Community Support Worker - Youth

Pact Group; Dunedin; On-site; NZD 56,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Professional development support

Long service benefits

NZQA Level 3 Qualification support

Employee Assistance Programme

Job summary

Pact Group in Dunedin is seeking a Full-time Community Support Worker to help rangatahi build confidence and life skills. You will provide hands-on support, promote wellbeing, and help with goals such as housing, education or employment while working as part of a tight-knit team.

The role requires flexibility to work a mix of day, evening and weekend shifts, including weekends. You will engage in meaningful activities and build connections with whānau and community.

Qualifications

• Calm, confident approach in high-pressure situations.
• Experience working with youth or challenging behaviours (professional or personal).
• Resilient, caring and genuine approach to others.
• Driver's licence and basic computer skills.
• Willingness to work toward a Level 3 Health & Wellbeing qualification.
• Right to work in New Zealand (essential).

Responsibilities

• Support rangatahi to engage in meaningful activities (sport, fishing, swimming, walking, etc).
• Help rangatahi reconnect with whānau, culture and community.
• Model emotional regulation, resilience, and positive life skills.
• Provide hands-on support with routines, wellbeing and goal setting.
• Assist in achieving big goals (driver's licence, housing, education or employment).
• Maintain structure in the home and calmly manage behavioural challenges.
• Encourage learning through fun, trust and respectful relationships.
• Maintain clear documentation and communicate with whānau, professionals and colleagues.

Skills

Youth work experience

De-escalation skills

Communication skills

Driver's licence

Calm under pressure

Cultural sensitivity

Education

Level 3 Health & Wellbeing qualification

Job description

About Pact

At Pact, we believe everyone deserves the opportunity to live a meaningful, connected life.

We are a leading provider of community, vocational, and residential support across New Zealand. We support people with intellectual disabilities, mental health & addiction challenges and, young people, to reach their goals and build independence. Our passionate team walks alongside individuals, empowering them to thrive in a safe, positive, and inclusive environment.

About the Role

We’re looking for a Full-time steady, supportive, and energetic Community Support Worker to join our team. If you enjoy spending time with young people, can stay calm under pressure, and bring fun, connection, and structure to each day, this role could be a great fit.

You’ll be working alongside rangatahi, supporting them to build confidence, develop life skills, and create stability and growth — even in the tough moments. This role involves both independent work and being part of a tight‑knit team, all focused on helping young people move toward their goals.

This role requires flexibility to work a mix of day, evening and weekend shifts. The right candidate must be able to work weekends.

In this role, you will:

• Support young people to engage in meaningful activities such as sport, fishing, swimming, walking, and other interests
• Help rangatahi reconnect with whānau, culture, and community
• Role‑model emotional regulation, resilience, and positive life skills
• Provide hands‑on support with routines, wellbeing, and goal setting
• Assist young people to work toward big goals — gaining a driver’s licence, finding housing, building natural supports, and pursuing education or employment
• Keep structure in the home and calmly manage behavioural challenges
• Encourage learning through fun, trust, and respectful relationships
• Maintain clear documentation and communicate effectively with whānau, professionals, and colleagues

What you’ll bring

Our Dunedin team is looking for someone with:

• A calm, confident approach in high-pressure situations
• Experience working with youth or challenging behaviours (professional or personal)
• A resilient, no-nonsense attitude paired with a genuine care for others
• Experience supporting vulnerable children is preferred but not essential
• Excellent communication and de-escalation skills
• The ability to build trust quickly and lead by example
• A full driver’s licence and basic computer skills
• A relevant qualification (e.g. Level 3Health & Wellbeing) — or willingness to work toward one once you’re on board
• The right to work in New Zealand (essential)

What will Pact offer you?

At Pact, you’ll join a supportive, down-to-earth team who care deeply about both our staff and the people we support.

We offer:

• As part of our commitment to your professional development, you’ll be supported to enrol in a recognised qualification after six months with us
• $26.80 - $31.47 per,hour based on qualification
• Long Service benefits to celebrate your milestones
• Encouragement and support to achieve the NZQA Level 3Qualification
• Free, confidential Employee Assistance Programme
• The joy of watching people grow, achieve and thrive

Please note: You must already have the right to work in New Zealand. We are unable to provide visa sponsorship.

If you have any further questions about the role, please reach out to us at: **********@pactgroup.co.nz