Whānau Support Kaimahi

Are you passionate about making a positive impact on the lives of individuals within the prison system and their communities?

About the organisation

He Waka Tapu is a Kaupapa Māori organisation who have been supporting individuals and the community for over 20 years. He Waka Tapu works to increase the health and wellbeing of Whānau.

About the role

This role supports wāhine who have high and complex needs to transition from prison back to their whānau and community. We are committed to supporting wāhine to identify and achieve their goals and aspirations, explore their identity as wāhine Māori, strengthen their hauora (health and wellbeing), and plan and implement successful reintegration pathways.

Key responsibilities include:

• Engage purposefully with wāhine within both prison and community settings.
• Provide high-quality reintegration pathways and supports that influence well-being and reduce the risk of reoffending.
• Collaborate with a diverse team of professionals and agencies to ensure a holistic approach to reintegration.
• Conduct assessments, develop personalised reintegration plans, and provide ongoing support to wāhine and their whānau.
• Build positive relationships with wāhine, empowering them to make positive life choices.
• Monitor progress and adjust reintegration plans as needed.
• Support wāhine to reconnect with marae, whānau, hāpu, and iwi.
• Promote community connections, employment, and education opportunities.
• Advocate for wāhine needs and provide a bridge between the prison system and the community.

Skills and experience

• Relevant knowledge and experience working with wāhine with complex mental health and high support needs.
• Understanding of the criminal justice system and reintegration principles.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Compassion, empathy, and a non-judgmental attitude.
• Ability to work in a team and independently.
• Cultural competence and an understanding of the diverse needs of wāhine and their whānau.
• A full clean driver’s licence is a must.
• Satisfactory police vetting clearance and ability to access Christchurch Womens’ Prison.

Benefits and perks

• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• A supportive and collaborative work environment.
• Opportunities for professional growth and development.
• The chance to make a significant and lasting impact on individuals and their communities.
• Ongoing professional development and training
• Life Insurance

Our Culture

Me mahi tahi tātou mo te oranga o te whanau

Working together for the wellbeing of family

Our services are delivered using a kaupapa Maori framework encompassing Tinana (physical well-being), Wairua (spiritual well-being), Hinengaro (mental well-being), Whānau (family well-being). Our values help to guide an understanding of how to embed and practice meaningful and robust engagement to ensure that He Waka Tapu is the go-to place for practical knowledge about Whānau wellbeing.

Manaakitanga

We are respectful and show generosity and care for others, ensuring everyone’s mana is enhanced

Whānaungatanga

We build relationships through shared experiences and working together

Rangatiratanga

We lead by inspiring others to see what is possible

Whakākoako

We all learn