Supportive Care Coordinator

About Waipuna Hospice

Waipuna Hospice offers specialist palliative care and support for individuals facing life-limiting illnesses and their whānau. We provide holistic care addressing physical, emotional, spiritual, and cultural needs, aiming to help people live well until the end. Our integrated teams assist thousands annually across Tauranga and the Western Bay of Plenty through homes, hospitals, clinics, our inpatient unit, and the wider community. Operating as a charitable entity, we depend heavily on community donations, fundraising, charity shops, and volunteers alongside government funding.

Role Overview

The Supportive Care Coordinator is vital in administratively supporting and coordinating Counseling, Bereavement, and Spiritual Care services, ensuring patients and families receive timely access to necessary guidance, information, and resources. This position includes volunteer coordination, community liaison, and contribution to delivering high-quality supportive care.

Key Responsibilities

• Handling inquiries from bereaved family members and assessing their support requirements.
• Managing referrals within Waipuna Hospice and community services.
• Organizing bereavement follow-up calls 10-12 weeks after a patient's passing or coordinating these through trained volunteers.
• Facilitating access to individual counseling, student counselor services, bereavement groups, seminars like Navigating Grief, spiritual care, and community supports.
• Coordinating and assisting bereavement and spiritual care volunteers.
• Building and nurturing relationships with faith and spiritual community groups for patient support.
• Maintaining up-to-date client records, program documentation, and service resources.
• Ensuring educational and supportive resources for bereavement, counselling, and spiritual care remain current and accessible.
• Contributing to continuous quality improvement and efficient Clinical Services operation.
• Exemplifying cultural competence and commitment to equitable, inclusive support for patients, families, and whānau.

Required Skills and Experience

• At least 10 years of experience in administrative roles.
• Strong skills in coordination, administration, and managing booking systems.
• Excellent organization and time management capabilities.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook) at intermediate to advanced levels.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, with confident telephone interaction as most client contact occurs via phone.
• A compassionate, empathetic, professional demeanor while maintaining appropriate boundaries.
• Demonstrated cultural awareness and respect for diverse cultural, spiritual, and social backgrounds.
• Dedication to culturally safe practices and ensuring equitable access to services.

Work Conditions and Benefits

• Full-time, Monday to Friday, fixed term for 12 months.
• Supportive and values-driven team environment.
• Exposure to various meaningful clinical settings.
• Ongoing professional development and educational opportunities.
• Employee wellbeing initiatives and support programs.
• Discounts at local health providers and partners.
• Complimentary onsite parking.
• Engagement in impactful work contributing positively to community care.

Organizational Values

Waipuna Hospice's purpose is to promote equitable end-of-life care; its vision is compassionate care for all at life's end. Core values include inclusivity (Everyone matters), courage (Be brave), simplicity (Make it easier), and guardianship (Caring for today and tomorrow).

Diversity and Inclusion

We strive to build a workforce that reflects our community’s diversity, fostering an inclusive and equitable atmosphere where everyone can contribute meaningfully. We welcome applications from individuals of all cultural and spiritual backgrounds, appreciating authenticity in our team members.

Application Information

If you are seeking a role with meaningful purpose, connection, and impact, please provide your CV and a cover letter detailing your suitability. Applications will be reviewed as received; early applications are encouraged. Recruitment steps may include interviews, reference checks, and pre-employment screening.