Job Description
Home Support Worker
Primary Role of IDEA Services Staff
IDEA Services provides support to people with intellectual disabilities at home, at work
and in daily living. We aim to empower, include and support people and to be responsive
to their needs and goals. IDEA Services mission is ‘Empowering people to live, learn,
work and enjoy life’.
The primary role of all staff is to contribute to the achievement of IDEA Services’ mission.
Primary Objectives
To deliver support services to people with intellectual disabilities who live with their
families in accordance with IDEA Services’ Philosophy and Policy and the agreed
support.
Relationships
You report to the Family/Whanau Service Manager/Coordinator and are responsible for
working with persons with an intellectual disability assigned to you.
You may also relate to:

Family/Whanau members.

Co-workers from IDEA Services in the support team.

Co-workers in other agencies in the community.
Key Responsibilities
The Home Support Worker (HSW) is responsible for:

Providing support for individuals and their family/whanau as specified in the
Family/Whanau support plan, reflecting IDEA Services’ Philosophy, Policy and
Family/Whanau Service Standards and Procedures.

Working to achieve the goals agreed by IDEA Services with the individual and their
family/whanau.

Providing a quality service as outlined in the HSW performance measures and
outcomes.

Working collaboratively with the person, their family/whanau and IDEA Services to
provide the best support possible.
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
Additional tasks in line with IDEA Services Philosophy and Policy as specified by the
Reporting Officer.

Always presenting people with an intellectual disability positively both within their
family/whanau and the wider community.

Working safely, in line with IDEA Services’ Health and Safety Policy guidelines.
Key Result Areas (KRAs)
Philosophy and Policy Promotion
The needs of people with an intellectual disability and their family/whanau you support are
understood and met in an appropriate manner.
Performance Measures
 All interactions demonstrate appropriate attitudes and values in accordance with IDEA
Services Philosophy and Policy and the norms and values of the Family/Whanau
Service Standards and Procedures.
 You are able to demonstrate an understanding of how IDEA Services Philosophy and
Policy affects your work.
Service Delivery
The services you are providing are delivered to specified service quality standards and
appropriately support the individual and their family/whanau.
Performance Measures
 Individuals and their family/whanau are supported according to the needs identified in
the support plan.
 The desired outcomes of the of the support plan are achieved.
 You are able to demonstrate compliance with Family/Whanau Service Standards and
procedures.
 Individuals and their family/whanau are satisfied with the support provided.
You will work collaboratively with the individual and their family whilst independently
carrying out your tasks in an effective and efficient manner. You will also keep IDEA
Services fully informed.
Performance Measures
 Tasks are carried out efficiently, on time and to the satisfaction of the individual, their
family/whanau and the Reporting Officer.
 You work harmoniously within the home environment and with the family/whanau.
 You support new management initiatives and provide constructive feedback.
 You participate fully in any service team activities.
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Health and Safety
Your work practices ensure your own safety and enhance the health and safety of the
individuals you support.
Performance Measures
 You demonstrate an awareness of safe working practice, adhere to prescribed
procedures and actively participate in training and health and safety initiatives.
 The family/whanau of the person you support, report satisfaction with the care taken to
meet the personal safety of their family member while in the care of the Home Support
Worker.
 If medication is to be administered by you in your role as HSW, this is only done with
the consent of your reporting officer and in accordance with IDEA Services policy.
 You regularly report any concerns about the welfare and interests of the person you
support to your reporting officer in a proactive and timely manner.
 You demonstrate awareness of IDEA Services procedures for the management of
workplace accidents and/or injuries by reporting to your reporting officer within 24
hours of a workplace accident or injury.
 You demonstrate an understanding of and implement IDEA Services’ procedures to
identify and report any hazards and work with your Reporting Officer to eliminate,
isolate or minimise any hazards in your workplace(s).
Other Duties
Any additional tasks as part of your role as a HSW which are requested by your Reporting
Officer will be completed to the standard specified and by the time requested.
Performance Measures
Reporting Officer reports satisfaction with the completion of any such tasks.
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Person Specification
No specific standard required.
Applicants will be required to demonstrate a level of literacy and numeracy adequate to
undertake the tasks and responsibilities required including reporting and recording
procedures.
Preferred Attributes
Qualifications
Study for the Foundation Certificate in Human Services or similar qualification in human
services would be an advantage.
Experience
 Experience working with or interacting with people with an intellectual disability or in
other community environments.

Raising a family.

Previous experience undertaking the tasks required for the position, or related
experience to facilitate training in the skills required.
Knowledge and Skills

Sufficient written and verbal communication skills to undertake the responsibility of the
position.

Capacity to problem solve and work independently, organise own time and resources
and also work well in a team environment.

The ability to build effective relationships both within IDEA Services and with families.
Personal Attributes
 Demonstrates an appreciation of the vision and philosophy of IDEA Services and the
values and needs of people with an intellectual disability and their families.

Takes the initiative to develop and maintain personal knowledge base.

Demonstrates an awareness of the Treaty of Waitangi and an appreciation of cultural
difference.

Displays a responsible, friendly and flexible attitude.

Demonstrates high level of personal integrity and understanding of the sensitivity of
personal and family information and the need for confidentiality.

Reliability as a time keeper – at work on time.
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