Youth Worker

Wise Group; Thames; On-site; NZD 37,000 - 53,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)

Wise Group house, contents and car ins

Discounted Southern Cross premiums

Financial risk and planning review

Perk & Perk Plus discount app

Job summary

Real in New Zealand seeks an experienced Youth Worker to support taiohi aged 12–24 with mental health and addiction concerns. The role runs fixed-term, full-time, Monday–Friday, 8:00am–4:30pm, in the Hauraki region, with school and community engagement.

The role involves trauma-informed care, de-escalation, relationship-building and driving wellbeing programs, alongside a supportive team and wellbeing benefits. Closing date: 25 November 2026.

Qualifications

• A Level 4 NZCHW or recognised equivalent (or studying towards).
• Experience with young people and trauma-informed care.
• De-escalation and relationship-building skills.
• Current full NZ Driver Licence.
• Current NZ First Aid certificate or willingness to obtain one.
• Inspiring and enthusiastic outlook.

Responsibilities

• Support taiohi with mild to moderate mental health and addiction concerns and social stressors.
• Deliver a youth-focused early intervention program in schools and community.
• Utilise individual and group-based approaches to wellbeing.

Skills

De-escalation

Relationship building

Trauma-informed care

NZ Driver Licence

First aid certificate

NZCHW Level 4 (or studying)

Education

NZCHW Level 4 or recognised equivalent

Job description

• Fixed term, full-time role, working 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday
• Earn up to $32.95 per hour + other wellbeing benefits
• Based in beautiful Hauraki + work life balance + awesome team

Provide a safe space for youth to develop life skills, resilience and build confidence.

Real | Mō mātou

We provide health and wellbeing services for taiohi aged between 12 to 24. We believe in the importance of community, connection and relationships – and in the ability of young people to shape their own futures.

The Whetū Marewa (Rising Star) services aims to build the confidence, resilience & wellbeing of taiohi (young people) with mental health and addiction related issues by enabling access to a range of supported interventions.

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

This role is a fixed-term, full-time role, working Monday to Friday, 8.00am to 4.30pm. The fixed-term contract will conclude on 1 March 2028.

It is understood that under certain circumstances (as per the Parental Leave and Employment Protection Act 1987) the employee on parental / extended leave may return to work at an earlier date. If the employee ends, their leave by returning to work early you will be given two weeks’ notice.

The role of the youth worker involves supporting taiohi with mild and moderate mental health and addiction concerns and social stressors.

We run a youth-focused early intervention program in the Hauraki region operating within schools and the community, utilising both individual and group-based approaches.

About You | Mōu

We are looking for an experienced Youth Worker who has:

• A Level 4 New Zealand Certificate in Health and Wellbeing (NZCHW) or a recognised equivalent or be studying towards a recognised equivalent (preferable)
• Experience in working with young people and an understanding of trauma-informed care
• Both de-escalation skills and relationship building skills
• A current full New Zealand DriverLicence
• A current New Zealand first aid certificate or be prepared to obtain one
• An inspiring and enthusiastic outlook on life

Closing Date | Rā katinga:

25 November 2026. Please note, this job advert may close sooner if a suitable candidate is found.

Position Description:

Please copy and paste this link to your browser: https://www.wisegroup.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Pathways-Youth-Worker-Sep-2024.pdf

Contact | Whakapā:

Andy McInnes, Team Coach via email at [e-mail] or call 027 590 8125

Real is supported by Pathways Health Limited, part of the Wise Group. Find out more about Real at www.real.org.nz.

Pathways is committed to healthy lifestyles and actively supports a smoke free environment. We encourage people withlived experience of mental illness & addictions to apply.