Support Worker - Mcdougall Service

About the Role

Working at Hōhepa, 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.

McDougall Service is located at the Hōhepa main campus in Somerfield. McDougall is home to five gentlemen who are semi-independent, they are between 40 - 60 years of age who are all social and have a passion to be a part of the community and involved in activities.

• Ben is a sociable and chatty person with a great sense of humour. He enjoys music, going to the pub, and heading out for dinner with his family every fortnight. Ben uses a walker and loves a good laugh and conversation.
• Blake loves spending time at the library. His favourite drink is Coca-Cola, and he enjoys books and movies—especially classics like Narnia, The Wizard of Oz, Phantom of the Opera, and Mamma Mia. Blake also takes part in music therapy, which he finds very meaningful.
• Max is deeply connected to his flatmates, who have been close friends for many years. He loves celebrating his birthday, visiting the library, and sharing meals. Max is affectionate with those closest to him and looks forward to visiting his foster family every Christmas.
• Walter is a creative soul who enjoys both music and art therapy. His paintings—ranging from flowers to mountain landscapes—have been featured in exhibitions. He loves gardening and reading, and he's always excited about his annual Christmas trip to Wellington.
• Trent has a great sense of humour and is very close to his family, speaking with them daily. He enjoys going to the library and attends Leap (a day service) on some days. Trent uses a walker and values routine and connection.

The gentlemen each have their own unique interests, but they also enjoy spending time together as flatmates—whether it's going on outings or simply enjoying each other's company at home. Their hobbies range from listening to classic music like ABBA, Neil Diamond, and Kenny Rogers, to watching musicals and movies such as Star Wars. They also enjoy picnics, art, bowling, and visiting friends and family.

You will be energetic, empathetic and able to work alongside this person focusing 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.

Rostered hours:

• Wednesday to Saturday 7am to 3pm

Total hours per fortnight: 64

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.

Benefits of working at Hōhepa

• 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.