Manu Vainikolo
Service coordinator
Pasifika Integrated Health Care Limited
Manu was born and raised in Tonga and is the second child of seven. Manu is a single mother raising her seven year old daughter. She enjoys reading, surfing the internet and meeting friends on the weekend.
Manu is a qualified nurse, having studied in the Pacific. She hopes to eventually become a Registered Nurse in New Zealand and continue to practice her nursing. In the meantime Manu enjoys her role as a service coordinator for Home Based Support Services and has gained good management skills. She passionate about working with Pacific people and families.
Favourite inspirational quote
“If you can do it, I can do it!!” - Anonymous
Profile
Describe your job
I’m in a service coordinator’s role now. I organise staff to look after people with disabilities and also deal with complaints and incidents/accidents. If there is new person for assessment or a new staff member to buddy, I show them what to do for three to five days.
What do you do on an average day?
I assess new people and write up the file for the care plan. I also follow up with a home visit or a phone call. I do a lot of administration such as documenting all details to our system, reviewing services monthly and reporting on them, following up any complaints and negotiating with our funding agency if needed.
I plan the work roster, arrange training and orientation for new staff. I also attend meetings and case conferences with families and generally ensure the services are provided.
What do you love about your job?
I enjoy meeting people and I find it interesting in the community rather than being in one fixed place all day. I get to learn new things about others, their culture and our community. I also enjoy the flexibility and the support I receive from the company and my boss.
What opportunities does your job offer?
I have the opportunity to get my nursing registration in New Zealand.
What skills, training, education or past experiences helped you secure your job?
I’m a Tongan registered nurse.
Why did you want to work in this role/disability sector?
I have the experience and the pay is good as well.
How does your role impact or help Pacific people with disabilities and their families?
Some Tongan people with disabilities find it easier to talk in their own language.
What advice do you have for anyone wanting to work in the disability sector?
There is less stress and the pay is good.
Find out more
For more information about becoming a service coordinator like Manu, check out these links from Careerforce and Careers New Zealand to learn more about:
- Education and training requirements to become a service coordinator
- The job requirements, working conditions, renumeration and career progression
- Career planning
- Job hunting, CV and Interview tips and information
- Information on study, training and career planning for Pasifika New Zealanders
- Information on scholarships, grants and awards and how to apply for them.
For job vacancies in the mental health, addictions and disability sectors, check out our job vacancies page. You can also check out Futures that work, Le Va’s Pacific health workforce development programme, for information on our scholarships and awards.
