Support Worker - Motuhake Service

JobSpace; Christchurch; On-site; NZD 33,000 - 41,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Gym & pool discounts

Vegetable discount

Long service leave

Job summary

Hōhepa Canterbury is hiring a Support Worker to join a warm, community-focused team in Christchurch. You will support residents with daily routines, personal care, cooking, and household tasks, while promoting independence and community participation.

The role emphasizes empathy, teamwork, problem-solving, and a commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi principles. A NZ driver license is beneficial; training is provided, and hours are rostered.

Qualifications

• Experience in supporting people with diverse needs is desirable.
• Ability to read situations, adapt and apply boundaries appropriately.
• Comfort with personal care, cooking and medication administration.

Responsibilities

• Support individuals with daily routines and encourage independence.
• Participate in activities and community engagement with residents.
• Attend to personal care and household tasks as required.

Skills

Empathy

Teamwork

Problem-solving

Boundaries

NZ driver license

Job description

Working at Hōhepa, 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.

Motuhake Service is based in Halswell and is home to four vibrant young adults, Bob, Jill, Jim, and Mary, who have lived together for the past three years and developed a strong bond. These four flatmates love having a laugh and spending time together. Whether it's getting competitive over a board game, sharing jokes, putting on some music, or simply enjoying each other's company, there is a strong sense of friendship and fun within the flat. No two days are quite the same, and there is always something happening!

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

• Bob is a theatre enthusiast who loves getting involved in the performing arts. He also enjoys running his own radio show and is currently working on his baking skills. He would love someone who is happy to encourage his creativity, support his interests, and perhaps be an enthusiastic taste-tester!
• Jill enjoys theatre, loves being out and about doing her paper round job, and is happiest when she can get creative with crafts. She values having someone who will encourage her independence and share in the activities she enjoys.
• Jim brings plenty of energy to the flat! He loves to dance and sing along to his favourite music and enjoys getting out for horse riding. If you're someone who isn't afraid to join in with a dance or sing a little off-key, you might be just the person he's looking for!
• Mary loves meeting people and enjoys singing along to her favourite songs. She is social, enjoys connecting with others, and appreciates having people around her who are friendly, positive, and genuinely interested in spending time with her.

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 a good sense of humour and strong problem-solving skills are essential. Each person brings their own creativity and energy to the home, making Motuhake a lively, supportive, and rewarding place to work.

In this role, you will be energetic, empathetic, and able to work alongside the people we support, focusing on creating lives rich in diverse experiences. You will be confident in reading situations, problem-solving, and knowing when to apply boundaries or offer space when needed. Daily tasks include supporting people with their routines while encouraging independence, skill development, and personal growth. You will have the confidence to assist with personal care, cooking, medication administration, and household tasks. You will be passionate about supporting and extending people's ability to access and participate in 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 $23.95 and $30 per hour.

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

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.

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 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.