Community Support Workers - Regional Reintegration Service

Community Support Workers - Regional Reintegration Service Te Manawa Taki region Hamilton, Rotorua, Tauranga and Whakatane (one role available in each area) Permanent 80 hours per fortnight Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is firmly grounded in the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and is committed to building a health system that serves all New Zealanders. About the Role We are seeking Community Support Workers to join Te Manawa Taki Intensive Community Wraparound team.The team will provide a coordinated, responsive support service for tangata whaiora being released from prison who have a high risk of disengaging from services or reoffending. One community support worker will be based in Hamilton, one in Whakatane, one in Tauranga and one in Rotorua. Key responsibilities of the role include: Delivering gate support when assigned transporting tangata whaiora from prison and accompanying them to their first appointments (e.g. Ministry of Social Development (MSD) Work and Income New Zealand (WINZ), Department of Correction Community Probation). Ensuring tangata whaiora have their phone, know their destination, and have transport arranged on the day of release, and reporting back to the Senior Coordinator or Clinician within the same day. Providing transport to reintegration appointments, including MSD, Community Corrections, Police, Court, and their local Adult Community Mental Health Team (ACMHT). Assisting tangata whaiora to obtain identification, including taking ID photos and accompanying them to the AA for a Kiwi Access card. Supporting bank account setup, internet banking, and MyMSD account creation. Setting up mobile phones with a prepay plan and credit. Accompanying tangata whaiora to MSD/WINZ appointments and advocating alongside them. Registering tangata whaiora with a GP and accompanying them to their first appointment. Sourcing food parcels, clothing, and basic household supplies where needed. Facilitating rapport-building activities to support engagement. Assisting tangata whaiora to collect medications as directed by the Clinician, and reminding them of upcoming appointments. Recording brief progress notes in Clinical Work Station Waikato Health NZ for every direct contact, and notifying the Clinician or Senior Coordinator immediately of any concerns. About the Team The Te Manawa Taki Intensive Community Wraparound team is a new Forensic Mental Health Service that is being developed to upscale Forensic Mental Health Services to address capacity needs in Te Manawa Taki, resulting from the expansion of Waikeria Prison. It will enhance service provision and support for high risk, high needs tangata whaiora released from Waikeria, Springhill and Tongariro prisons. The intensive community wraparound service is to specifically address the significant increase in service demand expected across the Waikato and the wider Te Manawa Taki region. The districts that are within Te Manawa Taki are; Waikato, Bay of Plenty, Lakes, Taranaki and Tairawhiti. The Service will comprise of a number of small teams (totalling around 12 staff) based locally across the Te Manawa Taki region, employed by Health NZ, Waikato and centrally line managed by the Lead Coordinator based in Hamilton. The teams will specifically provide coordinated and clinical support for whaiora released from prison back to their locality that present with high risk/high needs. The regional team will work collaboratively with their local statutory and non-governmental organisations. Key outcomes for tangata whaiora A coordinated and supportive plan is in place for their transition to their community. Experience a systematic intensive mental health support service across Te Manawa Taki. Opportunities to develop fulfilling valued social roles in the community and being active, contributing members of their communities. Reduced risk of recidivist offending. About you Experience in community support work. Ability to follow direction from registered staff to enthusiastically offer practical support to tangata whaiora, to achieve good health and social outcomes. Excellent rapport and relationship-building skills. Whānau-centred, collaborative, and partnership-based approach. Non-judgemental and empathetic. Competency with te ao Māori, tikanga, and te reo Māori, or a commitment to starting your journey and taking ownership of your learning and growth. Experience working in a mental health, community health, or primary care setting. Experience working with Māori and Pasifika communities. Highly developed interpersonal communication and negotiation skills, including a demonstrated ability to build productive working relationships with colleagues to achieve required outcomes. Current full driver's licence. Working at Health New Zealand Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is dedicated to ensuring excellent healthcare for the people of New Zealand. We embrace a workforce that is diverse and inclusive so that we are better positioned to understand and service our community. We welcome applications from our diverse Māori, Pacific, disabled, and rainbow communities. before 11:59 pm on 16 August 2026 Job details Job Reference Job Reference: WAI32323 Location North Island - Waikato - Hamilton Job type Job type: Permanent Full time Expertise Clinical - Mental Health - Community Support Worker #J-18808-Ljbffr