Support Worker - Hawkes Bay

Role overview

This full-time support worker position is based in Hastings, Hawke’s Bay, and includes weekend shifts and sleepovers. The role is with IDEA Services, supporting adults with intellectual disabilities to live well at home and participate fully in their communities.

The work involves assisting people with complex support needs, including helping them notice emotional overwhelm and respond safely. This is a hands-on role suited to someone who stays calm under pressure, is physically active, and can confidently handle challenging behaviours while helping create a positive, respectful environment.

Applicants with prior experience in the disability sector or aged care are preferred. The organisation also welcomes people with broad life experience and an open, adaptable mindset.

Key responsibilities

• Support people with intellectual disabilities in their homes and community settings.
• Assist individuals with complex support needs and respond appropriately to emotional distress or overwhelm.
• Use safe, positive approaches when managing challenging behaviour.
• Provide personal care and caregiving support where needed.
• Work flexible shifts, including weekends and sleepovers.
• Record and communicate information clearly using computers and tablets.

What you need to bring

• Prior experience in caregiving or personal care for adults is preferred.
• Experience in disability support or aged care is desirable.
• A calm, resilient approach and confidence in challenging situations.
• Ability to work flexibly across varied shifts, including weekends.
• Comfort with daily use of computers and tablets.
• Strong written and spoken communication skills.
• Good physical fitness to provide hands-on support.
• A full New Zealand driver licence.

What’s on offer

• Pay of $24.68 to $30.13 per hour, depending on relevant qualifications, with room to increase earnings as more qualifications are completed.
• Support to complete Health and Wellbeing Certificates at Levels 2, 3, and 4.
• Access to generous long service leave and insurance benefits after 2 years of service.
• Eligibility for a refer-a-friend bonus programme.
• Free employee assistance support for health and wellbeing whenever needed.
• Opportunity to earn while learning and gain nationally recognised qualifications.

About the organisation

IDEA Services supports adults with intellectual disabilities to live in their own homes and take part in community life. The organisation is New Zealand’s largest provider of services for people with intellectual disabilities and their families, with a mission grounded in inclusion, respect, and the belief that everyone should be valued as a contributing member of their community.

Additional information

IDEA Services Ltd is an accredited Immigration AEWV employer.

Candidates must have the legal right to work in New Zealand. The organisation encourages applications from people of all backgrounds and values the different perspectives that diversity brings. It is committed to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and welcomes applicants from diverse communities.

To apply, candidates must submit an online application and provide an up-to-date CV as part of the recruitment process. Questions about the application process can be directed to the recruitment team.