Youth Worker

Real; Waikanae; On-site; NZD 74,390,000 - 82,656,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Increased KiwiSaver contribution

Fifth Week of Annual Leave

Paid Wellbeing Days (2 days a year)

HealthNow Card - $250/yr

Perk & Perk Plus discount app

Holiday programme assistance

Earn up to $32.95 per hour

Job summary

Real is seeking a Youth Worker for a 32-hour-per-week overnight role in Waikanae, Friday to Monday, 11:00pm–7:30am, as part of the OTIS Youth Team. You will support taiohi aged 12-25 with complex needs, building on strengths and improving wellbeing.

Experience with youth work or related mental health services is valued. A Level 4 NZCHW or equivalent and a NZ driver’s licence are required, plus a current first aid certificate or willingness to obtain one.

Qualifications

• Level 4 New Zealand Certificate in Health and Wellbeing (NZCHW) or recognised equivalent or studying towards equivalent.
• Experience supporting young people, ideally in youth work, mental health or social services.
• Understanding of trauma-informed care and how to support people with complex needs.
• Strong relationship-building and de-escalation skills.
• Cultural awareness and commitment to working respectfully with Māori and Pasifika whānau.
• Knowledge of Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
• Full and clean New Zealand driver’s licence.
• Current New Zealand first aid certificate or willingness to obtain one.

Responsibilities

• Collaborating with clinical service staff in developing personalised support plans.
• Taking a strengths-based approach, holding hope, and encouraging taiohi to recognise their resilience.
• Supporting taiohi to plan activities and programmes tailored to their individual needs, goals, and aspirations.

Skills

Trauma-informed care

De-escalation skills

Relationship-building

Cultural awareness

Te Tiriti o Waitangi knowledge

First aid knowledge

Education

NZCHW Level 4 or equivalent

Job description

• Awake Overnight, Friday to Monday role + Based in Waikanae
• Extra Annual Leave + 2 Paid Wellbeing Days + more staff benefits
• Earn up to $32.95 per hour + work in a warm, home-based environment

Provide a safe, supportive environment where taiohi feel secure, cared for, and ready for the day ahead in this rewarding role.

Real | Mō mātou

Our spirit is ‘loving life’, and that's what we do – we work with our taiohi to realise this aspiration.

We provide health and wellbeing services working with local community agencies to help taiohi aged 12-25 develop life skills and build strong connections, including their school, employer, whānau, and friends.

What we offer | Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou

• Increased KiwiSaver contribution
• Fifth Week of Annual Leave (after 12 months employment)
• Paid Wellbeing Days (2 days a year)
• HealthNow Payment Card - $250 per year to support Health and Wellbeing for you and your whānau
• Perk & Perk Plus discount app
• Holiday programme assistance
• Earn up to $32.95 per hour (dependent on qualifications)

The Role | Mō tēnei tūranga mahi

This is a 32-hour-per-week role working Friday to Monday, 11:00pm to 7:30am, as part of our OTIS Youth Team in Waikanae.

As a Youth Worker, you’ll bring experience supporting people with complex needs and/or mental health challenges. You’ll provide tailored support to one or two taiohi (young people), helping them build on their strengths, achieve their goals, and enhance their wellbeing.

Key responsibilities include:

• Collaborating with clinical service staff in developing personalised support plans
• Taking a strengths-based approach, holding hope, and encouraging taiohi to recognise their resilience and potential.
• Supporting taiohi to plan activities and programmes tailored to their individual needs, goals, and aspirations.

About You | Mōu:

To thrive in this role, you’ll bring a caring, resilient approach and a genuine commitment to supporting taiohi with complex needs overnight.

We’re looking for someone who has:

• A Level 4 New Zealand Certificate in Health and Wellbeing (NZCHW) or a recognised equivalent or be studying towards a recognised equivalent.
• Experience supporting young people, ideally in youth work, mental health, or social services (although this isn’t essential).
• An understanding of trauma-informed care and how to support people with complex needs.
• Strong relationship-building and de-escalation skills.
• Cultural awareness and a commitment to working respectfully with Māori and Pasifika whānau.
• Knowledge of and a demonstrable commitment to the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
• A full and clean New Zealand driver’slicence
• A current New Zealand first aid certificate or be prepared to obtain one.

Closing Date | Rā Katinga: 9 November 2026.

Please note, this advert may close early if suitable candidates have been found.

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

Contact | Whakapā:

[e-mail] with any queries.

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

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

Note:

The Criminal History Check is exempt from The Clean Slate Act. In other words, the Clean Slate Act does not apply to this position. Please declare any offences (even outside 7 years) in your application.

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.