This role supports the Developmental Playgroup Therapist to plan and deliver playgroup sessions for whānau of premature and unwell babies following discharge from NICU/SCBU.
You will help create a welcoming, safe and inclusive environment where pēpi can play and develop, while also facilitating opportunities for whānau to connect, share experiences and build supportive networks — including coordinating a simple morning tea. This role plays an important part in supporting families as they transition from hospital to home.
We’re looking for someone who is warm, approachable and well-organised, with a genuine passion for supporting whānau during a vulnerable time. You’ll be confident engaging with a diverse range of families and naturally foster a sense of connection and belonging.
Strong communication and interpersonal skills are essential, along with the ability to listen with empathy and gently facilitate conversation. You’ll be reliable, proactive, and comfortable running sessions independently, while working alongside a therapist who joins once a month to support and help ensure each playgroup runs smoothly.
An understanding of, or willingness to learn about, the NICU/SCBU journey is important, and lived experience in this space would be an advantage.
This is a part-time role of 2.5 hours per week (term time only), on Tuesday mornings. The role alternates weekly between facilitating the Developmental Playgroup and being based in the Waikato Hospital NICU.
Please apply by sending your cover letter and CV to info@lmt.org.nz
Applications will be reviewed as they are received. If we find the right person for the role, applications will close earlier than the advertised date.
The Trust works to provide and coordinate support to the whānau of premature and sick full-term babies, as they make their journeys through neonatal intensive care, the transition home, and onwards.
This is done in many ways: the provision of Care Packs on entry to a unit; morning teas to bring whānau and experts together; equipment for families to use in the units; post-discharge playgroups and coffee mornings.
We currently have team members in Auckland, Middlemore, Hamilton, Wellington, Christchurch and Dunedin with a constant drive to expand into all areas. Most of our team members have first-hand experience of time in a NICU or SCBU. So we know exactly what it’s like – and just how to help.