Disability Support Worker – Taupo/Part-time

Connections; Taupo; On-site; NZD 21,000 - 25,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Training and development

Employee Assistance Program

Weekend rates

Job summary

Community Connections | Te Hāpori Āwhina Tāngata is seeking a passionate Support Worker for our Supported Independent Living team in Taupo. You’ll walk alongside tangata whaikaha, helping them grow independence and live the life they choose.

Join a dedicated team that supports learning life skills, builds whanau and community connections, and celebrates progress every step of the way. This part-time role offers stability with 32 hours per fortnight and weekday shifts.

Qualifications

• Valid First Aid Certificate or willingness to obtain.
• Certificate in Health and Wellbeing or willingness to obtain.
• Experience in disability or mental health support.
• Understanding of behaviour support strategies.
• Understanding of Intellectual Disabilities.

Responsibilities

• Support tangata whaikaha to grow independence and confidence.
• Nurture life skills and meaningful connections with whānau and hapori.
• Provide person-centred support with consistent communication.
• Follow shift patterns and contribute to a positive, safe environment.

Skills

Kindness

Empathy

Reliability

Teamwork

Education

First Aid Certificate

Certificate in Health and Wellbeing

Job description

• The hourly rate ranges from $24.85 to $29.68, depending on qualifications
• Part-time/ Permanent role

We are looking for a spirited and dedicated Support Worker to join our wonderful Supported Independent Living team in Taupo!

About Us

Community Connections | Te Hāpori Āwhina Tāngata is a community-based disability support provider operating across much of the North Island.

Our vision is an inclusive Aotearoa where disabled people are valued and supported to live the lives they choose. We are committed to Te Tiriti o Waitangi, the NZ Disability Strategy, and the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

We welcome applications from all backgrounds, especially Māori, Pasifika, LGBTQIA+ communities, and people with lived experience of disability or mental health.

About the Role

Join our Supported Independent Living Team in Taupo and be part of a kaupapa that uplifts and empowers. As a Support Worker, you’ll walk alongside tangata whaikaha (people with disabilities), supporting them to grow their confidence, strengthen their independence, and live the life they choose.

You’ll help nurture essential life skills, foster meaningful connections with whānau, hapori, and places of belonging, and celebrate progress every step of the way. Together, we create opportunities for learning, growth, and belonging - recognising and honouring each person’s mana and potential.

This mahi carries real purpose and impact, and you’ll be fully supported by a dedicated team that shares your commitment to making a positive difference every day.

This is a permanent part-time position offering 32 hours per fortnight, with the possibility of additional hours as service needs arise. Shifts are worked Monday to Friday between 8:00am and 6:30pm, with no weekend or late-night work required.

About you

We’re looking for someone who brings kindness, empathy, reliability, and a genuine interest in building meaningful connections. You’ll work well as part of a team, manage your time effectively, and approach challenges with creativity, flexibility, and practical problem-solving.

A strong match for this role will be someone who enjoys connecting with others through shared interests and activities. An interest in gaming, anime and animation, as well as being comfortable participating in active recreation such as swimming, gym activities and sport, would support meaningful engagement with the person you’ll be working alongside.

Good knowledge of the Taupō community, including local activities and opportunities for connection, would also be valuable.

Previous experience supporting people with autism is highly desirable, along with an understanding of person-directed support, individual communication needs, and the importance of consistency.

For the right candidate, there may also be an opportunity to take on an additional 20 hours per week on a fixed-term basis.

Please note: Interviews will commence from 5 October 2026. We will review applications as they are received and may appoint before the advertised closing date if a suitable candidate is identified.

• Valid First Aid Certificate or willingness to obtain
• Certificate in Health and Wellbeing or willingness to obtain
• Experience in disability or mental health support
• Understanding of behaviour support strategies
• Understanding of Intellectual Disabilities

Why Join Us

At Community Connections, you’ll join a supportive team passionate about making a difference. We offer training, professional development, an Employee Assistance Program, weekend rates, and clear opportunities for growth.

Please note: A full NZ driver’s licence, legal right to work in NZ, and clear police and Oranga Tamariki checks are required.