Peer Whanau Support Worker - Specialist Eating Disorder Service

Peer Whanau Support Worker - Specialist Eating Disorder Service

The Waikato Specialist Eating Disorders Service (SEDS) is entering an exciting new phase of growth. We are evolving from a predominantly adult service to an across-the-lifespan model, providing compassionate, evidence-based care for people aged 12-65 experiencing acute and severe eating disorders.

We are seeking a motivated and thoughtful peer support worker to join our specialist team at this pivotal time. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to the development of a growing service and help shape how eating disorder care is delivered across the Waikato region.

We welcome applications from people who have lived experience of providing care to a child with an eating disorder.

In this role, you will be:

• Developing peer relationships with the parents and carers of those in treatment with the SEDS team, that are based on mutuality and authenticity as outlined in the CPSLE competencies (available on request).
• Using your lived experience to inspire hope and offer encouragement in the journey through the service.
• The promotion of choice, self-determination and active participation of the whanau within the MDT of care and support options utilising a strengths-based and trauma informed approach.
• Understanding and promoting the importance of connections with family and whānau, communities, and other health services.
• Being an integral and valued member of the multi-disciplinary team, contributing to the team culture and developing relationships with SEDS kaimahi.
• Challenging stigma and discrimination and proactively promoting inclusion and diversity.
• Supporting the maintenance of a safe and therapeutic community mental health environment with care provided in a recovery orientated, culturally appropriate and sensitive way in accordance to the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi.

SEDS is a multidisciplinary team that works in an interdisciplinary, collaborative way. We recognise that self-care and ongoing development are essential to effective practice and are committed to providing high-quality supervision, training, and opportunities for growth. Our work is holistic, involving clients, whānau, and communities.

SEDS also leads the Te Manawa Taki (Midland) Regional Eating Disorder Hub, providing education, consultation, supervision, and site visits to colleagues in Taranaki, Lakes, Bay of Plenty, and Tairāwhiti.

It is essential that you have lived experience providing care and support to a child with an eating disorder. Training and supervision will be provided as part of your professional development. All SEDS team members receive specialist supervision and ongoing opportunities to develop knowledge and skills.

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is dedicated to ensuring excellent healthcare for the people of New Zealand. We embrace a workforce that is diverse and inclusive so that we are better positioned to understand and service our community. We welcome applications from our diverse Māori, Pacific, disabled, and rainbow communities.