervention, security, and ensuring health and safety standards are upheld.

What we’re looking for:

• Experience in homelessness services, emergency accommodation, or social work.
• Full, clean driver’s licence.
• Understanding of the challenges faced by people experiencing homelessness.
• Empathy and sensitivity in working with vulnerable individuals.
• Knowledge of Te Tiriti o Waitangi, Te Ao Māori values, and culturally responsive practices.
• Skills in crisis response, de-escalation, and trauma-informed care.
• Strong interpersonal and communication abilities.
• Familiarity with mental health, addiction, and domestic violence support services.
• Commitment to health and safety protocols.

Desirable attributes:

• Experience in a Kaupapa Māori or bicultural setting.
• Knowledge of Housing First, harm reduction, and strength-based approaches.
• Ability to speak Te Reo Māori or a Pacific language.

Rostered shifts:

6:00am-9:30am Sunday and Monday.

6:00am-2:00pm Friday, Saturday, and Tuesday.

6:30 pm – 10:30 pm Monday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.

10:00pm - 07:00am Monday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.

Availability for some of these shifts is required, but not all. Flexibility to suit your life.

If you are passionate about social justice and supporting those experiencing homelessness, we would love to hear from you.

To apply:
Please submit your covering letter and CV.
Applications will remain open until a suitable candidate is found.

Eligibility:
Applicants must have NZ residency or a valid NZ work visa.

YMCA Taranaki is committed to Child Protection and the safeguarding of tamariki and young people. All staff are expected to uphold these values and comply with the Children’s Act requirements, including police vetting and reference checks.

Job Type: Casual

Work Location: In person