Support Worker - Motuhake Service

Hōhepa Canterbury; Christchurch; On-site; NZD 30,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A community support organization in Christchurch seeks a Support Coordinator to assist young adults with diverse needs. Ideal candidates are energetic and empathetic, with a can-do attitude. Responsibilities include daily support, fostering independence, and encouraging participation in community activities. No prior experience required as on-the-job training is provided. Competitive salary between $23.50 and $29.10 per hour, depending on qualifications.

Benefits

Ongoing professional development

Gym and Pool Membership discounts

Long service leave

Organic Vegetable discount

Qualifications

• Aroha and a positive approach matter.
• Previous experience is not required; training provided.
• Commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi principles.

Responsibilities

• Support daily routines and encourage independence.
• Assist with personal cares and household tasks.
• Facilitate participation in community events.

Skills

Energetic

Empathetic

Problem-solving

Team player

Self-motivated

Flexibility

Job description

Mō mātou | About Hōhepa

Working at Hōhepa, is different from the average, you become part of our community of people, staff, volunteers, and contractors who all have a common goal - helping people to reach their full potential and lead enriched and meaningful lives in a holistic, supportive environment. We are a community leader providing services and support for people living with an intellectual disability to live their best lives and find a valued place in our society. Inspired by Dr Rudolf Steiner’s principles of anthroposophy, we seek to understand each person and situation as unique, not a one size fits all philosophy.

Mō te tūranga | About the Role

Motuhake is based in Halswell and is home to four vibrant young adults—Nelson, Amy, Theo, and Holly—who have lived together for the past three years and developed a strong bond.

They love participating in activities together, such as arts and crafts, listening to music, dancing, and enjoying relaxing movie nights. Attending events is also important to the Motuhake service, whether it’s the Hōhepa Winter Dance or other community events.

• Nelson is passionate about keeping up with celebrities and current events. He hosts his own radio show and writes a blog—he’ll love telling you all about it! Nathan enjoys attending productions and musicals and is always up for a chat about the latest entertainment news.
• Amy has a creative spirit. She loves singing about emotions and acting out dramatic scenes. Fascinated by accents and different nationalities, Anna brings curiosity and flair to every conversation. She has a great sense of humour and enjoys joking around with her flatmates.
• Theo is a cheerful and easy-going man. He enjoys crafts like colouring and cutting out pictures to make cards. Tom also loves to dance and is always keen to join social events—especially when there’s music and movement involved!
• Holly is a capable woman with a generous heart. She enjoys giving to others and thinking of ways to brighten someone’s day. Hannah loves watching horror films or movies with friends, and she expresses her creativity through quilting classes. She also keeps active with her paper rounds.

The people at Motuhake have a wide range of personalities and support needs. The team works alongside individuals with autism, Down syndrome, and Prader-Willi syndrome—where consistency, routine, and food security are especially important.

One of the ladies may occasionally display challenging behaviour, so having a good sense of humour and strong problem-solving skills is essential. Each person brings their own creativity and energy to the home, making Motuhake a lively, supportive, and rewarding place to work.

You will be energetic, empathetic and able to work alongsidethis personfocussing on creating a life of rich and diverse experiences while being able to read situations, problem solve and apply boundaries or offer space. Daily tasks include supporting with daily routines while encouraging independence to develop skills and personal growth. You will have the confidence to support personal cares, cooking, medication administration, and household tasks. You will be passionate about supporting and extending people’s ability to access and be part of their wider community. If you are looking for a new challenge this could be the opportunity for you.

This position's salary scale is set by pay equity and dependant on qualification level, pays between $23.50 and $29.10 per hour.

Nga haora kua tohua | Rostered hours:

Week One

• Sunday 8am to 3:45pm
• Thursday 3:45pm to 9:30pm, 9:30pm to 7am (Sleepover)
• Friday 7am to 9am,3:45pm to 10:30pm, 10:30pm to 8am (Sleepover)
• Saturday 8am to 3:45pm

Week Two

• Wednesday 3:45pm to 9:30pm, 9:30pm to 7am (Sleepover)
• Thursday 7am to 9am,3:45pm to 9:30pm, 9:30pm to 7am (Sleepover)
• Friday 7am to 9am
• Saturday 8am to 3:45pm

Hands on hours: 53.25 | Sleepover hours: 38

Total Hours per fortnight: 91.25

Mō koe | About You

Your aroha and approach is what really matters at Hōhepa – previous experience is not a prerequisite because we provide on-the-job training.You will either be an experienced Support Worker looking for a change or you are simply looking for a career where your enthusiasm and passion for helping others will make a real difference in people’s lives.To thrive in a Support Worker role at Hōhepa you will be:

• Self-motivated, energetic and flexible with a high level of initiative.
• A team player - Work closely with and supporting your colleagues, creating a great team environment.
• A kind nature with a can-do attitude and willingness to learn and continue to develop your skills as a support worker.
• A commitment to upholding the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi in all aspects of the role.

Nga hua o te mahi ki a Hōhepa | Benefits of working at Hōhepa

At Hōhepa, as part of our team you will:

• Have certainty of hours through fixed rosters
• Enjoy a great person to-staff ratio, allowing for more personalised support
• Work in a fun, friendly and supportive team environment
• Receive ongoing support for your professional and career development
• Support to complete a NZQF Certificate in Health and Wellbeing level, 2, 3 or 4
• Long service leave
• Christchurch City Council Gym and Pool Membership discounts
• Untamed Organic Vegetable discount

Applicants will be progressed as they apply, so if this sounds like you, please apply now!

Applicants must have a NZ full driver’s licence and ability to work in New Zealand.

Please note that the 90-day trial period will apply to any successful applicant who hasn’t previously worked for Hōhepa Canterbury

At Hōhepa the role of a Support Coordinator is what is often referred to in the wider healthcare sector as a Support Worker. We feel that the title Support Coordinator better reflects the nature of the role, which requires working in partnership with the people receiving support to ensure we are achieving our organisation mission of every life fully lived.