Residential Youth Worker - Night Shift - Te Poutama Ārahi Rangatahi

Barnardos; Christchurch; On-site; NZD 50,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading youth services organization in Christchurch is seeking a residential youth worker for night shifts. The role involves supporting youth in a residential facility, ensuring their safety, and maintaining nighttime routines. Ideal candidates will have experience with challenging behaviors and a formal qualification in human services. This position offers a supportive team environment and ongoing professional development.

Benefits

Ongoing professional development opportunities

Discounted childcare

Family-friendly policies

Qualifications

• Desirable to have a formal qualification in human services.
• Need to understand Te Ao Māori.
• Ready to work with youth in challenging situations.

Responsibilities

• Support young people on a nightly basis.
• Maintain safety and security overnight.
• Assist with administrative tasks and housekeeping.

Skills

Experience working with young people with challenging behaviours

Culturally responsive

Competent Microsoft suite user

Experience of audit and monitoring systems

Current full clean driver’s licence

Current 1st Aid Certificate

Education

Formal qualification in human services

Job description

We are seeking an experienced and culturally responsive residential youth worker to join the night shift team in a residential facility based in Christchurch.

The role maintains responsibility for the overnight care of rangatahi/youth at Te Poutama Ārahi Rangatahi within the frameworks and policies/practices of Barnardos Aotearoa and key agencies such as Oranga Tamariki and Community Based Treatment providers. With the purpose of achieving the best possible outcomes for rangatahi/youth to grow and develop while in a residential facility.

This role is 40 hours per week and works on a ‘4 on 2 off’ rotating roster. A 15% loading allowance is applicable to hourly rates.

Role & Responsibilities

• Supporting young people on a nightly basis
• Administration and associated support duties
• Auditing of recording systems
• Light housekeeping duties
• Maintain nighttime routines in the residence
• Monitor overnight safety and security of the residence

Skills & Experience

• A formal qualification in human services (or currently studying towards one) is desirable.
• Previous experience working with young people with challenging behaviours.
• To be culturally responsive and have an understanding of Te Ao Māori.
• Competent Microsoft suite user and/or administration experience.
• Experience of audit and monitoring systems.
• A current full clean driver’s licence required.
• A current 1st Aid Certificate is desirable.

If you have a passion for working with young people and have a creative and reflective practice style then this could be the role for you.

At times the work can be quite challenging so we are looking for people who are resilient and have the ability to build strong professional relationships with young people and other staff.

Culture

This work can sometimes be challenging. You will need resilience and a passion for working with youth, be flexible, have a positive attitude, and exhibit the ability to build strong professional relationships with young people, whanau/families, staff, and service providers. A comprehensive induction programme is undertaken with ongoing education, training, and support offered to all staff.

Embody Our Values

• Kotahitanga (Unity): Cultivate a sense of belonging through meaningful relationships with rangatahi, colleagues, and the wider community
• Mahi Tōtika (Excellence): Demonstrate unwavering integrity and purpose in all aspects of your work, striving for the highest standards of care
• Kaikōkiritanga (Innovation): Drive positive change with creativity, constantly seeking new and effective ways to support rangatahi
• Āta Whakarongo (Active Listening): Let rangatahi voices shape your approach, ensuring their perspectives are central to decision-making
• Māiatanga (Empowerment): Nurture growth and unlock potential in both rangatahi and colleagues, fostering a culture of continuous learning and development

Why Choose Barnardos?

• Be at the forefront of trauma-responsive youth care in New Zealand, contributing to groundbreaking programs
• Join a respected NGO with over 55 years of impact in child welfare and advocacy
• Access ongoing professional development opportunities, including specialized training in trauma-informed practices and the latest youth care methodologies
• Enjoy family-friendly policies, including flexible work arrangements where possible
• Benefit from discounted childcare at Barnardos Early Learning centers
• Competitive salary commensurate with experience and qualifications
• Supportive team environment with regular supervision and peer support
• Opportunity to make a lasting difference in the lives of vulnerable young people

About Barnardos Aotearoa

For over 55 years Barnardos has been shaping brighter futures together with children and families in Aotearoa. Our mahi across social services, early learning and advocacy for children’s rights and wellbeing means we're there for the whole childhood journey, and beyond.

This role closes on 17 October 2025, however we may close it early if a suitable candidate is found. We will progress applications as we receive them