Support Workers – 3 Permanent Part-Time Opportunities | Lower Hutt

Community Connections; Lower Hutt; On-site; NZD 33,000 - 41,000; Part time

Job summary

Community Connections is seeking three permanent part-time Support Workers to join our Lower Hutt residential team. You will help two young men participate in their community, support daily living, and assist with weekends and sleepover activities.

A confident swimmer who enjoys activity and building connections will thrive in this role. You’ll work with a supportive team, receive comprehensive induction and ongoing training, and follow person-centred approaches to planning and goals.

Qualifications

• Full New Zealand Driver Licence – essential for the role.
• Legal right to work in New Zealand.
• Willingness to complete Police and Oranga Tamariki safety checks.
• Current First Aid Certificate or willingness to obtain one.
• Experience supporting autistic people or behaviours of concern is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Support two young men living in a Lower Hutt residential setting.
• Assist participants to engage in community activities and weekend outings.
• Support daily living routines and personal goals with a person-centred approach.
• Collaborate with the team and respond calmly to behaviours of concern when needed.

Skills

Swimming

Community engagement

Teamwork

Patience

Communication

Job description

• Three Permanent part-time positions| Set fortnightly rosters/Weekend and sleepover shifts
• $24.85–$29.68 per hour, depending on qualifications

• Lower Hutt-based
• Three Permanent part-time positions| Set fortnightly rosters/Weekend and sleepover shifts
• $24.85–$29.68 per hour, depending on qualifications

We are seeking a dedicated and energetic Support Worker to join our residential team in Lower Hutt. At Community Connections, we believe in working alongside people—not doing things for them. We are passionate about empowering disabled people to live the lives they choose, build independence, and stay connected to the people and communities that matter to them.

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, on their own terms and within their communities.

We are committed to Te Tiriti o Waitangi, the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, and the New Zealand Disability Strategy. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, including Māori, Pasifika, LGBTQIA+ communities, and people with lived experience of disability or mental health.

The Role

In this rewarding role, you will be supporting two young men living in a residential setting in Lower Hutt. They lead active, fun-filled lives and enjoy getting out and about, particularly during the weekends. You will work alongside them as they participate in their community, pursue their interests, achieve personal goals, and live life to the fullest.

This is a role for someone who genuinely enjoys being active and involved. Swimming is a regular weekend activity, so you must be a confident swimmer and comfortable supporting someone in and around the water.

A good knowledge of the Lower Hutt community, local activities, and community networks will also help you create opportunities for meaningful participation and connection.

The people you will support have individual support needs, so experience or knowledge of autism, epilepsy, Fragile X syndrome, and behaviours of concern would be beneficial. However, specific knowledge can be developed through a comprehensive induction, orientation, and ongoing training.

You will be joining a supportive team and will receive guidance to help you understand each person’s individual needs, preferences, communication style, goals, and support plans.

We currently have three permanent part-time Support Worker positions available within the same Lower Hutt residential service:

• Role One – Permanent Part-Time | 40 hours per fortnight
• Role Two – Permanent Part-Time | 28 hours per fortnight
• Role Three – Permanent Part-Time | 15.25 hours per fortnight

About You

You are a reliable, patient, and engaging Support Worker who enjoys helping people get the most out of everyday life.

You’ll be comfortable working independently as well as being part of a team, and you’ll bring a calm and consistent approach when someone is having a difficult day.

We Are Particularly Looking For Someone Who

• Is a confident swimmer and happy to participate in regular swimming activities
• Enjoys being active and getting out into the community
• Builds genuine, respectful relationships
• Is patient, resilient, reliable, and consistent
• Understands person-centred and Positive Behaviour Support approaches
• Can remain calm and supportive when responding to behaviours of concern
• Has good knowledge of Lower Hutt and local community networks
• Communicates clearly and works collaboratively with the wider support team
• Is willing to learn about each person’s individual needs and preferred ways of being supported

Essential Requirements

• Full New Zealand Driver Licence – this is essential for the role
• Legal right to work in New Zealand
• Willingness to complete Police and Oranga Tamariki safety checks

Current First Aid Certificate or willingness to obtain one

Experience supporting autistic people, people with epilepsy, Fragile X syndrome, intellectual disabilities, or behaviours of concern would be advantageous, but training and orientation will be provided.

Why Join Us

At Community Connections, you’ll be part of a values-led team passionate about making a positive difference every day.

We invest in your development through a comprehensive induction, person‑specific training, and ongoing professional development. You’ll receive the support you need to feel confident working alongside the people you support and, where applicable, to work towards your Level 4 Certificate in Health and Wellbeing.

If you’re active, reliable, enjoy connecting with people, and want a role where you can make a meaningful difference, we’d love to hear from you.