Support Worker - Te Waipounamu Service

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

Te Waipounamu is a newly opened service on Barrington Street within the last year, near the Hōhepa campus. It’s home to four vibrant women, and we’re looking for two experienced, compassionate support workers to join our team!

• Sophia is vibrant and full of energy. She attends LEAP five days a week and absolutely loves music, dancing, and performing as part of the LEAP performance group. She enjoys painting, crafts, shopping, and expressing herself through fashion. Sophia also values her family time on weekends, enjoys walks, sports, and reminiscing through old photos and memories.

• Lisa enjoys structure and being part of daily life at home. She attends LEAP regularly and takes pride in helping with household tasks like setting the table, doing dishes, laundry, and recycling. With the right support, she actively participates in home routines. Lisa enjoys calm environments, soft music, dancing, and spending time with her family on weekends.

• Eveenjoys a balance of relaxation and activity. She loves watching TV, listening to music, and staying active through the gym and swimming. She also enjoys outings in the community, including visits to places like the International Antarctic Centre and other local experiences. Eve follows a gluten-free diet and values consistency in her routine. She also enjoys horse riding each week.

• Isla is social, fun-loving, and brings great energy wherever she goes. She enjoys music, colouring, and scrapbooking. Isla loves getting out into the community, visiting places like Willowbank Wildlife Reserve and Orana Wildlife Park. She enjoys swimming, bowling, and travelling, and has a great sense of humour.

In this role, you’ll work collaboratively to support the daily routines and overall wellbeing of the people we support. The ladies in this service thrive on structure, routine, and active involvement in household tasks. They value strong relationships with their staff and flat mates and enjoy engaging in community activities — from attending festivals to developing life skills that promote independence.

We’re seeking individuals who are energetic, empathetic, and committed to creating a life of rich and diverse experiences. You’ll need to be confident in reading situations, problem-solving, and applying appropriate boundaries while offering space and support when needed.

Daily responsibilities include assisting with personal care, cooking, medication administration, and household tasks, while encouraging independence and personal growth. You’ll play a key role in supporting the ladies to access and actively participate in their wider community, including activities like swimming — so being a confident swimmer is essential.

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.

Nga haora kua tohua | Rostered hours:

Position 1

• Sunday 9am to 3pm, 4pm to 8pm

• Monday and Tuesday 4pm to 8pm

Total hours per fortnight: 36

Position 2

• Wednesday to Friday 4pm to 8pm

• Saturday 9am to 3pm, 4pm to 8pm

Total hours per fortnight: 44

Please state which position you wish to apply for in the screening questions

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.