Support Worker Roles in New Zealand

/ Careers / Support Worker Jobs

What is a Support Worker?

Support workers assists individuals with their daily living activities, providing both physical and emotional support. They help people maintain their independence and improve their quality of life.

Support workers often aid with personal care, household tasks, and social activities. Their role can also involve teaching life skills and supporting individuals in achieving their personal goals.

Support Worker Responsibilities

Support workers have a range of responsibilities that contribute to the wellbeing and independence of those they support. Here are some primary duties:

Personal Care

Assisting with bathing, dressing, and grooming.

Medication Management

Ensuring the people we support take their medication as prescribed.

Meal Preparation

Preparing nutritious meals and assisting with feeding if needed.

Household Tasks

Performing light housekeeping duties such as cleaning and laundry.

Companionship

Providing emotional support and engaging in social activities.

Community Participation

Assisting the people we support to attend appointments or social events.

Documentation

Keeping accurate records of the health and well-being of the people we support.

Support Worker Role Types

Residential Support Workers: Provide care in a residential setting, assisting multiple people that Geneva supports with daily tasks and activities.

Community Support Workers: Work within the community, supporting those we support in their homes and helping them stay connected with community activities.

Personal Care Assistants: Focus on personal care tasks, often working one-on-one with clients to provide dedicated support.

A Typical Day for Support Workers

While no two days are the same, a typical day for a support worker in New Zealand might include:

  • Morning personal care routines
  • Preparing breakfast and assisting with medications
  • Accompanying those we support to appointments
  • Engaging in afternoon activities or social outings
  • Preparing and serving dinner
  • Evening routines and documentation

Requirements to Become a Support Worker

Anyone can become a Support Worker. However, there are some skills and attributes that are certainly great to have:

Qualifications

Through Geneva Healthcare, you can be a Support Worker.

We offer a FREE training and job placement programme that prepares you for the role and ensures you have the necessary qualifications.

Learn more

Soft Skills

Excellent communication skills: Clearly and effectively communicate with clients and colleagues is a must.

Ability to manage time effectively: Managing multiple tasks and appointments efficiently ensures clients get timely support.

Strong problem solving abilities: Quickly and effectively solving problems is key to high quality care.

Attributes

Empathy and compassion: Understanding and sharing the feelings of the people you are supporting helps build trust and rapport.

Patience and understanding: Patience and understanding help handle challenging situations gracefully, ensuring the ones we support feel heard and cared for.

Physical stamina: The role can sometimes be physically demanding, so good physical health is important for performing daily tasks.

Why Become a Support Worker?

Pursuing a career as a support worker offers numerous benefits. There is a high demand for support workers in New Zealand, providing job security and ample opportunities for employment. The role is highly rewarding, offering the satisfaction of making a meaningful difference in people’s lives. Additionally, there are opportunities for career progression, with further training and specialisation available.

Who Could You Work For?

Support workers can find employment with a variety of organisations:

  1. Healthcare Providers: such as Geneva Healthcare and Healthcare New Zealand, offering structured support environments.
  2. Community Service Organisations: providing a range of services within the community.
  3. Private Clients: Offering one-on-one care tailored to the requirements of an individual.

What Support Worker Roles Are Available Now?

For those interested in finding current support worker vacancies, check out our Careers page, which is frequently updated with the latest job opportunities here in New Zealand.

View Jobs Register for Work

Support Worker FAQ

The application process typically involves submitting a resume, attending an interview, and undergoing a background check. Geneva Healthcare provides guidance throughout the process.

Yes, there are various opportunities for career progression. With additional training and experience, you can move into specialised roles or supervisory positions.

If you have a passion for helping others, strong communication skills, and the ability to handle physically and emotionally demanding tasks, a career as a support worker might be right for you. Consider shadowing a support worker or volunteering in a care setting to gain insight into the role.

Testimonials From Our Support Workers

“I really enjoy working for Geneva. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to work for your company. I enjoy helping different people from all walks of life, and I intend to continue for as long as I am able.”

Virginia, Geneva Support Worker

“I just love caring for people, you really feel like you become part of the Client’s family.”

Raewyn, Geneva Support Worker

“I haven’t felt stressed once since I started working here.”

Alex, Geneva Temp Staff

“I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.”

Lisa-Ann, Geneva Temp Staff

  Back
Next