Manaakitanga | Whānaungatanga | Courage | Rangatiratanga | Aroha

Our Mission: Walking with Whānau to Wellness

Transition Navigator - Community Group Housing (CGH) Step-Down Service

Whatever It Takes Trust is looking for passionate, recovery-focused Transition Navigators to join our new Community Group Housing (CGH) Step-Down Service in Hawke's Bay.

This innovative service supports whaiora experiencing mental health and/or addiction challenges to transition from inpatient services, residential support, or unstable community settings into sustainable independent living.

As a Transition Navigator, you will walk alongside whaiora as they build confidence, strengthen life skills, develop tenancy capability, reconnect with their communities, and move towards greater independence.

About the Role

The CGH Step-Down Service is designed to bridge the gap between higher levels of support and independent community living.

Working as part of a multidisciplinary team, you will provide practical, recovery-focused support that helps whaiora:

• Develop independent living skills.
• Build confidence and self-determination.
• Strengthen wellbeing and recovery.
• Prepare for long-term housing.
• Connect with whānau, community and support networks.

This is a people-focused role where no two days are the same.

Key Responsibilities

• Support whaiora to achieve recovery, wellbeing and housing goals.
• Coach practical independent living skills including budgeting, cooking, shopping, cleaning, transport and tenancy responsibilities.
• Assist with transition planning and housing readiness.
• Support engagement with health, addiction, housing, employment and community services.
• Encourage community participation and social connection.
• Participate in reviews, transition planning meetings and MDT processes.
• Maintain accurate documentation and reporting.
• Identify and escalate risks and wellbeing concerns appropriately.

What We're Looking For

You will bring:

• Experience supporting people experiencing mental health and/or addiction challenges.
• Strong relationship-building and communication skills.
• A recovery-oriented, strengths-based and person-centred approach.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team.
• Understanding of community supports, housing pathways and wellbeing services.
• Commitment to supporting people to build independence rather than dependence.
• Strong professional boundaries and ethical practice.

Essential Requirements

• Level 4 Health & Wellbeing (Mental Health and Addiction) qualification or equivalent experience.
• Full, current driver's licence.
• Understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and culturally safe practice.
• Commitment to equitable outcomes for Māori and Pacific peoples.
• Understanding of Te Whare Tapa Whā, Hua Oranga and Pōwhiri Poutama principles.
• Ability to work across community settings throughout Hawke's Bay.
• Police vetting and reference checks.

Desirable Experience

• Lived experience of mental distress, addiction recovery or supporting recovery journeys.
• Experience in housing, transitional housing, tenancy sustainment or community rehabilitation services.
• Knowledge of Kāinga Ora, MSD and community support systems.
• Experience working within peer support, mental health or addiction services.

Why Join WIT?

• Help establish a new Mental Health & Addiction step-down service.
• Be part of a values-driven organisation making a difference in Hawke's Bay.
• Work alongside passionate colleagues and community partners.
• Support whaiora to achieve sustainable independence and wellbeing.
• Contribute to an innovative pilot designed to strengthen recovery and housing outcomes.

Help create a pathway to independence for people experiencing mental health and addiction challenges and be part of a team committed to Walking with Whānau to Wellness.

Next Steps

Cover Letter
Tell us a little about yourself and why you are interested in becoming a Transition Navigator.

CV
Please outline your relevant experience, skills and qualifications.

Our Recruitment Process

Suitable applicants will be contacted for an initial interview followed by a panel interview.

Applications will be reviewed as they are received, so early applications are encouraged.