Residential Youth Worker - Te Au rere

New Zealand Government; Palmerston North; On-site; NZD 65,000 - 78,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid training

Remuneration progression

Career development opportunities

Ongoing training

Job summary

Oranga Tamariki is hiring Residential Youth Workers to support and empower tamariki and rangatahi in our Youth Justice Residence. You will be a positive role model, mentor tamariki, and participate in engaging activities to enhance their wellbeing and learning.

You will work rosters including mornings, evenings, weekends, and public holidays, and must pass the Vulnerable Children’s Act check and police vetting. Training is provided to prepare you for this important work.

Qualifications

• Experience working with children or in youth-focused roles.
• Ability to build trust and respect with tamariki.
• Willingness to work a roster including mornings, evenings, weekends and public holidays.

Responsibilities

• Keep tamariki safe while modelling positive behaviours.
• Mentor and guide tamariki to support wellbeing and development.
• Plan and participate in activity programmes and learning opportunities.
• Collaborate with partners to support whānau and community connections.

Skills

Empathy

Resilience

Active listening

Reliability

Interpersonal 커뮤니ation

Experience with children

Customer service

Job description

Permanent, Full Time Roles AvailableWe need role models with a passion for supporting and empowering rangatahiAttractive remuneration and benefits packageAre you looking for a rewarding career working with youth? We are looking for empathetic, resilient and honest people interested in applying their skills and experience to supporting the wellbeing of tamariki and rangatahi.Mō te tūnga | About the roleTake a step away from doing work that is the same day in and day out. Join the team at our Youth Justice Residence as a Residential Youth Worker and take pride in knowing that the work you do every day makes a real difference to the lives of our tamariki.At all times we prioritise the safety and security of our tamariki and staff on site, however, we are committed to ensuring that the time tamariki spend in our residences will improve their prospects for the future. Our Residential Youth Workers are there to keep our tamariki safe, but they're also mentors, role models and coaches.We offer a variety of interesting, educational, and fun activity programmes for our young people while they stay with us. A few examples of the activities we offer might include cooking classes, gaming and sports tournaments, vocational and cultural demonstrations, and lessons with leaders from the local community and much more! Our Residential Youth Workers enrich the lives of our tamariki and maximise learning opportunities and engagement with positive role models. They work alongside our partners to build high-trust relationships and help tamariki develop the skills, behaviours, and attitude they will need to meaningfully contribute to their whānau and their community.Ngā pūmanawatanga ōu | What you will bringOur Youth Workers join us with a broad array of experiences, perspectives, and passions! The most important thing that they all have in common is that they are determined to be there for our tamariki. To succeed in this role, you need to be resilient and able to listen without judgement to build trust and respect.If you have worked with children previously (this could be as part of your job or in your social life i.e., coaching sports, mentoring, tutoring etc) we would love to hear from you. Alternatively, you might have experience in customer service, healthcare, psychology, education, sports, music, or art.Our best Youth Workers are those who are passionate about sharing their interests, culture, and what matters to them with our tamariki and being a positive, consistent role model!You must be willing to work a roster that covers mornings, evenings, weekends, and public holidays.You must be physically willing and able to play sports and interact with our tamariki safely.You must be able to pass a Vulnerable Childrens Act check and Police vetting.You must be reliable and consistent in your work attendance - our tamariki count on a consistent routine and seeing familiar faces!You must be able to present at work free from the influences of drugs and alcoholNōu te rourou | What's in it for youOur Youth Workers receive six weeks of full-time, paid training before they commence rostered work on the floor. We are committed to ensuring that our kaimahi have the best possible preparation and support to prepare them to work in our unique environment.As a shift worker, annual remuneration that starts between approximately $64,766 and $78,400 (depending on your experience) which includes allowances for working shifts. Oranga Tamariki has a remuneration framework gives pay increases based on tenure (time in the job) 4 weeks and three days of annual leave each yearWe also provide ongoing training and development for our people. Oranga Tamariki is an organisation with great career development opportunities, in meaningful lines of work.Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to apply.Hurry as applications for this role close at midnight 16th of November 2026!Apply online with your CV and Covering Letter. We'd love to hear about your experience, passions and interests that have attracted you to youth work.