Family Support Worker / Whānau Āwhina

Positions available: One full-time permanent role and one full-time fixed-term maternity cover role.

Early Start supports whānau/families who are expecting a new baby or who are already caring for a new baby. Whānau/families living in Canterbury who meet the criteria are eligible for this long-term home visiting service.

Early Start encourages and supports families to provide each of their children with a positive and enjoyable childhood experience. Families participate on a voluntary basis.

About the role

Our team is seeking Family Support Workers / Whānau Āwhina with a passion for being part of a family-led early intervention and early response service for whānau who are facing challenges and difficulties.

Following a comprehensive orientation, you will work alongside a specified number of client families, primarily in their homes, in a planned and focused way.

Key responsibilities

• Deliver tailored parenting programmes and in-home support to whānau from diverse backgrounds.
• Work in partnership with Māori, promoting equitable health and wellbeing outcomes through knowledge of Te Ao Māori and hauora models.
• Support positive parenting practices and child development through demonstrations and modelling.
• Collaborate with internal teams and external agencies to provide holistic support.
• Contribute to reporting, data collection and continuous service improvement.

About you

You will be a Social Worker, Nurse, Teacher and/or hold an equivalent qualification in related fields such as Early Education, Psychology or Child Development.

We’re looking for someone who has:

• Experience working with Māori, Pasifika and migrant communities.
• Experience working with parents/caregivers and children, ideally in-home or community settings.
• A strong understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and commitment to equity for Māori.
• Cultural competency and the ability to work respectfully across a wide range of communities.
• Excellent interpersonal, organisational and communication skills.
• A full, clean driver’s licence and own reliable car.

What we offer

• A salary package based on skills and experience.
• A supportive, values-driven team culture.
• Ongoing professional and cultural development.

To apply

Applications close 5pm Wednesday, 22 July 2026.