Whānau Support Worker

Please email your cover letter and CV to manager@wdp.org.nz

Hours: 20 per week.

Relationships:  Reports to WDP Kaiwhakahaere / Manager Works with Whānau/families (client-based work), OSCAR programme tamariki & whānau, general community.

Key Responsibilities: a) To provide wraparound support for whānau/families in our community as a Whānau Support Worker  Ensuring that families can access the right support through government agencies like Work & Income (including advocating with them where required)  Ensuring that parents have strategies to manage their children’s behaviour appropriately and relevant to the particular needs of their children (e.g. neurodiversity)  Empowering parents in order to build up their confidence and self-esteem and achieve their and their children’s potential.  Supporting parents with their own and their children’s health and wellbeing.  Reducing barriers to achieving all of the above and referring on when/if required to specialist agencies/organisations.

b) To support the OSCAR tamariki’s whānau/families especially when tamariki are presenting with concerning behaviours To provide OSCAR team with professional development where appropriate.  To develop individual care plans for tamariki presenting with concerning behaviours

c) To support the community development projects of the organisation  Running community events  Supporting existing and new programmes

1. Skills & Experience  A proven history in a peer support or social work role  Ideally a background in early childhood education, Playcentre, primary or secondary teaching or similar and/or having worked closely with whāea/mātua/parents/caregivers in a similar setting.  A strong ability in working alongside someone in an empowering manner.  An excellent understanding of Work & Income, Kainga Ora and similar processes and how to navigate government bureaucracy to ensure that clients receive the support they are entitled to.  An understanding of and experience as a parent or caregiver of children  An understanding of and knowledge of good parenting skills and the ability to role model the same.  An understanding of due process and appropriate management of case files and client information  An understanding of Te Ao Māori and/or a willingness to learn and engage with tangata whenua to build knowledge and understanding.  Empathy and compassion  Excellent professional boundaries  Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including report writing.  Good computer skills.  Good team player  Positive, encouraging and able to provide positive feedback.  The ability and willingness to work collaboratively with other agencies where necessary