Community Family Support Taituarā

Do you have a heart for supporting families in their community, wherever they are on their journey?

Heart Kids NZ is looking for compassionate Community Family Support Taituarā to walk alongside heart kids and their whānau across Aotearoa.

We are currently recruiting for the following part-time roles:

• Manawatū/Whanganui – 15 hours per week
• Wellington – 15 hours per week
• Canterbury – 25 hours per week
• Otago (including Central Otago) – 15 hours per week

About the role

As a Community Family Support Taituarā, you’ll be a trusted, consistent presence for families beyond the hospital setting – providing ongoing emotional and practical support as they navigate life with a childhood-onset heart condition.

Working closely with the Heart Kids NZ Family Support Team, health professionals, and local communities, you’ll ensure families are connected, supported, and empowered – from diagnosis through to long-term care.

What you’ll be doing

• Providing ongoing, culturally appropriate support to heart kids, young people, adults, and their whānau in your region
• Responding to referrals from hospitals, the Heart Kids team, and community agencies in a timely and compassionate way
• Helping families understand and access the supports available to them in their community and through Heart Kids NZ
• Building and maintaining strong relationships with local health and community networks
• Supporting local events, family days, and connection opportunities where appropriate
• Supporting and promoting Heart Kids NZ fundraising campaigns and community initiatives within your region
• Attending clinics, coffee groups, and community touchpoints to stay connected with families
• Maintaining clear, timely, and confidential records in line with organisational policies

About you

You’re a people-focused, community-minded person who can build trust and provide meaningful support to families during both challenging and everyday moments.

You’ll bring:

• Experience supporting whānau, families, or individuals in community, health, or high-pressure environments
• Strong communication and active listening skills
• A warm, empathetic, and culturally responsive approach
• Confidence working both independently and as part of a wider team
• Strong organisational skills and comfort using digital systems
• An understanding of community services and the health system, or a willingness to learn
• A commitment to equity, cultural safety, and Te Tiriti o Waitangi

Why join Heart Kids NZ?

Heart Kids NZ is a whānau-first organisation supporting children, young people, and families affected by childhood-onset heart conditions.

You’ll be part of a supportive, values-led team doing meaningful work that makes a real difference in communities across Aotearoa.

This role is made possible through community generosity - every family we support is thanks to donors, fundraisers, and dedicated staff.

Heart Kids NZ is committed to equity and inclusion and strongly encourages applications from Māori and Pasifika candidates.

If this sounds like you, we’d love to hear from you. Please apply with your CV and a short cover letter.