At a Glance
- Tasks: Support young women in daily activities and monitor health needs overnight.
- Company: Hōhepa, a community leader in supporting individuals with intellectual disabilities.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, fixed hours, professional development, and wellness discounts.
- Other info: Join a fun, supportive team with great career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while fostering independence and personal growth.
- Qualifications: Experience in support work, empathy, and a passion for helping others.
The predicted salary is between 29.1 - 29.1 £ per hour.
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 their 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.
Harikoa Service, located in Aidenfield, is a vibrant home supporting four young women—Kelly, Rachel, Tracy, and Shelly—who enjoy activities such as arts and crafts, cooking, singing, dancing, and shopping in the community. This is a dynamic household where strong relationships and individual personalities are celebrated, and where support workers play an important role in helping each person navigate daily life and their relationships with one another.
This role is a wakeover position, with a primary focus on supporting one of the women who lives with Type 1 diabetes. During overnight shifts, you will be responsible for monitoring blood sugar levels (BSL) and responding as needed to ensure her health and safety, while maintaining a calm and supportive environment throughout the night. You will also support evening and morning routines, encouraging independence, skill development, and personal growth. This includes assisting with personal care, medication administration, light household tasks, and maintaining a safe and well-run home environment.
We are seeking an experienced, energetic, and empathetic individual who can confidently work alongside others and independently. You will be able to read situations, problem-solve effectively, apply appropriate boundaries, and know when to offer support or space. A passion for enabling people to live fulfilling lives and grow their independence is essential.
This position's salary scale is set by pay equity and depends on qualification level, paying between $23.95 and $29.10 per hour.
Week One: Sunday to Tuesday 11pm to 7am
Week Two: Sunday to Wednesday 11pm to 7am
Total Hours per fortnight: 56
You will either be an experienced Support Worker looking for a change or 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 support 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.
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 must have a NZ full driver’s licence and the 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.
Support Worker - Harikoa Service (Wakeover) in Canterbury employer: Hōhepa
Hōhepa is an exceptional employer that fosters a vibrant community dedicated to empowering individuals with intellectual disabilities. Located in Aidenfield, our supportive work culture prioritises personal growth and professional development, offering fixed hours, a great staff-to-person ratio, and ongoing training opportunities. Join us to make a meaningful impact in the lives of others while enjoying unique benefits like gym discounts and organic vegetable perks.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Support Worker - Harikoa Service (Wakeover) in Canterbury
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at Hōhepa.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from Hōhepa!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like Hōhepa, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at Hōhepa or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace Support Worker - Harikoa Service (Wakeover) in Canterbury
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to Hōhepa:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Hōhepa! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hōhepa
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
