Fixed Term, Full-Time (contract ending in December 2025) Be a part of transforming lives through education by developing Mental Health and Wellbeing tools and connecting with Maori Akonga students and their communities.
In this role, you will work to ensure the wellbeing of Maori learners is recognised and supported. Our objective is to see a stronger intake of support for Maori learners through the Maori Mental Health and Wellbeing Lead.
The successful applicant will lead Maori wellbeing initiatives that can make a strong impact not only on the Maori learners but also their family and wider community. You will contribute to other Maori projects from a Mental Health and Wellbeing lens and add value to the wider Ara community.
Key responsibilities include: Lead Maori Mental Health and Wellbeing initiatives across all campuses. Develop Mental Health and Wellbeing tools to support Maori learners. Work alongside Maori Student Support on Maori initiatives that can be strengthened with the wellbeing lens. Provide high-quality care through one-on-one or group sessions with Maori learners. Connect with our Maori Ropu (Maori Voice) with the mental health and wellbeing approach. Support the Ara Maori Strategy and Te Pukenga Te Tiriti o Waitangi Excellence Strategy. Work across the organisation and departments, providing Maori mental health and wellbeing support. Complete administration & reporting required by Te Whatu Ora. Minimum Requirements: Level 4 or above qualification in Mental Health Support or related areas. Experience working in a values-driven way. Knowledge of self-care strategies. Demonstrated experience in social services or support work with a diverse range of clients, including youth. Proven experience successfully engaging with students and/or communities from diverse backgrounds and identities, particularly Maori. Excellent communication, listening, and interpersonal skills. Highly developed therapeutic assessment and intervention skills. Skill in analysing and evaluating human behaviour. Ability to relate to a diverse range of Maori people. Ability to work confidentially with clients. Strong understanding of child protection legislation and regulations. Well-developed relationship-building skills and the ability to establish working relationships with agencies, voluntary groups, and individuals. Understanding of safety protocols when meeting learners or families. Proficient user of Microsoft Office packages and other relevant business software. Ara Institute of Canterbury, a business division of Te Pukenga (Ara), is a vibrant and progressive tertiary institute providing world-class, tertiary-level education throughout the Canterbury and Waitaki region. Our talented employees, innovative business collaborators, and supportive community partners are passionate about the role they play in our learners' success.
As a subsidiary of Te Pukenga, Ara is committed to giving effect to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and delivering services that respond with excellence to the needs of Maori learners and their whanau, as well as the aspirations of iwi and Maori communities throughout our catchment (including Maori employers). To deliver effectively on this commitment, Ara recognises the need for a culturally competent and confident workforce across our organisation.
We accept applications via our online application system.
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