What does an in home support worker / carer do?

While one of our main support workers is on leave we are looking for someone to cover the following nights Mon, Tues, Thurs, and during the afternoon on Saturday between the 15th November - 8 December, and some days over the Christmas, New Years period. This is a casual role of around 4 hours that fits in after school hours. You will assist our 2 clients with varied disabilities, (including but not limited to physical, neurodiversity, multi system and immune related) to live as independently as possible within their home, workplaces and community. You will help our clients through practical support.

Responsibilities can be varied and you will follow a care plan, which may include some or all of the below:

+ Meal preparation

+ Personal care (showering, dressing etc)

+ Community outings and integration

+ Support for medical appointments

+ Home management and household support including support with maintenance and laundry

+ Giving medication and medical equipment readings

+ Support with personal management tasks like writing, reading, phone calls, organization

What's in it for you?

We are committed to our employees wellbeing, recognizing their strengths and seek to support them in employment goals. You will earn $28 per hour. Previous experience as a carer or parent is valued.

What are we looking for?

+ Previous experience as a carer or parent is valuable.

+ Cultural Understanding.

+ Ethics - Honest and ethical behaviour including respecting clients safety and privacy. Due to the clients medical susceptibility and to reduce risk safe medical ethics and practices are required

+ Full NZ driver's license and your own reliable transport to support clients access to community. It would be desirable that your vehicle is capable of fitting in mobility support devices like a walker or rigid body wheelchair e.g. in boot or back seat. A station wagon or hatchback are good examples of vehicles that have worked well as they can have backseat chairs folded down to increase boot space dimensions.

+ Attitude - A desire to help and support others, the ability to listen and be emotionally supportive.

+ Home economic competencies like understanding of cooking, kitchen equipment, laundry and cleaning.

+ Good communication skills; being able to receive specific verbal instructions to follow and report back if there are any issues or confusion. Being able to write instructions down if necessary.

+ Computer literacy with skills including email, Excel, cameras, (experience with budgeting / accounting software advantageous).

+ Acceptance of LGBTQI+

+ The ability to be within the same space as other animals like an affectionate cat and visiting ducks :) For instance if you are allergic to cats then this role may not be safe for you.

What is advantageous but not essential?

+ Understanding of disabilities, access support and medical conditions is desirable, although not essential.

+ Previous healthcare or care-giving experience is desirable, although not essential. Note: This can include previous experience caring for family.

+ Understanding of first aid support for medical events is advantageous. This may include setting in safe recovery position, checking for injuries, ensuring safe environment, calling ambulance and preparing a hospital go bag.

+ Healthcare qualifications are advantageous but not essential.

We are passionate about creating an inclusive workplace that promotes and values diversity. If you feel similarly we would love to hear from you!

You must possess the right to work in New Zealand, are currently residing in Dunedin and a willingness to undergo police vetting and additional checks in order to be considered for this position.