Job Description

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

Mawhero Service, located in Cashmere, is home to Poppy—a vibrant young adult on her journey toward independence. Poppy is looking for a Support Worker who is present, adaptable, confident, patient, upbeat, and person-centred, someone who truly understands what’s important to her.

Poppy loves being involved and values having her perspective and opinions considered. She enjoys horse riding, spending time with animals, visiting bookshops and libraries, and finding treasures while op shopping. Creativity is a big part of her life—whether it’s arts and crafts, baking, or learning new skills in the kitchen. She’s also passionate about healthy cooking, as diet plays an important role in managing her autoimmune condition. Regular doctor visits are part of her routine, and she likes to speak for herself while having a supportive advocate by her side.

Privacy matters to Poppy—she doesn’t want to feel babied. She needs someone who can follow her support plan, respect boundaries, and encourage independence. Ideally, you’ll have experience in mental health, trauma-informed support, and a strong understanding of people’s rights. Being a team player, reliable, and prepared to adapt is essential.

In this role, you’ll help Poppy create a life full of rich and diverse experiences—supporting her daily routines, encouraging skill development, and fostering personal growth. You’ll also share in her love for social activities, quiet movie days, and her pride in her home. Poppy has lived at Hōhepa for five years and is working toward her learner’s license, so your encouragement will mean a lot.

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:

• Thursday 9am to 5pm

• Friday 1pm to 5pm

Total Hours per fortnight: 24

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.