At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children with disabilities, providing care and stability in their lives.
- Company: Open Home Foundation, dedicated to nurturing vulnerable children in loving environments.
- Benefits: Flexible casual hours, meaningful work, and the chance to make a real difference.
- Other info: Must be available for weekends and sleepovers; full driver's license needed.
- Why this job: Join a rewarding role that impacts children's lives and supports families.
- Qualifications: Experience with children with disabilities and strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 € per year.
Casual Position
“Supporting Families, Caring for Children”
The Open Home Foundation (OHF) is a Christian Community Response and has a vision that every child and young person has the opportunity to grow up in a secure, loving family and receive a depth of care which will bless them throughout their lives. Integral to our ongoing success are our Support Workers who ensure the needs and safety of our Tamariki are paramount.
The Support Worker role plays a very important part in families’ lives, helping stabilize the placements of children with specific needs—all while demonstrating a lot of care, empathy and professionalism. This is a very demanding role looking after children/young people with autism and/or intellectual disabilities, but for the right person, the most rewarding work. We need support workers to be able to work weekends and do sleepovers.
The successful applicant will have the following:
- Ideally have a Certificate in Health and Wellbeing
- Well-developed communication and people skills
- Experience providing physical, emotional and therapeutic care of vulnerable children/young people/babies with disabilities
- Experience in working/caring for children who have been affected by trauma
- Excellent at quickly establishing confidence, rapport and routine with the child and their family
- Inner drive to ensure the wellbeing of our children
- Able to function within a private, foster home and remain committed to the wellbeing of a specific child with high needs
- Able to function as part of a professional team
- Willing to learn
- Own transport and a full, clean, valid NZ Driver’s license is essential
- Able to work on weekends
- An in-depth understanding of how the role recognizes the special relationship between Māori and Tauiwi and strong empathy with the organisation’s special character
- An alignment with the Open Home Foundation’s Christian Kaupapa
Contact: vacancies@ohf.org.nz
Applications Close: 13th June 2026
Support Worker Disabilities - Hawke's Bay # in St Leonards employer: Open Home Foundation
The Open Home Foundation (OHF) is an exceptional employer dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the lives of children and families in Hawke's Bay. With a strong emphasis on professional development, OHF fosters a supportive work culture that values empathy, teamwork, and the well-being of both staff and the children they care for. Employees benefit from flexible working arrangements, including casual positions that allow for work-life balance, while being part of a mission-driven organisation that aligns with Christian values and prioritises the needs of vulnerable children.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Support Worker Disabilities - Hawke's Bay # in St Leonards
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the field, attend local events, and connect with others who share your passion for supporting children with disabilities. You never know who might have a lead on a job or can offer valuable advice.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! When you get the chance to meet potential employers, whether at a job fair or an informal chat, be ready to discuss your experience and how it aligns with the needs of the role. Bring examples of your work and how you've made a difference.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job postings to appear. Reach out directly to organisations like Open Home Foundation and express your interest in working with them. A personal touch can make all the difference!
✨Tip Number 4
Keep learning! Whether it's through online courses or workshops, enhancing your skills related to caring for children with disabilities will not only boost your confidence but also make you a more attractive candidate. Plus, we’ve got resources on our website to help you out!
We think you need these skills to ace Support Worker Disabilities - Hawke's Bay # in St Leonards
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your passion for supporting children and families shine through. We want to see your genuine interest in making a difference in the lives of those with disabilities.
Tailor Your Experience:Make sure to highlight any relevant experience you have in caring for children with disabilities or trauma. We’re looking for specific examples that demonstrate your skills and how they align with our mission.
Be Professional Yet Personal:While we appreciate professionalism, don’t be afraid to inject a bit of your personality into your application. We want to get to know the real you and how you connect with others, especially children and families.
Apply Through Our Website:For the best chance of success, make sure to apply through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role!
How to prepare for a job interview at Open Home Foundation
✨Know the Organisation's Values
Before your interview, take some time to understand the Open Home Foundation's mission and values. Familiarise yourself with their vision of providing a loving environment for children and how your personal beliefs align with their Christian Kaupapa. This will show your genuine interest in the role and help you connect with the interviewers.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Be ready to discuss your previous experience working with children, especially those with disabilities or trauma backgrounds. Prepare specific examples that highlight your ability to provide emotional and physical support. This will demonstrate your capability and commitment to the wellbeing of vulnerable children.
✨Demonstrate Empathy and Communication Skills
In this role, empathy and communication are key. During the interview, share instances where you've successfully built rapport with children and families. Use active listening techniques and respond thoughtfully to questions, showcasing your people skills and ability to connect with others.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving abilities and approach to care. Think about how you would handle specific situations involving children with high needs. Practising these responses can help you feel more confident and articulate during the interview.
