Amanda Houseman
Papatoetoe,AUK
Summary
Kaiarahi – Cultural Practitioner at Auckland City Mission – Te Whare Hinatore with experience supporting whaiora experiencing addiction, mental health challenges and homelessness. I am passionate about supporting people through their recovery journey and creating a safe, respectful and non-judgmental environment. Skilled in active listening, trauma-informed practice, whakawhanaungatanga, and maintaining professional boundaries and confidentiality. I bring both professional and lived experience, along with a Level 4 Health and Wellbeing qualification in Mental Health and Addiction Support. I am compassionate, resilient and reliable with a commitment to ongoing learning and professional development
Overview
6
6
years of professional experience
Work History
Kaiarahi - Cultural practioner
Auckland City Mission - Te Whare Hinatore
Auckland CBD
03.2025 - Current
- Use tikanga Māori, whakawhanaungatanga and culturally responsive approaches in my mahi.
- Provide calm, respectful and non-judgemental support using active listening, empathy and a trauma-informed approach.
- Support raukura in their wellbeing journey, safety and engagement with their recovery and support goals.
- Support wahine and raukura living in transitional housing, including people experiencing mental health, addiction, homelessness and other complex life circumstances.
- Build positive professional relationships while maintaining appropriate boundaries, confidentiality and mana.
- Respond appropriately to challenging situations and help maintain a safe, respectful whare environment.
- Work alongside colleagues and other services to support the needs and wellbeing of residents.
- Complete accurate handovers and case-related documentation using Recordbase, ensuring important information is communicated to the wider team.
Support worker - Student placement
Auckland City mission - Social Detox
05.2020 - 09.2023
- Provided emotional and social support, fostering resilience and connection for clients
- Established trusting relationships with whaiora through empathetic communication
- Assisted whaiora in developing and setting realistic goals to promote positive change
- Assisted whaiora with daily living needs, enhancing self-esteem and promoting overall wellness
- Assisted whaiora in identifying community resources and connecting with appropriate services
- Collaborated with other professionals to plan and coordinate care for whaiora
- Exhibited a helpful attitude by providing support to whaiora in diverse settings
- Transported whaiora to appointments and shopping
- Supported new whaiora during the admissions process to ensure a smooth transition
- Developed and maintained courteous and effective working relationships
Education
New Zealand Certificate in Health And Wellbeing Level 4 - Mental Health And Addiction Support
Open Polytechnic NZ
Lower Hutt, NZ10-2023
High School Certificate -
Papatoetoe High School
Auckland, NZ11-1994
Skills
Addiction and recovery support
Mental health support
Trauma-informed practice
Cultural sensitivity
Whakawhanaungatanga
Harm reduction
Active listening
Professional boundaries and confidentiality
Client Advocacy
Effective Communication and teamwork
Goal Setting
Reliability
Adaptability
Resilience
Empathy
Patience
Professionalism
Recordbase documentation
Timeline
Kaiarahi - Cultural practioner
Auckland City Mission - Te Whare Hinatore
03.2025 - Current
Support worker - Student placement
Auckland City mission - Social Detox
05.2020 - 09.2023
New Zealand Certificate in Health And Wellbeing Level 4 - Mental Health And Addiction Support
Open Polytechnic NZ
High School Certificate -
Papatoetoe High School