Posted by Hōhepa Canterbury is seeking an empathetic and reliable Support Worker to provide overnight wake-over care within the Lamb and Marker Service located at its Somerfield campus in Christchurch. This single-staffed role involves supporting five individuals with varying levels of care needs while ensuring their safety, comfort, dignity, and wellbeing throughout the night.
The successful candidate will assist with personal care, medication administration, emotional support, household duties, and morning routines while maintaining detailed communication with the wider care team. This role requires someone who can work independently, remain alert throughout overnight shifts, and confidently respond to changing care needs.
Job Details
- Company: Hōhepa Canterbury
- Job Title: Support Worker – Lamb and Marker (Wake-Over)
- Location: Christchurch, Canterbury, New Zealand
- Employment Type: Permanent
- Shift: Wake-over (Friday & Saturday, 11:00 PM – 7:00 AM)
- Hours: 32 hours per fortnight
- Salary: NZD $23.95 – $30.00 per hour (depending on qualifications)
Key Responsibilities
As a Support Worker, your duties will include:
- Providing overnight supervision and support.
- Assisting with personal care and morning routines.
- Offering emotional support and companionship.
- Monitoring residents’ wellbeing and reporting concerns.
- Administering medication safely.
- Providing hourly repositioning (turns) where required.
- Preparing light meals and completing household cleaning tasks.
- Maintaining accurate documentation and shift notes.
- Delivering detailed verbal handovers to incoming staff.
- Supporting individuals using alternative communication methods, including visual communication or New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL), where appropriate.
- Encouraging independence while ensuring safety and dignity.
Required Qualifications
Applicants should possess:
- Previous caregiving or support worker experience.
- A compassionate and patient approach to supporting others.
- Ability to work independently during overnight shifts.
- Strong communication and documentation skills.
- Confidence with personal care and medication administration.
- Good problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
- A Full New Zealand Driver’s Licence.
- Legal right to work in New Zealand.
Preferred Qualifications
The following will be considered an advantage:
- Experience supporting individuals with intellectual disabilities.
- Dementia care experience.
- Knowledge of New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL) or alternative communication methods.
- NZQF Health and Wellbeing qualification.
Essential Skills
Successful candidates should demonstrate:
- Personal care experience
- Medication administration
- Dementia care
- Emotional support
- Communication skills
- Team collaboration
- Time management
- Problem-solving
- Compassion and empathy
- Household management
- Documentation skills
- Ability to work independently
Salary and Benefits
Hōhepa Canterbury offers an attractive employment package that includes:
- Competitive hourly pay between NZD $23.95 and $30.00
- Fixed roster with guaranteed hours
- Excellent staff-to-person support ratios
- Professional development opportunities
- Employer-supported NZQF Health and Wellbeing qualifications (Levels 2–4)
- Long service leave
- Christchurch City Council gym and pool membership discounts
- Untamed Organic Vegetable discounts
- Supportive and inclusive workplace culture
Why Join Hōhepa Canterbury?
Hōhepa Canterbury has built a strong reputation for delivering person-centred care inspired by the principles of Dr. Rudolf Steiner’s anthroposophy. Rather than applying a one-size-fits-all approach, Hōhepa recognizes every individual as unique and provides tailored support that helps people reach their full potential.
Employees become part of a close-knit community where collaboration, compassion, and continuous learning are highly valued. The organization invests heavily in staff development while creating meaningful opportunities to positively impact the lives of people with intellectual disabilities.
For individuals seeking a fulfilling healthcare career where every shift truly makes a difference, Hōhepa Canterbury offers an outstanding opportunity.
How to Apply
Interested candidates who meet the required qualifications and experience criteria should submit their application as soon as possible, as applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Apply Here.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is previous support work experience required?
Yes. Previous caregiving or equivalent support experience is essential for this role.
What are the working hours?
The roster is Friday and Saturday from 11:00 PM to 7:00 AM, totaling 32 hours per fortnight.
What is the salary?
The hourly pay ranges from NZD $23.95 to $30.00, depending on qualifications and pay equity.
Is a driver’s licence required?
Yes. Applicants must hold a valid New Zealand Full Driver’s Licence.
Can I receive further training?
Yes. Hōhepa supports employees in completing NZQF Health and Wellbeing qualifications and offers ongoing professional development.
Is this role suitable for overseas applicants?
Applicants must already have the legal right to work in New Zealand.