Support Worker - Nelson ##

Open Home Foundation; Nelson; On-site; NZD 28,000 - 33,000; Part time

Job summary

Open Home Foundation in Nelson is seeking a casual Support Worker to help stabilise placements and care for Tamariki in residential settings.

The role requires evening, weekend and overnight availability; a compassionate, professional approach and a relevant health and wellbeing certificate are preferred.

Qualifications

• Ideally hold a Certificate in Health and Wellbeing.
• Experience working with young people.
• Willingness to train in caring for vulnerable children in residential settings.
• Experience in a residential setting with children with disabilities/ASD.
• Own transport and valid full driver’s license.
• First Aid certification.
• Availability for evenings, weekends and overnight shifts.

Responsibilities

• Support Tamariki in residential care with physical, emotional and daily routine needs.
• Establish rapport with the child and family while ensuring safety and wellbeing.
• Provide transport support and assist with activities and outings as required.
• Participate in training and uphold OHF’s Christian Kaupapa and values.

Skills

Experience working with young people

First Aid certified

Own transport/full driver license

Empathy and professionalism

Evening/weekend/overnight availability

Education

Certificate in Health and Wellbeing

Job description

Support Worker - Nelson

Casual Position

“Supporting Families, Caring for Children”

The Open Home Foundation (OHF) is a Christian Community Response and has a vision that every child and young person has the opportunity to grow up in a secure, loving family and receive a depth of care which will bless them throughout their lives.

Integral to our ongoing success are our Support Workers who ensure the needs and safety of our Tamariki are paramount. The Support Worker role plays a very important part in families’ lives, helping stabilize the placements of children with specific needs—all while demonstrating a lot of care, empathy and professionalism. Please note that female candidates are preferred for this particular role.

The successful applicant will have the following:

• Ideally have a Certificate in Health and Wellbeing.
• Experience working with young people.
• Experience or willingness to undertake training in providing physical, emotional and therapeutic care of vulnerable children/young people with disabilities and / or autism spectrum disorder in a residential setting.
• Have experience working in a residential setting and a desire to work with children with disabilities and/ASD.
• Be excellent at quickly establishing confidence, rapport and routine with the child and their family.
• Have their own transport and a full clean driver’s license is essential.
• Be First Aid certified.
• Be available to work evenings, weekends, and provide overnight care of young people, alongside transport and general support.
• An in-depth understanding of how the role recognizes the special relationship between Māori and Tauiwi and strong empathy with the organization's special character.
• An alignment with the Open Home Foundation’s Christian Kaupapa.
• Hours as agreed ~ Candidates must be available to work outside school hours, with some overnight work, afternoons/evenings.

Download Position Description

Download Application Information Sheet

Download OHF Mission, Vision and 'We Will Statement'

If you would like more information on the role, please:

• Contact: [e-mail]

Applications close: 5 November 2026 (Applicants may be appointed prior to closing date)