Peer Support Worker - Mental Health Inpatient Unit at Health New Zealand - Te Whatu Ora Lakes, Bay of Plenty

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

Peer Support Worker - Mental Health In-patient Unit

Te Whare Oranga Tangata o Whakaue, Rotorua

Part-time (28 hours per week)

Rostered shifts Monday to Sunday

An exciting new opportunity has become available to work as a Peer Support Worker, as part of our new Rotorua based mental health in-patient unit, Te Whare Oranga Tangata o Whakaue, set to open late 2026. The roles present a real opportunity to make a positive difference.

We are looking for someone who has progressed to recovery through their own personal lived experience of mental health and/or addictions and is able to support and walk alongside others in their recovery journey, role modelling hope for recovery.  If thats you, come join us in empowering tangata whai ora (clients) towards recovery & wellbeing goals, with a specific aim of reducing restrictive practices.

As a Peer Support Worker, they would share where appropriate their own personal experience of recovery in a way that inspires hope and encourages people to recognise that they are able to determine their own wellbeing.

At Te Whatu Ora Lakes we are proud to support people to live full lives within their communities; hopeful and connected to what matters to them the most.  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.  

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

Our kaimahi (staff) all share a common goal of supporting tangata whai ora to live their best lives as independently as possible in the community.

• Part time (up to 28 hours per week)
• Working alternating shifts (Monday Sunday) from 8am to 15:30pm
• Possibly participate in an on-call roster after hours and weekends

As a Peer Support Worker you may be:

• Supporting People with their personal recovery goals
• Connecting or reconnecting people with their whānau and natural supports.
• Inspiring hope and wellness
• Empowering people to do the things they love, as independently as possible
• Support people with life skills, such as budgeting
• Attending appointments and advocating for people

The Benefits | Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou

• Career development, with training support
• Highly rewarding role and opportunity to make a difference for generations to come!
• Be a valued member of an interdisciplinary team
• Opportunity to grow in your knowledge of Matauranga Māori, kawa and tikanga
• Work-life balance and an outdoor playground on your doorstep
• Competitive salary
• Full employer KiwiSaver contribution
• Discounts at a range or local businesses
• EAP Employee Assistance Programme

About the Team/Service/ Location

The Lakes mental health in-patient unit, Te Whare Oranga Tangata o Whakaue, provides 24/7 acute, intensive care for people with moderate to severe mental illness. As Peer Support Worker you will work alongside the multi-disciplinary team of doctors, nurses, mental health support workers, social worker, occupational therapist, activity facilitators and cultural support staff. The new unit will see an increase in bed capacity from 14 to 16.

Health New Zealand |Te Whatu Ora Lakes provides healthcare from its two modern and progressive general hospitals in Rotorua and Taupo, New Zealand. The Lakes district is becoming the lifestyle destination of choice and is well known for its many outdoor recreational activities, family friendly beaches, and a growing multi-cultural community. Working at Health New Zealand Te Whatu Ora Lakes provides a great opportunity to balance an amazing lifestyle with a rewarding professional experience.

As well as a supportive, inclusive and diverse work environment, Health New Zealand |Te Whatu Ora Lakes offer competitive salary, free staff parking, free flu vaccination, discounts (with local businesses), and access to Employee Assistance Program.

For more information on living and working in Rotorua and Taupo click here

About you

We want to see the real you in your application and welcome this in any creative form. Skills are gained across many areas of our life, not just in formal employment. If you can demonstrate the skills listed in the advert, but the experience was gained through whānau life, community or mahi aroha (volunteering) we encourage you to apply and share your story with us in your cover letter.

To be successful in this role, you will ideally have the following:

• Able to build professional relationships with a wide range of people
• Applicants must be willing to obtain (if not already completed) an accredited New Zealand Certificate in Health and Wellbeing and Intensive Peer Support Training
• Be culturally respectful and non-judgmental.
• Ideally have knowledge of Maori tikanga and kawa or willing to learn
• Have good professional boundaries.
• You must hold a current full drivers licence.

Click here for Position Description

Click here for Collective Agreement (if applicable)

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.

How to Apply

To apply please click apply now. All applications must be submitted through our online careers portal before end of posting date. If you have any questions about the role, please contact vacancy@lakesdhb.govt.nz. The selection process starts from the date of advertising. Due to the fast-paced nature of our roles, the vacancy close date may be subject to change.