Housing Navigator - Support Worker
We are looking for a Housing Navigator to join our large Te Whare Huakina team.
About us
Te Taiwhenua o Heretaunga is a Ngāti Kahungunu mandated, kaupapa Māori values-based health and social services organisation providing services to our community along the East Coast of the North Island. Our health, social, education and community development teams have been working successfully for whānau for 40 years. The role will be delivered within the Hawkes bay region.
Te Whare Huakina is a fast-growing service that supports whānau in emergency and transitional housing as they progress into sustainable long-term housing. We help whānau to achieve their best outcomes by providing personalised support for families or individuals, based on their own particular needs.
About the Role
We seek a supportive and empathetic Housing Navigator with excellent community networks, an understanding of whanaungatanga, and the ability to connect and communicate effectively with whānau. The Navigator role involves providing social support and/or navigation services to whānau with children, people with mental health needs, and those at risk of housing instability, particularly recipients of an Emergency Housing Special Needs Grant.
In this role, you will undertake initial assessments for whānau referred by MSD for emergency or transitional housing and you will work with each client/whānau to identify and manage issues related to their housing situation. As a Navigator, by engaging with clients/whānau, you will understand the circumstances that led to their homelessness and access appropriate wrap-around support services to address any health and social needs. You will work collaboratively with whānau to identify key goals and provide encouragement and support in achieving those goals, including securing accommodation.
This is a full-time role based in Hastings, 8:30am – 5:00pm, Monday – Friday.
Ideal applicants will demonstrate:
- Ability to work calm under pressure
- Familiarity with Kāinga Ora Homes and Communities and Ministry of Social Development processes
- Hold a Mental Health Level 4 certificate or similar
- Excellent time-management and organisational skills
- Excellent report writing and documentation skills
- A current clean, full driver license
- Great people skills and ability to build rapport
- Proficient in Te Reo and tikanga practises
If you don't quite meet all of the above we would still love to see your application. We are supportive of professional development.
Employee Benefits
We offer a warm whānau focused work environment with a wide variety of benefits. Here are just a few:
- Kaupapa Māori organisation
- Regular Kapa haka and waiata
- All staff meeting and Karakia every morning
- 5 weeks annual leave
- Health Insurance
- Life Insurance
- Birthday leave
- Workplace wellness programme
- Days earnt off work
- Fun staff activities
- Free Parking
If you’d like to be part of this kaupapa and you have what it takes to become a Housing Navigator in the Te Whare Huakina team, we’d love to hear from you.
Please attach a Covering letter and CV with your application.
Don't delay, as we will be processing applications as they come in.
Applications close Monday 22 September 2025
