Support Worker - Little Gem 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
Little Gem Service based in Hornby, is home to two women and two men who share a love of music, dance and plenty of laughter. These tight-knit flatmates are caring and supportive of each other, with wonderful families nearby to add to the sense of community.
- Baxter, an Olympic swimmer, enjoys visiting Margaret Mahy Playground and communicates using assistive devices.
- Shaun also communicates with assistive devices and has a strong interest in basketball and writing. He is focused on building greater independence in his daily life.
- Brooke recently transitioned from her family home and has a particular interest in Halloween. She enjoys visiting cafés, dressing up, and taking part in personal grooming activities such as hair and nail appointments.
- Sara is energetic and enjoys dancing. She contributes to household tasks and takes part in structured activities including Jolt and Upclub.
Saturdays at Little Gem are always full of life. From picnics at Westlake and walks in the Port Hills to baking at home and sleepovers with friends—there’s never a shortage of adventures.
You will be fun, grounded, warm, proactive, energetic, empathetic and able to work alongside this person focussing on creating a life of rich and diverse experiences while being able to read situations, problem solve and apply boundaries or offer space. Daily tasks include supporting with daily routines while encouraging independence to develop skills and personal growth. You will have the confidence to support personal cares, cooking, medication administration, and household tasks. You will be passionate about supporting and extending people’s ability to access and be part of 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 $23.50 and $29.10 per hour.
Nga haora kua tohua | Rostered hours:
- Sunday 7am to 9am
- Saturday 9am to 4pm, 4pm to 10pm, 10pm to 7am (Sleepover)
Sleepover hours: 18 | Hands on hours: 30
Total Hours per fortnight: 48
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.
- Position type
- Residential Part Time (Includes Sleepovers)
- Role
- Support Worker
- Locations
- Hōhepa Canterbury

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