
Family Start -
West Coast / Buller
Whānau Worker - Pēpi (0–3) & Hapū Māmā
Location: West Coast (Greymouth based) • Type: Full-time, Fixed Term (1 year)
Organisation: Family Start West Coast/Buller (Tai Poutini Whānau Po Kite Ata Trust)
Salary: $58,964.33 - $102,000.00 depending on experience and qualifications.
Term: 05 January 2026 - 31 December 2026 (negotiable)
Walk alongside whānau in their homes to strengthen safety, attachment, and wellbeing for pēpi and tamariki aged 0–3, and hapū māmā. If you’re warm, practical, and action-oriented — and you back your team - this role is for you.
The role (what you’ll do)
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Build trusting relationships through respectful, strengths-based home visiting.
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Coach parents/caregivers on routines, attachment, safety, child development, and navigating services.
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Spot risks early and act calmly - consulting your manager and team, never in isolation.
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Coordinate support with health, education, and social service partners.
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Keep clear, timely notes and safety plans; follow our policies and the law.
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Represent us professionally in the community.
You’ll bring (who you are)
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Genuinely kind and respectful - empathetic, not over-involved.
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Team player who addresses issues directly and then backs decisions.
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Accountable with a positive, “let’s get it done” mindset.
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Calm under pressure; confident communicator (plain language, great listener).
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Sound judgement - seeks help at the right time; doesn’t make big calls alone.
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Community-ready presence - reliable, prepared, and professional.
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Future-thinking - you look for small improvements that help whānau faster.
Must-haves
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Level 7 or higher qualification or significant experience in a related field
(e.g., Social Work, Nursing, Early Childhood/Education, Public Health, Psychology, Counselling, or similar). OR Significant lived experience that you are able to use constructively to support Whanau. -
Full NZ driver licence and confidence driving across the Coast.
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Strong written and verbal communication.
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Ability to work in homes and very occasionally outside standard hours.
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Successful Children’s Act safety check (police vetting + references).
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Current right to work in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Nice-to-haves (or willingness to work toward):
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SWRB registration/eligibility (for social work-qualified applicants).
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Knowledge of Te Tiriti o Waitangi in practice and comfort using basic te reo Māori.
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Experience with perinatal support and/or the first 1,000 days.
What we offer
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A supportive, values-led team with regular supervision and PD.
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Structured induction, tools, and proven home-visiting resources.
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Flexibility to do your best work for whānau.
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Competitive salary, phone/laptop.
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The chance to make a measurable difference for pēpi, tamariki and their whānau.
How to apply
Complete the form below.
Applications close: 23 November 2025 at midnight. Shortlisting may occur as applications are received.
We value diversity and welcome applications from Māori, Pacific peoples, and those with lived experience relevant to this mahi. We are committed to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and culturally safe practice.
