Careers

Ngā momo mahi

Nā tō rourou, nā taku rourou
ka ora ai te iwi.

With your food basket and my food basket the people will thrive.

Swati, a Kaikaranga staff member, gives a warm smile as she sits in a booth with a purple notebook at the Kaikaranga office
"Working at Kaikaranga is incredibly rewarding. We do more than just listen—we provide holistic support that makes a real difference in the lives of families. The respect and versatility in the organisation are remarkable and I really admire our management team. I feel like my work is acknowledged and this recognition supports my professional growth. I feel fortunate to be part of such a caring and supportive environment." Swati Loomba, Specialist, Managed Support

What we do

We are a dedicated team helping disabled people and their families get the support they need to live their best lives. We do this by understanding their individual situations and goals through a needs assessment. Together with the disabled person and their family, we create a personalised support plan to ensure that individuals receive the right support, in the right place, at the right time.

Most of the support we help people access are funded by DSS through the Ministry of Social Development.

Over the years, we have developed a broader network of connections with more government agencies and trusted community organisations. This makes it easier and faster for people to get the support they need to do well in their communities.

We put people first. We know it can be life-changing to have someone listen to you, understand you, patiently explain things and say, “Let me help.” We believe in treating people with respect and valuing each person as they are. If this speaks to you, haere mai, join us!

A great place to work

Kaikaranga is a special place to work. We’re committed to promoting diversity and inclusiveness.

But don’t just take our word for it. As the first disability organisation in Aotearoa New Zealand to receive the Accessibility Tick, we not only celebrate all abilities but also push ourselves to cultivate a culture of understanding. We believe this makes Kaikaranga stronger, more capable, and kinder.

We know that supporting others starts with supporting our teams. We offer a workplace where everyone’s contributions are valued and where team members are encouraged to grow both personally and professionally. With personalised training, flexible work options and a supportive environment, you can be yourself with us.

Our benefits and ways of working

  • Personal development. Expand your skills and career with workshops, courses and resources.

    Working alongside your learning style. Training that fits how you learn best, ensuring you thrive from day one.

  • Hybrid work model with remote options. Enjoy flexibility with a mix of in-office and remote work.

    Part-time and job-sharing opportunities. Balance work with personal life through part-time roles or sharing a job with someone else.

    Accessibility support and solutions. We make sure everyone can work comfortably and effectively, with responsive work accommodations to meet individual needs.

  • Peer mentoring. Learn and grow with support from your teammates in a collaborative environment.

    Professional Supervision. Receive structured support and guidance to develop your skills.

    Employee Assistance Program (EAP). Access confidential counseling and support services to help manage personal or work-related challenges.

    Wellbeing activities. Take part in activities that promote your health, happiness and work-life balance.

Hailey, a Kaikaranga staff member, wears a headset as she looks at her laptop screen in the Kaikaranga office
"I love working for Kaikaranga. It's the people that make working here so special. I feel valued and empowered to make decisions and take the lead. My team is amazing and I love that we can bounce ideas off each other. I feel like we’re all equal." Hayley Tamihere, Outreach Coordinator, Community Engagement

Our teams

We are a team of dedicated professionals with diverse skills and experiences. Our different backgrounds help us see things from different perspectives, providing the best support for disabled people and their families.

We work hard because we care about making a difference. Our dedication is reflected in the positive changes we see in the lives of the people we support.

  • Our Community Engagement team determines people’s eligibility for funded support, connecting individuals to the services they need. They build and maintain relationships with community leaders and organisations, lead in educating the community about the work we do and grow a network of support and collaboration.

  • When you call us you’ll be greeted by one of our Client Service Representatives. As the central hub for all communication channels, they ensure every interaction is efficient and effective. Their proactive approach incorporates strong customer service principles.

  • This is our largest Service Delivery team. Our team provides direct, personalised assistance to disabled people and families, making sure they receive the necessary support to thrive. Needs assessment and service coordinations are done here.

  • Offering intensive and comprehensive support, this team is a powerful option for disabled people and families with complex needs. They walk alongside individuals, connecting them with the right services and opportunities, advocating for their needs and providing ongoing assistance. They also handle needs assessments and service coordination.

  • They assist disabled people during hospital stays and help facilitate the best transition back to the community. They involve all necessary partners like Health NZ, private hospitals, aged residential care, other types of accommodation, and multidisciplinary teams, to ensure integrated and smooth care

  • As experts in applying DSS funding tools and methods, including personal budgets, our team leads provider and funder engagement. They align multiple funding sources, and advise on residential pathways and support options. They also coordinate resources and commission supports to ensure disabled people’s continuity of care.

  • Dedicated to enhancing the lives of people and their whānau, they ensure our services fit well with the help provided by other organisations.  

  • Our team ensures excellence by focusing on processes, service delivery training, complaints and compliance. They maintain high standards of quality and assurance, making sure our services are trustworthy and meet all regulatory requirements.

  • Our team focus on nurturing people and culture at Kaikaranga, driving business expansion and managing communications. Our Resource Planning function along with Shared Services are also part of this team.

  • Managing business operations and IT infrastructure, they keep everything running smoothly and efficiently.

How we go about hiring

Our hiring process is simple, clear, and supportive. It’s designed to get to know each other better and to be accessible. From the initial application to the final stage, we promise open communication and respect. The process may vary slightly for different roles, but here are the main steps:

1. Apply

Send your application online—it only takes a few minutes. Tell us about yourself, your experience, and why you’re excited about joining us.

2. We’ll call you

If you’re shortlisted, expect a friendly phone call from one of our People and Culture team members. We’ll discuss your work background further and tell you more about the job you have applied for.

3. Assessment centre

Showcase your skills in an engaging and interactive session. We’ll have a couple of discussion-based activities tailored to the role you’re applying for.

4. Workplace observation

An opportunity for you to come in, meet a team member working in the same role, gain a better understanding of the work and get a feel for the environment.

5. Interview

Expect behavioural questions where we explore how you handle situations and if it aligns with our values and culture. You can ask more questions about the role and about us.

6. Pre-employment checks

We’ll ask you to complete Police Vetting and undertake verbal references. We’ll ask your permission to talk to two of your former line managers.

7. Offer

If everything aligns, we’ll extend an offer to join our team.

8. Whakatau

Permanent employees will experience a warm welcome with our traditional whakatau ceremony as you embark on this exciting journey with us.

Daniel, a Karikaranga staff member gives a warm smile for the camera as he sits at his desk in the Kaikaranga office
"I've returned to Kaikaranga three times already! Every time I come back, the vibe remains special and I’m always supported in my professional ambitions. I started out on the frontline as a Support Facilitator and I’m now working as a Specialist. I feel Kaikaranga is the best place for me to make an impact in my community. I know Kaikaranga recognises the importance of having more disabled people in similar positions, amplifying our voice for positive change." Daniel Teo, Specialist, Community Engagement

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