Tauwhiro Hinengaro (Lived Experience Wellbeing & Cafe Support Worker)

Tauwhiro Hinengaro (Lived Experience Wellbeing & Café Support Worker)

Full time, permanent

Tēnā koe! Kei te mihi mai i Manaaki Ora, he roopu oranga kei te takere o Te Arawa waka.

Ko wai mātou / About us:

Manaaki Ora Trust is a kaupapa Māori organisation that has grown from the aspirations of Te Arawa to ensure Māori are healthy, live well and are able to access the services and support that they need. 

We have a new and exciting café opportunity and are looking for people with lived experience of mental health challenges and wellbeing journeys to work with us.  This unique role combines peer support and wellbeing conversations with the day-to-day operation of a welcoming community café. You will help create a safe, inclusive space where people can connect, feel valued, and access support in an environment that feels relaxed and non-judgemental.

Whakatakanga / Mission:

Kia whai, kia tipu, kia manaaki ora e

To seek, to grow, and to nurture wellbeing

Kō wai koe / About you:

Our café is more than a place to enjoy great coffee.  It is a place of connection, hope and belonging.

As a Lived Experience Wellbeing & Café Support Worker, you will:

• Build genuine, trusting relationships with people visiting the café.
• Offer informal peer support and wellbeing conversations based on your lived experience and recovery journey.
• Encourage hope, resilience, and connection to community supports where appropriate.
• Help create a welcoming environment where everyone feels seen, heard, and respected.
• Prepare quality coffee and beverages.
• Serve customers and provide excellent customer service.
• Assist with food preparation, food service, and café presentation.
• Maintain food safety, hygiene, and cleanliness standards.
• Work collaboratively with the wider team to ensure the café operates smoothly.

Ngā pūkenga ka whai koe/ Skills you will have:

• Lived experience of mental health challenges and recovery.
• Is comfortable and ideally practiced at using their lived experience in a purposeful and professional way to support others.
• Is reliable, positive and enjoys working as part of a team.
• Is willing to learn barista skills and all aspects of café operations.
• Ability to use Microsoft Office and data management tools.
• Ability to maintain all health and safety requirements under organisational policies.
• Existing relationships with local health and social service providers.

Ngā hua o tenei mahi / What we offer:

• A competitive salary.
• Annual wellness contribution.
• Professional development and training opportunities.
• A positive and supportive team and organisation.

Applications close 9am Tuesday, 13 October 2026.

Applications may be reviewed as they are received, and the position may be filled prior to the closing date.

Please note that the role is subject to safety checking under the Vulnerable Children Act 2014.

Click here for Job Description.