Support Worker – Taranaki

About Community Connections

Community Connections is a values-focused disability support organization operating across New Zealand's North Island. Our mission is to foster a fully inclusive Aotearoa, where disabled individuals are respected, supported, and empowered to live autonomously in communities they choose. We proudly uphold Equal Employment Opportunities and align with Te Tiriti o Waitangi, the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, and the New Zealand Disability Strategy. We encourage applications from diverse backgrounds, especially those with lived experiences of disability or mental health, along with Māori, Pasifika, and LGBTQIA+ communities.

The Role

We seek an empathetic, energetic, and dependable Support Worker for our New Plymouth team. In this full-time, permanent role (71.25 hours per fortnight), you will support a young person with complex disabilities, promoting their independence, confidence, and practical life skills. You will be part of a cooperative team offering round-the-clock residential care.

The person you’ll support is vibrant, curious, enjoys technology and water activities, and flourishes in a consistent, structured environment. Adopting a "do with, not for" philosophy, you will enable choice, confidence, and self-determination by tailoring support to individual needs, preferences, and communication styles. The role involves being active and engaging, including supporting community outings and fostering positive daily experiences.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist participation in community events, outings, and recreational endeavors
• Identify and accommodate individual sensory needs and preferences
• Modify communication methods to enhance understanding, choice, and engagement
• Provide steady and composed support during distress or challenging behaviors, using Positive Behaviour Support techniques
• Promote safe community access, including road safety awareness
• Foster independence, confidence, and development of everyday life skills
• Adhere to personalized support plans and maintain precise records
• Complete person-specific orientation and training to understand needs, routines, preferences, and support strategies

About You

You are patient, resilient, dependable, and sincerely dedicated to assisting others. You'll approach your work with calmness, positivity, a good sense of humor, and the capacity to nurture trusting relationships while upholding professional boundaries.

Essential Requirements

• Legal entitlement to work in New Zealand
• Full New Zealand Driver Licence
• Consent to undergo Police and Oranga Tamariki safety checks
• Strong interpersonal and communication abilities
• Basic computer skills for documentation completion
• Ability and willingness to support an active lifestyle and community engagement
• Commitment to complete person-specific training and orientation
• Completed Level 3 or 4 in Health and Wellbeing or an equivalent qualification

Previous experience supporting individuals with intellectual disabilities, sensory needs, or challenging behaviors is highly advantageous.

Additional Information

• Compensation ranges from NZD $24.85 to $29.68 per hour
• Work schedule includes a blend of morning, afternoon, and sleepover shifts
• Permanent, full-time employment with 71.25 hours worked per fortnight

Benefits

• Higher pay rates on weekends
• Mobile phone allowance
• Access to an Employee Assistance Program
• Continuous professional training and development opportunities

If you aspire to grow professionally in a role that is empowering, fulfilling, and community-centered, we welcome your application.