Mental Health Support Worker

Village Collective is a Pasifika-led organisation committed to improving the health and wellbeing of Pasifika young people, their families, and communities. Sei Lelei is Village Collective's Pacific rainbow+ mental health and wellbeing service. Co-designed with Pacific rainbow+ communities, Sei Lelei delivers culturally responsive and clinically excellent support that empowers the mental health and wellbeing journeys of Pacific rainbow+ young people and their families. The name Sei Lelei reflects both culture and purpose. Sei refers to the flower worn with pride and care across many Pacific cultures, while Lelei speaks to wellness, flourishing, and doing well. Together, the name reflects our commitment to ensuring Pacific rainbow+ young people are seen, valued, affirmed, and supported to thrive. At Village Collective, we stand beside Pacific rainbow+ young people and their families by creating safe, inclusive, and affirming environments where identity, culture, family, and wellbeing are celebrated. Through individual support, group programmes, family engagement, community outreach, and advocacy, we work alongside young people, schools, families, churches, and communities to foster resilience, belonging, confidence, acceptance, and joy. Sei Lelei and wider Rainbow Fale initiatives provide accessible support for Pasifika rainbow+ young people aged 12–24 years who may be experiencing mild to moderate mental distress, while also strengthening the capacity of families and communities to support their wellbeing. ABOUT VILLAGE COLLECTIVE Village Collective is a Pasifika-led organisation committed to improving the health and wellbeing of Pasifika young people, their families, and communities. Sei Lelei is Village Collective's Pacific rainbow+ mental health and wellbeing service. Co-designed with Pacific rainbow+ communities, Sei Lelei delivers culturally responsive and clinically excellent support that empowers the mental health and wellbeing journeys of Pacific rainbow+ young people and their families. The name Sei Lelei reflects both culture and purpose. Sei refers to the flower worn with pride and care across many Pacific cultures, while Lelei speaks to wellness, flourishing, and doing well. Together, the name reflects our commitment to ensuring Pacific rainbow+ young people are seen, valued, affirmed, and supported to thrive. At Village Collective, we stand beside Pacific rainbow+ young people and their families by creating safe, inclusive, and affirming environments where identity, culture, family, and wellbeing are celebrated. Through individual support, group programmes, family engagement, community outreach, and advocacy, we work alongside young people, schools, families, churches, and communities to foster resilience, belonging, confidence, acceptance, and joy. Sei Lelei and wider Rainbow Fale initiatives provide accessible support for Pasifika rainbow+ young people aged 12–24 years who may be experiencing mild to moderate mental distress, while also strengthening the capacity of families and communities to support their wellbeing. ABOUT SEI LELEI Sei Lelei is Village Collective's Pasifika rainbow+ mental health and wellbeing service supporting Pacific rainbow+ young people aged 12–24 years and their families. The name Sei Lelei reflects the values and purpose of the service. "Sei" refers to a flower worn with pride and care throughout many Pacific cultures, while "Lelei" speaks to wellness, flourishing, and positive wellbeing. Together, the name reflects a commitment to ensuring Pasifika rainbow+ young people are seen, celebrated, affirmed, and supported to thrive. Sei Lelei provides a culturally responsive and affirming environment where young people can strengthen wellbeing, build positive identities, develop meaningful connections, and access the support they need. The service combines individual support, psychoeducation, youth development programmes, family engagement, community outreach, and advocacy to address barriers impacting wellbeing and participation. POSITION PURPOSE The Mental Health Support Worker for Sei Lelei plays a key role in supporting Pasifika rainbow+ young people and their families to build resilience, strengthen identity, improve wellbeing, and access the services and resources they need to thrive. Working alongside clinical staff, the role provides culturally responsive and strengths-based support through youth development, group facilitation, family engagement, community outreach, advocacy, service navigation, and care coordination. The role contributes to creating safe, affirming, and empowering spaces where Pacific rainbow+ young people can develop a strong sense of belonging, connection, and confidence in themselves, their culture, and their future. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES Youth Support & Advocacy Build safe, trusting, and supportive relationships with Pasifika rainbow+ young people. Provide one-to-one wellbeing support, and advocacy. Assist young people to identify goals and develop plans to achieve them. Support access to education, employment, housing, health, and community services. Promote resilience, self-determination, and positive identity development. Group Facilitation Co-facilitate program delivered through Sei Lelei and Rainbow Fale initiatives. Support delivery of workshops and activities focused on wellbeing, identity, relationships, culture, and personal development. Assist with planning and delivery of youth events and community activities. Family Engagement Support positive engagement with aiga/families where appropriate. Assist families to understand available support and services. Promote family-inclusive approaches that strengthen wellbeing outcomes for young people. Community Outreach and Partnerships Build and maintain effective relationships with schools, churches, community organisation, and support services. Participate in community outreach, promotion, and engagement activities. Represent Village Collective at community event, fono, and stakeholder meetings. Service Coordination & Administration Assist with referrals, intake processes, follow-up, and service navigation. Maintain accurate case notes and client records. Demonstrate confidence in navigating computer systems and Microsoft Office applications to support administrative and operational functions. Contribute to service reporting, evaluation, and outcome monitoring. Collect participant and stakeholder feedback to support continuous improvement. Team Participation Work collaboration with clinical and non-clinical staff. Participate in supervision, training, team meetings, and professional development. Contribute to a positive team culture and safe working environment. PERSON SPECIFICATION Essential Requirements Strong understanding of, and ability to engage effectively with, Pasifika rainbow+ communities in a culturally safe, inclusive, and strengths-based manner. Experience working with young people, families, or communities. Understanding of Pacific cultures, values, and family systems. Demonstrated commitment to supporting rainbow+ (MVPFAFF+/LGBTQIA+) communities. Strong interpersonal and communication skills. Ability to build and maintain professional relationships. Excellent organisational and time management skills. Ability to maintain confidentiality and professional boundaries. Full and clean New Zealand Driver License. Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends for program delivery and community events. Desirable Requirements Lived experience and/or strong cultural community connections that support meaningful engagement with Pasifika, rainbow+, and other diverse communities. Qualification in Youth Work, Social Services, Community Development, Health Promotion, Social Work, or a related field. Experience facilitating groups, workshops, and youth programs. Knowledge of local health, social, education, and community support systems. Understanding of mental health and wellbeing approaches for young people. KEY COMPETENCIES Cultural Responsiveness Ability to work effectively within Pacific frameworks, respecting cultural values, identity, spirituality, family, and community. Youth-Centred Practice Commitment to ensuring young people are heard, respected, and actively involved in decisions that affect them. Relationship Building Develops trusted relationships with young people, families, colleagues, and community partners. Communication Communicates confidently and respectfully with diverse audiences. Collaboration Works effectively within multidisciplinary teams and community networks. Initiative & Accountability Demonstrates sound judgement, professionalism, and commitment to achieving positive outcomes. OUR VALUES Alofa/Aroha - Compassion & Care Faka'apa'apa - To show Respect Tino Rangtiratanga - Sovereignty, Self determination Vanua - Connection to land, heritage, and culture Fakamalie - Restoration, acknowledging impact, restoring balance in relationships Pukenga - personal integrity related to skills knowledge and wisdom SUCCESS MEASURES Strong engagement and participation of Pasifika rainbow+ young people. Positive relationships with youth, families, and community stakeholders. Effective facilitation of group programs and activities. Accurate and timely documentation and reporting. Contribution to program targets and service outcomes. Promotion of safe, inclusive, and affirming environments for young people. #J-18808-Ljbffr