Support Worker - Mcdougall Service

Support Coordinator

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 based at the Hōhepa main campus in Somerfield and is home to five semi-independent gentlemen aged between 40 and 60. They are all social, community-minded, and enjoy being involved in different activities. Each person has their own unique interests, but they also value time together as flatmates, whether that's heading out on an outing or relaxing at home.

Their hobbies include listening to classic music such as ABBA, Neil Diamond, and Kenny Rogers, watching musicals and movies like Star Wars, and enjoying picnics, art, bowling, and visits with friends and family.

• Ben is sociable, chatty, and quick with a joke. He enjoys music, going to the pub, and heading out for dinner with his family every fortnight. Ben uses a walker and never misses a chance for a good laugh and a lively conversation.
• Blake enjoys spending time at the library and has a real love for books and movies, especially classics like Narnia, The Wizard of Oz, Phantom of the Opera, and Mamma Mia. His favourite drink is Coca-Cola. Blake also takes part in music therapy, which he finds especially meaningful.
• Max is very connected to his flatmates, who have been his close friends for many years. He loves celebrating his birthday, visiting the library, and sharing meals with others. Max is affectionate with those closest to him and looks forward to visiting his foster family every Christmas.
• Walter is creative and passionate about both music and art therapy. His paintings, from flowers to mountain landscapes, have even been displayed in exhibitions. He enjoys gardening and reading, and he always looks forward to 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 visiting the library and attends Leap, a day service, on some days. Trent uses a walker and values routine and connection in his daily life.

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:

• Sunday to Tuesday 7am to 3pm

Total Hours per fortnight: 48

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.