This is a unique opportunity to join Tōtara Hospice as our Pacific Cultural Liaison, supporting Pacific patients and whānau throughout their hospice journey. You will help ensure our services are culturally responsive, accessible, and reflective of the diverse values, traditions, languages and spiritual beliefs of Pacific communities.
Working as part of our Community Engagement team and alongside the wider multidisciplinary team, you will provide advocacy, coordination, cultural assessment and support, education and guidance to patients, whānau, staff and community partners. Approximately 80% of your time will be dedicated to direct engagement with patients and whānau in both community and inpatient settings.
This role plays a vital part in ensuring patients' cultural, spiritual, emotional and practical needs are recognised and respected, while also strengthening Tōtara Hospice's relationships with Pacific communities across South Auckland.
Job Description
Some of your responsibilities will include:
Supporting and advocating for Pacific patients and whānau throughout their hospice journey
Building and maintaining relationships with Pacific community organisations, churches, community leaders, health providers and health professionals
Facilitating communication and coordination between patients, whānau, healthcare providers and community services
Providing cultural advice and guidance to multidisciplinary team members regarding patient and whānau needs
Promoting Pacific cultural awareness, language and cultural practices across the organisation
Representing Tōtara Hospice at Pacific community events and identifying opportunities to strengthen partnerships and community engagement
Supporting the development of culturally responsive policies, education programmes and service initiatives
Delivering education sessions for staff on Pacific cultural values, family dynamics, language considerations, cultural practices and spiritual beliefs relevant to end-of-life care
Assisting with initiatives that address inequities in healthcare access and improve outcomes for Pacific communities
Desired Skills and Experience
Ngā Painga | Benefits
At Tōtara Hospice, we know that great people deserve great support.
Our benefits include:
A employee insurance benefit package. We believe Tōtara Hospice is the first not-for-profit healthcare organisation in New Zealand to offer this enhancement to permanent staff members. This innovative benefit has been designed to provide additional financial security and peace of mind for you and your whānau.
Ample free parking on-site at Tōtara House
An on-site café serving great coffee and fresh, nutritious food and yummy treats.
Beautiful gardens and peaceful surroundings
Modern staff facilities and comfortable break rooms
A personalised orientation programme tailored to your role
Ongoing professional development and education support
A collaborative multidisciplinary team that genuinely values every team member's contribution
A diverse and inclusive workplace committed to equity and belonging
Te Tangata | About You
You are passionate about supporting Pacific communities and ensuring patients and whānau receive care that respects their cultural values, traditions, beliefs and spirituality.
You will bring:
Experience supporting Pacific patients and whānau within a healthcare, community, social services or related environment
Ability to communicate in the Tongan language
Knowledge of strategies and approaches that reduce health and social inequities
Strong relationship-building and networking skills
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Knowledge and understanding of Pacific cultural practices, traditions, values and protocols
Strong emotional intelligence and the ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary team
A full, clean New Zealand Driver Licence
Ideally, you will also have:
Experience within hospice, palliative care, healthcare or a not-for-profit environment
Established relationships within Pacific communities, faith-based organisations and health networks
Experience delivering cultural education, community engagement or health navigation services
Meeting facilitation skills
About Tōtara Hospice
For more than 40 years, Tōtara Hospice has provided specialist palliative care services to the communities of South and South-East Auckland. We support patients and whānau through some of life's most significant moments, delivering compassionate care that honours living and dignifies dying.
Our dedicated team works across clinical services, allied health, people and capability, volunteer services, fundraising, retail and business support. Together, we share a commitment to ensuring nobody has to face their journey alone.
How to Apply
Please include:
An up-to-date CV
A cover letter outlining why you would like to join Tōtara Hospice and what you would bring to the role
For a confidential discussion about the position, please contact Marleen Tuigamala at marleen.tuigamala@hospice.co.nz
Tōtara Hospice does not conscientiously object to anyone accessing their rights under the End of Life Choice Act. Our focus remains on providing compassionate, patient and whānau-centred care and supporting people in accordance with their wishes and needs.
