Youth Worker

Wise Group; Kaipātiki; On-site; NZD 52,000 - 76,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

EAP (Employee Assistance Programme)

Wise Group insurance plan (house, car,

Discounted Southern Cross premiums

Financial risk and planning review

Perk & Perk Plus app

Job summary

Real is seeking an experienced Youth Worker to join the Real Lakes Youth Service in Rotorua. The role operates in schools and the community, delivering youth-focused wellbeing support with a mix of clinical and youth-work approaches.

You will work within the Wise Group network, following tikanga principles and contributing to primary mental health objectives for taiohi aged 12–24. Fixed-term, full-time, 40 hours weekly.

Qualifications

• A NZ Level 4 NZCHW or recognised equivalent.
• Experience with young people and trauma-informed care.
• Understanding of local community issues and tikanga Māori.

Responsibilities

• Work with taiohi aged 12–24 in schools and community settings.
• Align with tikanga and kawa and support primary mental health components.
• Contribute to early intervention within the Lakes region.

Skills

Youth work experience

Trauma-informed care

De-escalation skills

Relationship building

Driver licence

Education

NZ Level 4 Health & Wellbeing Certificate (NZCHW) or equivalent

Job description

• Fixed-term, full-time Youth Worker role based in Rotorua
• Discounted Premiums with Southern Cross + other great wellbeing benefits
• Live work-life balance while creating new possibilities for taiohi

Do you thrive in working with taiohi, teachers and other health & social service workers to build confidence, resilience and wellbeing of taiohi?

Real | Mō mātou

Whetū Marewa (Rising Star) is a primary mental health youth service in the Rotorua region. The service aims to build the confidence, resilience and wellbeing in taiohi who are living with mild to moderate mental health and addiction related issues and social stressors.

We are a mix of clinicians and youth workers who work with taiohi aged 12 to 24 years, offering a flexible and youth-centered approach to wellbeing.

The Benefits | Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou

• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
• Wise Group house, contents and car insurance plan
• Discounted premiums with Southern Cross
• Financial risk and planning review
• Perk & Perk Plus discount app

The Role | Mō tēnei tūranga mahi

We are on the lookout for an experienced Youth Worker to join our Real Lakes Youth Service in Rotorua. A youth-focused early intervention program in the Lakes region operates within schools and the community, utilizing both individual and group-based approaches.
You will align with our tikanga (principles) and kawa (practice) and support the clinical components of Whetū Marewa – Primary Mental Health.

This is a fixed-term, full-time position working 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday from 8:30am to 5:00pm, based in Rotorua. The fixed-term contract will conclude on 15 October 2027.

About You | Mōu

Our preferred candidates will have:

• A Level 4 New Zealand Certificate in Health and Wellbeing (NZCHW) or a recognised equivalent or be studying towards a recognised equivalent.
• Experience in working with young people and an understanding of trauma-informed care.
• An understanding of local community issues and of tikanga Māori.
• Both de-escalation skills and relationship building skills.
• A current full New Zealand Driver Licence
• An inspiring and enthusiastic outlook on life

Closing Date | Rā Katinga: 28 November 2026. Please note, this advert may close sooner if a suitable candidate is found prior to the closing date.

Position Description: Please copy and paste the following link into your browser:

https://www.wisegroup.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Pathways-Youth-Worker-Sep-2024.pdf

Contact | Whakapā: Katy Roberts, Team Coach - Clinical via email at [e-mail]

For further information, visit our website www.real.org.nz

Real is supported by Pathways Health Limited, part of the Wise Group. Pathways is committed to healthy lifestyles and actively supports a smoke-free environment.

All new appointees into Pathways require background checking. Under the requirements of the Children's Act 2014, new employees that are identified as coming under this act are required to undergo further safety checks as part of the recruitment process.