Permanent Residential Youth Worker - Epuni

New Zealand Government Joba; Wellington; Hybrid; NZD 69,000 - 78,000; Full time

Job summary

Oranga Tamariki—Ministry for Children is seeking permanent, full-time Residential Youth Workers for Epuni Care and Protection Residence in Lower Hutt, Wellington. You will support at-risk rangatahi daily, mentor through structured activities, and help them grow toward successful community reintegration.

Roles involve 24/7 shifts, including weekends and public holidays, with wrap-around support and emphasis on safety, trauma-informed practice, and cultural responsiveness.

Qualifications

• Experience working with rangatahi and tamariki.
• Resilience, initiative and a proactive approach with a positive outlook.
• Empathy, patience and ability to see past what someone may be struggling with.

Responsibilities

• Mentor and motivate rangatahi through everyday experiences and structured programmes.
• Connect with young people through sports, fitness, and a range of engaging activities.
• Support rangatahi by helping them with their studies, teaching life skills such as cooking, art, music and cultural programmes.
• Build meaningful relationships that help rangatahi navigate challenges and reach their potential.

Skills

Rangatahi experience

Empathy

Resilience

Communication

Tikanga Māori

Driver's license

Flexible shifts

Education

Tertiary qualification in relevant field

Job description

## Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this roleEpuni Care and Protection Residence in Lower Hutt, Wellington is looking for permanent, full-time Residential Youth Workers to be involved in the daily lives of at-risk rangatahi.**Mō mātou | About us:**Our tamariki and rangatahi deserve to feel safe, have their voices heard, and be surrounded by loving whānau. At Oranga Tamariki—Ministry for Children, we're on a journey to ensure that it happens. We are a leading social work practice that is child-centred, trauma-informed, and effective for all cultures. We are a Ministry with a commitment to putting tamariki and rangatahi at the heart of everything we do and say.**Mō te tūnga | About the role:**Our Residential Youth Workers have an important role to play. They provide care and support to the young people in our care and encourage and motivate them to make positive choices. This is a permanent opportunity to positively influence young people, help them grow and successfully transition back into the community. Epuni is a secure facility that provides a safe and structured residence for rangatahi in Care and Protection.This is not a 9 to 5 job, our young people require wrap around support from us which is why our Residential Youth Workers do rostered shifts as the facility provides 24-hours, 7-days per week coverage (including weekends and public holidays). Typical duties of the role can involve:* Mentor and motivate rangatahi through everyday experiences and structured programmes* Connect with young people through sports, fitness, and a range of engaging activities* Supporting our rangatahi by helping them with their studies, teaching them life skills such as cooking, art, music and cultural programmes as well as mentoring them to make positive life choices.* Build meaningful relationships that help rangatahi navigate challenges and reach their potential.**Ngā pūmanawatanga ōu | What you will bring:*** Experience working with rangatahi and tamariki* A tertiary education within psychology, social sciences, social work, sports, music, arts or teaching would be an advantage (but isn't required). Relevant life experiences and understanding of what rangatahi may be going through are equally important.* Resilience, initiative and a proactive approach with a positive outlook* Empathy, patience and ability to see past what someone may be struggling with* Sound judgement with the ability to manage risk and make tough decisions* Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to adapt to your audience* Understanding and confidence in tikanga Māori and te reo Māori* Physically fit to keep up with rangatahi in activities and daily life routines* Meet the Children's Act safety checking and our vetting requirements (please note that Clean Slate does not apply)* A full, clean New Zealand drivers license* Flexibility to work different shifts - mornings, evenings, weekends and public holidays**Nōu te rourou | What's in it for you:**As a shift worker, annual remuneration that starts between approximately $69,312 to 78,400 (depending on your experience) this includes allowances for working shifts. Oranga Tamariki has a remuneration framework that gives pay increases based on tenure (time in the job). We provide 3 weeks of paid training to best prepare youth workers to succeed.We offer a vibrant and supportive team, with a genuine commitment to wellbeing. We offer significant training and professional development so that you can thrive and grow. We welcome diversity and are committed to working in an inclusive and respectful way. This is your opportunity to apply your skills and experience to the wellbeing of tamariki and rangatahi.To see all the benefits of working for Oranga Tamariki, please visit https://mahi.orangatamariki.govt.nz/working-with-us/employee-benefits/**Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to Apply**Apply online with your CV and and answers to our application questions in lieu of a cover letter. If you are an Oranga Tamariki employee already, please ensure you apply with a log in using your Oranga Tamariki email address.If you have any questions about role, please contact Info\\[e-mail]**Applications close at midnight on 14th October 2026! Applications will be reviewed and successful candidates may be invited to an interview prior to this advert closing**