Support Worker - Willow Service

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Ready to make a real difference in a hands-on, person-centered setting? Hōhepa Canterbury seeks full-time Support Workers for Willow Service in Christchurch to support five women in their 50s and 60s with daily routines, personal care, cooking, medication administration and community activities, including outings and social events. You will work in a Steiner-inspired, Te Tiriti aligned environment with fixed rosters and a mix of daytime and sleepover shifts. Salary ranges 23.95 to 30 per hour, with NZQF Health and Wellbeing certificates funded and other benefits. Please state which position you’re applying for, demonstrate empathy and problem solving, teamwork, and cultural alignment; hold a NZ full driver’s license and be eligible to work in NZ. Applications close 2 August 2026 but are reviewed as received; apply early.

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

Our beautiful newly refurbished Willow Service, located on our main campus in Somerfield, is home to five women in their 50s and 60s. We are looking for enthusiastic and experienced Support Workers to join our team and help provide a safe, caring, and enjoyable home environment.

A key part of this role is supporting the women to lead fulfilling and meaningful lives, both at home and in the community. This includes helping them participate in activities across Hōhepa and the wider community, such as picnics, movies, walks, and social outings, while maintaining and strengthening their valued relationships and connections.

You will be energetic, empathetic and able to work alongside this person focussing 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 $23.95 and $30 per hour.

Nga haora kua tohua | Rostered hours:

Position 1

• Sunday 4pm to 9:30pm, 9:30pm to 7am (Sleepover)

• Monday 7am to 9am, 4pm to 9:30pm, 9:30pm to 7am (Sleepover)

• Tuesday 7am to 9am

• Wednesday 7am to 9am, 4pm to 8pm

• Thursday 7am to 9am, 4pm to 8pm

Hands on hours: 54 | Sleepover hours: 38

Total hours per fortnight: 92

Position 2

• Sunday 8am to 8pm

• Monday 7am to 9am, 4pm to 8pm

• Tuesday 7am to 9am, 4pm to 8pm

• Wednesday 4pm to 9:30pm, 9:30pm to 7am (Sleepover)

• Thursday 7am to 9am

Hands on hours: 63 | Sleepover hours: 19

Total hours per fortnight: 82

Position 3

Week 1

• Friday 4pm to 9:30pm, 9:30pm to 7am (Sleepover)

• Saturday 4pm to 9:30pm, 9:30pm to 7am (Sleepover)

Week 2

• Thursday 4pm to 9:30pm, 9:30pm to 7am (Sleepover)

• Friday 7am to 9am, 4pm to 9:30pm, 9:30pm to 7am (Sleepover)

• Saturday 7am to 4pm

Hands on hours: 33 | Sleepover hours: 38

Total hours per fortnight: 71

Please state which position you wish to apply for in the screening questions

Mō koe | About You

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

Applications close on 2 August 2026; however, applications will be reviewed as they are received. If this sounds like you, don't wait—apply today!

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.