Support Worker –Taranaki | Full-time/Permanent Contract

Connections; New Plymouth; Hybrid; NZD 50,000 - 62,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employee Assistance Program

Ongoing training and development

Job summary

Community Connections is seeking a compassionate Support Worker to join our New Plymouth team. You will help a young person with complex disabilities build independence, confidence, and life skills within a 24/7 residential setting.

You will support community participation, adapt communication to suit the person, and work closely with a supportive team to create positive daily experiences while following individual support plans.

Qualifications

• Patience and resilience to support a person with complex needs.
• Strong communication and relationship-building to work with the person and team.
• Ability to complete documentation and use computer systems.
• Full NZ driver licence and legal right to work in NZ.
• Willingness to undergo safety checks (Police and Oranga Tamariki).
• Experience supporting people with intellectual disabilities or sensory needs is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Support community participation, outings and recreational activities for the person.
• Recognise and respond to sensory needs and preferences.
• Adapt communication to support understanding, choice, and engagement.
• Provide calm, consistent support during distress using positive strategies.
• Support community access and road safety awareness.
• Encourage independence and development of daily living skills.
• Maintain accurate documentation and follow support plans.
• Attend orientation and person-specific training.

Skills

Patience

Resilience

Reliability

Communication skills

Relationship building

Computer literacy

Driver licence (NZ)

Active listening

Education

Level 3 or 4 in Health and Wellbeing

Job description

• Full-time/Permanent role- 71.25 hours per fortnight

We are looking for a compassionate, energetic, and reliable Support Worker to join our New Plymouth team at Community Connections.

About Us

Community Connections is a values-driven disability support provider across the North Island. Our vision is a fully inclusive Aotearoa, where disabled people are respected, supported, and able to live life on their own terms in the community they choose.

We’re an Equal Employment Opportunities employer, committed to Te Tiriti o Waitangi, the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the New Zealand Disability Strategy. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, especially those with lived experience of disability or mental health, Māori, Pasifika, and LGBTQIA+ communities.

The Role

We’re looking for someone exceptional—someone passionate about empowering others to thrive. As a Support Worker, you’ll play a key role in helping a young person with complex disabilities build independence, confidence, and life skills.

You’ll join a supportive team providing 24/7 residential care. The person you’ll support is energetic, curious, and enjoys technology and water-based activities. They thrive in a structured environment where consistency and strong relationships are essential.

Using a “do with, not for” approach, you’ll encourage choice, confidence, and self-determination while providing support that reflects the person’s individual needs, preferences, and communication style.

This is an active and engaging role, so you’ll need to enjoy getting out and about, supporting community activities, and helping create positive everyday experiences.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Supporting community participation, outings, and recreational activities
• Recognising and responding to individual sensory needs and preferences
• Adapting your communication approach to support understanding, choice, and meaningful engagement
• Providing calm, consistent support during periods of distress or behaviours of concern, using Positive Behaviour
• Support strategies
• Supporting community access, including road awareness and safety
• Encouraging independence, confidence, and the development of everyday living skills
• Following individual support plans and maintaining accurate documentation
• You’ll receive person-specific orientation and training to help you understand the individual’s needs, routines, preferences, and support strategies.

This is a permanent full-time role (71.25 hours per fortnight) with a mix of morning, afternoon, and sleepover shifts.

About You

We’re looking for someone who is patient, resilient, reliable, and genuinely enjoys supporting others. You’ll bring a calm and positive approach, a good sense of humour, and the ability to build trusting relationships while maintaining professional boundaries.

• Legal right to work in New Zealand
• Full New Zealand Driver Licence
• Willingness to complete Police and Oranga Tamariki safety checks
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills
• Good computer literacy and ability to complete required documentation
• Ability to support an active lifestyle and community participation
• Willingness to undertake person-specific training and orientation
• Level 3 or 4 in Health and Wellbeing or equivalent

Previous experience supporting people with intellectual disabilities, sensory needs, or behaviours of concern would be highly desirable.

Why Join Us

At Community Connections, you’ll be part of a supportive, values-driven team that’s passionate about making a real difference. We’re committed to your personal and professional development.

We value the work you do and offer a range of benefits, including:

• Access to an Employee Assistance Program
• Ongoing training and development opportunities

If you’re ready to grow your career in a role that’s meaningful, empowering, and community-focused—we’d love to hear from you.