• Lead a team driving real change in patient care
• Build strong partnerships across healthcare
• Make a meaningful impact in your community

About THINK Hauora?

At THINK Hauora we are committed to enhancing health and wellbeing within all communities, including Māori, Pasifika, Youth, and LGBTQIA+ communities, across our rohe. We value diversity and inclusivity, and we warmly welcome individuals from all walks of life to contribute to our vision of Connecting Communities for Wellbeing.

THINK Hauora is committed to honouring Te Tīriti o Waitangi to improve Hauora outcomes for the communities we serve.

The Here Toitū Programme:

The Ministry of Social Development (MSD) and Primary Health Organisations (PHOs) have partnered to deliver “Here Toitū” – a national programme that supports people living with a health condition or disability to enhance their wellbeing, build confidence, and prepare for and find sustainable employment. THINK Hauora is one of four PHOs working in partnership with MSD to deliver the Here Toitū programme in different regions across the country.

This is a full-time fixed term position through to 30 June 2027. 

The Role of Employment Specialist

The Here Toitū Employment Specialist plays a pivotal role in supporting whānau (participants) living with ill health or disability to prepare for, secure, and sustain meaningful employment. As part of our holistic PHO model, you’ll provide practical support including job search assistance, coaching, employer engagement, and job placement.

We’re looking for someone who believes in inclusion, sees potential in others, and isn’t afraid to knock on doors to create opportunities. You’ll be a confident communicator, strong relationship-builder, and proactive problem-solver.

Our main office is in central Palmerston North, however daytime travel throughout the Mid-Central region is required. You will have access to one of the of company lease vehicles; a full, clean driver’s licence is essential.

Supported by a Programme Manager, and the wider Here Toitū team, your role will involve:

• Collaborating with Kaimanaaki (Health Navigators) and Here Toitū Case Managers, using a partnership approach that keeps whānau at the centre.
• Provide employment-related advice including job search techniques, job suitability guidance, interview preparation, and confidence-building
• Building and maintaining a strong network of local and regional employers, promoting the value of a diverse workforce
• Marketing and advocate for whānau to employers emphasising their strengths, capability and attitude
• Proactively sourcing employment opportunities through cold/warm calling, site visits, employer and business networks e.g. Chamber of Commerce, BNI, CEDA
• Offering post-placement support for both employer and whānau helping resolve any employment-related matters to ensure sustainable outcomes.

Our service strives to cultivate a journey towards empowerment, self-reliance, growth and development for generations to come.

We would love to hear from you if you have:

• Experience in employment placement, recruitment, sales, HR, or a similar field
• Strong networking and relationship-building skills, ideally with established connections in the MidCentral region
• Energy, enthusiasm, and drive to support whānau in achieving their goals
• Effective marketing, negotiation, and influencing skills
• A proactive approach to identifying barriers, resolving issues, and offering solutions
• Experience in, or a genuine interest in, the health and disability sector
• Commitment to confidentiality and safe handling of personal/health information in line with privacy legislation
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and familiarity with client or patient management systems
• Resilience, adaptability, and a positive attitude
• The ability to engage effectively with people across cultures, particularly Māori and Pacific communities
• A proven ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a team

The Work Broker role offers a busy but incredibly rewarding environment, where you will get to see the difference and positive impacts that can be made with whānau that ripple out to the community.  

To apply for this role, please Apply Now via Seek.

Applications will be considered as they are received, and suitable applicants will be contacted.

Job Description.