Click each person to see some of the things you will do as a Support Worker.
Enabling independence
Support people to learn new skills, make decisions, develop community networks, join groups of their interest, and assist them to do as much as they can.
Household management
Support people with tasks like vacuuming, laundry, making beds, grocery shopping and meal preparation.
Physical stuff
Undertake key physical Support Worker tasks as safety begins with being fit for the job. All applicants for Support Worker positions will complete a self-assessment around their ability to do these tasks.
Personal care
Support a person to shower or go to the toilet, get dressed, to take medication or to eat a meal.
Having fun
Understand people’s likes and dislikes and support them to enjoy life, have fun, be involved in decision making, and have a strong connection with their whānau and community.
Being creative
Actively find opportunities to get people involved in things going on around them.
Teamwork
Work as part of a team to help people with intellectual disability achieve greater independence.
Tough stuff
Be prepared to work with people with challenging behaviours. No one is too disabled or “challenging” to be supported in taking an active role in his or her life.
You will play a hugely important part in supporting individuals and groups of people in their homes, at work, and in their communities to:
Typically, you will support both young people and adults across a range of needs, for example: developing skills to help people access their community, providing overnight support, supporting young people to transition to adulthood, and teaching people the skills they need for work and daily living.
IDEA Specialist Services is a national team made up of registered qualified professionals such as psychologists, occupational therapists, speech language therapists, nurses and support workers.
The team is responsible for overseeing our compulsory care (RIDSAS) and mental health services and is available to provide extra support and expertise to IDEA Services.
Regional Intellectual Disability Supported Accommodation Service (RIDSAS) provides rehabilitation services for people with high and complex needs who have committed an offence. The complexities of this group require the services to be flexible and responsive to the changing needs of people as they are supported through their rehabilitation.
Our approach includes translating therapeutic processes into practice and seeking out rehabilitation opportunities while managing any risks associated with rehabilitation. We have locations in Auckland and Wellington.
IDEA Services runs a small mental health service near Wellington offering supported accommodation to individuals with high or complex needs with mental health challenges, intellectual disabilities or dual diagnosis.
The team provides around the clock support with the expertise and training to work with people who endure mental health and disability problems.
The service places value on the environment, importance of support, access to good food, exercise, social relationships, hope, human rights and being involved in the local community. The people we support take an active part in decision-making through meetings and committees.
We want people who are:
Keen to learn new skills and gain qualifications as they work.
Available to work scheduled shifts that cover a variety of hours that include mornings, evenings, weekends and being able to stay overnight to provide support as required.
Comfortable using computers and tablets daily or have the willingness to learn.
You will need the following:
It is useful to have experience in working in Health and Disability, and/or hold relevant qualifications. It is also beneficial to have worked with people with an intellectual disability and have worked with communities and developed networks.
All successful applicants will need to pass a full New Zealand Police Check.
Becoming a Support Worker opens the door to a long-term career in the disability sector. We offer career pathways to management and many of our leaders started as Support Workers and progressed into mid-level and high-level management roles.
IDEA Services provide all Support Workers with the opportunity to complete these qualifications:
New Zealand Certificate in Health and Wellbeing (Level 2)
This qualification is for people who are new to working in the Health and Disability sector and covers the basic skills and knowledge that a new Support Worker needs.
New Zealand Certificate in Health and Wellbeing (Level 3, Support Worker strand)
This qualification builds on the skills and knowledge you have from working in a Support Worker role, and the learnings obtained from the Level 2 course.
You’ll complete a ‘Proud to be a Support Worker’ training programme upon commencement of employment. You’ll also have ongoing training and learning opportunities with access to over 400 learning modules managed by our Learning & Development team.
You will be given regular and ongoing feedback and support on your performance and development.
There are also opportunities for secondments and to be involved in nationwide initiatives and projects.
Go to the IHC Careers website to see job opportunities, find out about the application process and apply today.
Apply now