Kaiarahi

About This Role

The role of the Kaiarahi is to support tamariki, whānau and the school/kura by promoting wellbeing and providing support when there are identified wellbeing or mental health needs for tamariki. The Kaiarahi will be responsible for delivering early interventional health and wellbeing guidance, support and programmes within the school in collaboration with other members of the Mana Ake team, the school, whanau and other services involved.

Mana Ake is a locally designed service which is tailored to meet the specific needs of primary and intermediate school communities in the Wairoa District. Mana Ake will provide school-based support to promote wellbeing and deliver mental health support for our primary and intermediate aged tamariki (Year 0-8) residing in Kahungunu ki te Wairoa. Mana Ake is about giving our tamariki access to skills and strategies to enhance their resilience, wairua and mana so they may thrive wherever they live, learn and play.

The Mana Ake team is multi-disciplinary and made up of both a cultural, clinical, and non-clinical workforce. The Mana Ake team will deliver individual, group, whole of class/school wellbeing programmes and interventions targeted at tamariki with low level issues.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide early intervention and wellbeing support to tamariki (Years 0–8) and whānau.
• Deliver individual, group and school-wide wellbeing programmes.
• Build strong, trusting relationships with tamariki, whānau, schools and community services.
• Work collaboratively to identify wellbeing needs and develop appropriate support strategies.
• Promote resilience, confidence and positive mental health through culturally responsive, strengths-based practices.
• Connect tamariki and whānau with appropriate health, mental health and social services.
• Maintain accurate records, uphold confidentiality and ensure child safety.
• Actively participate in Mana Ake team hui, professional development and service improvement activities.

What We're Looking For

• Any relevant qualification relating to education, health, mental health or social services
• Hold a clean, current and valid Full Driver’s License
• Children’s Worker Safety Check (including Police Vetting) with no history that would require exemption
• An ability to build strong connections to motivate, educate and encourage tamariki and whānau to build upon their strengths
• Be well connected within the Wairoa Community.
• Ability to connect tamariki, whānau and schools with appropriate Tamariki friendly health, education, community or social services to achieve positive outcomes.
• Awareness of and a commitment to understanding the implications for Māori health that are implicit in Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
• Understanding of Tikanga and Te Reo Māori.
• Able to work well as part of a team – Kotahitanga
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• A commitment to undertake professional development/training relevant to that position.
• Ability to work as part of a team.

Desirable

• Knowledge of Maori Models and Frameworks
• An understanding of the statutory requirements of the Vulnerable Children’s Act 2014, Privacy Act 2020 and the Health and Disability Service Standards
• Proficient in Te reo Māori me ngā tikanga

Personal Attributes

• Excellent Communicator
• A problem-solver with a high level of initiative.
• Adaptive/flexible with a strong work ethic.
• A passion to tautoko Tamariki and build resilience and self confidence.