Peer Support Specialist - Manawanui (Māori mental health)

Are you passionate about supporting individuals on their journey to mental health and recovery? Do you have personal experience in navigating the challenges of mental health issues and a strong desire to make a positive impact in the lives of others? We have an exciting opportunity for a Peer Support Specialist to join our new service located in Auckland Central.

• Permanent, Full-time (40 hours per week)
• General working hours 8:00am-4:30pm/8:30am-5:00pm, Monday - Friday
• Ember Korowai Takitini have the privilege to establish a new Peer Support Specialist service within Te Whatu Ora Te Toka Tumai Auckland Kahui o te Ihi.
  

• Pay Equity: $25.00ph - $30.00ph (service falls under Pay Equity. Pay is determined by qualification and equivalence to the National Certificate of Health and Wellbeing L4). Ember will pay an additional $1 above the current Pay Equity rate.

We are looking for someone to work within the Manawanui clinical team who has lived experience from a Māori mental health perspective.

The Manawanui service specialises in pacific mental health.

Ember Korowai Takitini | Nga Matapono

Ember Korowai Takitini are leaders in The Peer & Lived Experience mental health and addiction sector, dedicated to providing comprehensive and compassionate care to individuals experiencing mental health challenges. Our Peer & Lived Experience services blends professional expertise and lived experience to offer a range of services and supports for anyone with mental health, addiction, or intellectual disability needs.

Ember:

• Offers additional leave – Recreation days & study leave
• Provides a comprehensive Health & Wellbeing programme, including health checks, flu vaccinations and Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) and more.
• Professional development opportunities, including training and workshops.
• Supportive and inclusive work environment, fostering personal growth and work-life balance.
• Competitive salary commensurate with experience and qualifications.
• Comprehensive service induction
• Individual allocated car
• Laptop and phone for work purposes.
• Monthly Peer Coaching and Supervision

The Service | Ko Te Whare O Kahurangi

As a Peer Support Specialist, you will play a pivotal role in our clinical services team, providing invaluable support to individuals with mental health conditions You will work collaboratively with a multidisciplinary team of mental health professionals, ensuring a holistic and person-centred approach to care.

Role | Nga mahi

Peer Support Specialists bring more than their own personal lived experience to the role. Their approach is shaped by a knowledge base and practices derived from individual and collective understandings of what is needed for recovery and sustained wellbeing.

Responsibilities:

• Provide one-on-one peer support to individuals with mental health conditions, fostering hope, empathy, and trust.
• Assist individuals in identifying and setting personal recovery goals, promoting self-determination and autonomy.
• Facilitate peer-led support groups, creating a safe and inclusive environment for sharing experiences and building a sense of community.
• Collaborate with clinical staff to develop and implement individualized treatment plans, based on the unique needs and goals of everyone.
• Advocate for the rights and needs of individuals, ensuring their voices are heard and respected within the healthcare system.
• Serve as a resource to clinical staff, providing insights and perspectives from the lived experience of mental health challenges.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date documentation of all interactions, ensuring compliance with confidentiality and regulatory requirements.

Qualifications:

• Personal lived experience with mental health challenges and successful recovery is essential.
• Previous experience within the Mental Health sector.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build rapport and trust with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
• Preferably level 4 National Certificate of Health & Wellbeing or higher qualification.
• Understanding of recovery-oriented principles and practices, and the ability to apply them in a clinical setting.
• Excellent organizational skills, with the ability to balance multiple responsibilities and prioritize tasks effectively.
• Ability to work collaboratively within a team environment, while also demonstrating initiative and independent judgment.
• Proficient computer skills for documentation and data management purposes.
• Demonstrated commitment to ongoing personal and professional growth.
• Full NZ Drivers Licence
• Valid/Current work visa, residency, or citizenship

If you are ready to make a meaningful impact in the lives of individuals with mental health challenges, we invite you to apply for the position of Ember Peer Support Specialist. Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your relevant experience and why you are interested in this role. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews.

“He aha te mea nui o te ao? Maku e ki atu, he tangata, he tangata, he tangata”

What is the most important thing in the world? It is people, it is people, it is people.

Ember is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome and embrace diversity and inclusion in the workplace and are committed to providing a safe and supportive environment for all. We particularly welcome applications from our Māori, Pacific and Rainbow communities.

We will interview candidates as applications come through rather than waiting until the advertisement closes. The vacancy may be filled earlier if a suitable candidate is identified.