Support Worker - Taranaki

“Supporting Families, Caring for Children”

The Open Home Foundation (OHF) is a Christian Community Response and has a vision that every child and young person has the opportunity to grow up in a secure, loving family and receive a depth of care which will bless them throughout their lives.

Integral to our ongoing success are our Support Workers who ensure the needs and safety of our Tamariki are paramount. The Support Worker role plays a very important part in families’ lives, helping stabilize the placements of children with specific needs—all while demonstrating a lot of care, empathy and professionalism.

This role is to support a young rangatahi in a supported living environment, to encourage them in their activities, and to help them to transition to independence. Overnight support is required.

The successful applicant will have the following:

• Ideally have a Certificate in Health and Wellbeing
• Experience working with young people
• Experience or willingness to undertake training in providing physical, emotional and therapeutic care of vulnerable children/young people with disabilities and / or autism spectrum disorder in a residential setting.
• Have experience working in a residential setting and a desire to work with children with disabilities and/ASD.
• Be excellent at quickly establishing confidence, rapport and routine with the child and their family.
• Have their own transport and a full clean driver’s license is essential.
• Be First Aid certified.
• Be available to work evenings, weekends, and provide overnight care of young people, alongside transport and general support.
• An in-depth understanding of how the role recognizes the special relationship between Maori and Tauiwi and strong empathy with the organization's special character.
• An alignment with the Open Home Foundation’s Christian Kaupapa.
• Hours as agreed ~ Candidates must be available to work outside school hours, with some overnight work, afternoons/evenings.

Applications Close: 17th July 2026 (Applicants may be appointed prior to closing date)