Support Worker- Casual Contract/ Wellington Region

Connections; Wellington; Hybrid; NZD 34,000 - 41,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Weekend pay rates

Ongoing training and professional dev.

Supportive team environment

Job summary

Community Connections in Wellington is seeking motivated Support Workers to join our teams across the region, including Lower Hutt and Kapiti. This casual contract offers flexible shifts based on service needs and requires a compassionate, reliable approach to supporting people with intellectual disabilities.

You will help with daily routines, personal care, home tasks, and community activities, using a do-with, not-for approach to promote independence.

Qualifications

• Experience supporting people with intellectual disabilities, autism, or complex needs.
• Strong communication and documentation skills are essential.
• Full, valid New Zealand driver’s licence and legal right to work in NZ.

Responsibilities

• Support people with intellectual disabilities, autism and complex needs.
• Assist with daily routines, personal care, and community participation.
• Document care and progress in electronic systems; follow support plans.

Skills

Disability support

Communication

Documentation

Electronic systems

Independent work

Team collaboration

Problem solving

Patience

Education

NZ Certificate in Health and Wellbeing (Level 3 or 4)

First Aid Certificate

Tools

Electronic systems

Job description

• $24.85 – $29.68 per hour, depending on qualifications
• Casual Contract | Flexible shifts based on service needs

We are looking for motivated and reliable Support Workers to join our passionate teams across the Wellington region, including Lower Hutt, Wellington’s Eastern Suburbs and Kāpiti.
At Community Connections, we believe in working together to empower disabled people to live the lives they choose, on their own terms and within their communities.

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, respected and supported to live the lives they choose. We are committed to Te Tiriti o Waitangi, the New Zealand Disability Strategy and the United Nations 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

As a Support Worker, you’ll work alongside people with intellectual disabilities, autism and complex support needs, helping them build confidence, strengthen independence and stay connected with their communities.
The people we support have different interests, communication styles and individual needs. Your role may involve supporting everyday routines, personal care, household activities and community participation, including walking, swimming, fishing, outdoor activities and spending time with whānau.
Using a “do with, not for” approach, you’ll encourage choice, independence and meaningful participation while respecting each person’s preferences, dignity and goals.
This is a hands‑on role requiring adaptability, sound judgement and the ability to build trusting relationships. You’ll need to work confidently both independently and as part of a team, follow individual support plans and respond calmly to changing situations.

The casual contract

This is a casual position, with shifts offered according to operational requirements and the needs of the people we support, including cover for annual leave, sick leave and other staff absences.
Hours and shift availability will vary, and there are no guaranteed minimum hours or regular shifts. Opportunities may be available across different services within the Wellington region.

About You

We’re looking for someone who brings kindness, reliability, resilience and a genuine commitment to supporting people to live meaningful and independent lives.
You’ll be confident working with people who have complex support needs, including those who communicate in different ways or may experience behaviours of concern. Your ability to remain calm, maintain professional boundaries and respond with patience, empathy and practical problem-solving will be essential.

Ideally, you’ll bring:

• Experience supporting people with intellectual disabilities, autism, complex behaviours or mental health needs
• An understanding of individual communication needs, positive behaviour support and de‑escalation strategies
• Strong communication, relationship‑building and documentation skills
• Good computer literacy and confidence using electronic systems
• The ability to work independently, manage daily tasks and maintain a safe, organised home environment
• A proactive and flexible approach to supporting community participation and meaningful activities
• An understanding of epilepsy and relevant health and safety considerations
• Knowledge of local Wellington communities and opportunities for social connection
• Practical interests or skills such as cooking, gardening, arts and crafts, gaming, swimming, walking or other recreational activities would also be valuable in supporting people to explore their interests.
• Experience in disability support, mental health or a related support environment
• Understanding of intellectual disabilities and person‑directed support
• Full, valid New Zealand driver’s licence
• Strong written and verbal communication skills to meet the documentation and support requirements of the role
• Legal right to work in New Zealand

Willingness to undergo Police and Oranga Tamariki vetting

• New Zealand Certificate in Health and Wellbeing (Level 3 or 4), or a related qualification
• At least two years of relevant support experience
• Current First Aid Certificate

Why Join Us?

At Community Connections, you’ll be part of a supportive, values‑driven team passionate about making a meaningful difference. We value the work you do and provide opportunities to continue learning and developing your skills.

We offer:

• Opportunities to work across different services and gain valuable experience
• Weekend pay rates, where applicable
• Ongoing training and professional development
• A supportive and collaborative team environment

If you’re looking for meaningful casual work and have the skills, experience and flexibility to support people with diverse and complex needs, we’d love to hear from you.