New Plymouth/Taranaki
$24.85 to $29.68 per hour
Full-time/Permanent role- 71.25 hours per fortnight
We are looking for a compassionate, energetic, and reliable Support Worker to join our New Plymouth team at Community Connections.
About Us
Community Connections is a values-driven disability support provider across the North Island. Our vision is a fully inclusive Aotearoa, where disabled people are respected, supported, and able to live life on their own terms in the community they choose.
We’re an Equal Employment Opportunities employer, committed to Te Tiriti o Waitangi, the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the New Zealand Disability Strategy. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, especially those with lived experience of disability or mental health, Māori, Pasifika, and LGBTQIA+ communities.
The Role
We’re looking for someone exceptional—someone passionate about empowering others to thrive. As a Support Worker, you’ll play a key role in helping a young person with complex disabilities build independence, confidence, and life skills.
You’ll join a supportive team providing 24/7 residential care. The person you’ll support is energetic, curious, and enjoys technology and water-based activities. They thrive in a structured environment where consistency and strong relationships are essential.
Using a "do with, not for" approach, you'll encourage choice, confidence, and self-determination while providing support that reflects the person's individual needs, preferences, and communication style.
This is an active and engaging role, so you'll need to enjoy getting out and about, supporting community activities, and helping create positive everyday experiences.
Your responsibilities will include:
Supporting community participation, outings, and recreational activities
Recognising and responding to individual sensory needs and preferences
Adapting your communication approach to support understanding, choice, and meaningful engagement
Providing calm, consistent support during periods of distress or behaviours of concern, using Positive Behaviour Support strategies
Supporting community access, including road awareness and safety
Encouraging independence, confidence, and the development of everyday living skills
Following individual support plans and maintaining accurate documentation
You'll receive person-specific orientation and training to help you understand the individual's needs, routines, preferences, and support strategies.
This is a permanent full-time role (71.25 hours per fortnight) with a mix of morning, afternoon, and sleepover shifts.
About You
We're looking for someone who is patient, resilient, reliable, and genuinely enjoys supporting others. You'll bring a calm and positive approach, a good sense of humour, and the ability to build trusting relationships while maintaining professional boundaries.
Essential Requirements:
Legal right to work in New Zealand
Full New Zealand Driver Licence
Willingness to complete Police and Oranga Tamariki safety checks
Strong communication and relationship-building skills
Good computer literacy and ability to complete required documentation
Ability to support an active lifestyle and community participation
Willingness to undertake person-specific training and orientation
Level 3 or 4 in Health and Wellbeing or equivalent
Previous experience supporting people with intellectual disabilities, sensory needs, or behaviours of concern would be highly desirable.
Why Join Us
At Community Connections, you’ll be part of a supportive, values-driven team that’s passionate about making a real difference. We’re committed to your personal and professional development.
We value the work you do and offer a range of benefits, including:
Weekend pay rates
Mobile phone allowance
Access to an Employee Assistance Program
Ongoing training and development opportunities
If you're ready to grow your career in a role that’s meaningful, empowering, and community-focused—we’d love to hear from you.