Youth Worker - Afternoon Shift

Barnardos; Christchurch; On-site; NZD 55,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible work arrangements

Professional development

Supportive team environment

Job summary

Barnardos Aotearoa is seeking passionate, grounded and experienced youth workers to join our team in a secure residential facility in Christchurch, where we support male rangatahi overcoming harmful sexual behaviour.

This permanent, full-time role is 40 hours per week with a 2:30–11pm shift, Sunday to Thursday. You will engage with young people daily, help them make positive changes, run activities, and strengthen connections with whānau while contributing to a trauma-informed care approach.

Qualifications

• Experience working with young people is highly desirable.
• Understanding Te ao Māori is desirable.
• A current full clean NZ driver’s licence is required, and First Aid is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Engaging and supporting young people on a daily basis
• Supporting young people to make positive changes in their lives
• Developing, facilitating, and monitoring programmed activities
• Encouraging and supporting connectedness to whānau
• Maintaining a positive work environment

Skills

Youth experience

Culturally responsive

Kaupapa Maori knowledge

NZ driver license

First Aid

Job description

Jora New Zealand will close on 9th September 2026. Thank you for being with us, we are cheering you on as you continue your career journey.

Do you thrive on variety? Are you passionate about supporting rangatahi with complex needs to build safer, more positive futures? This could be the role for you!

We are looking for passionate, grounded and experienced youth workers to join our team in a secure, residential facility based in Christchurch where we support male rangatahi who are overcoming harmful sexual behaviour.

This permanent, full-time position is 40 hours per week (2:30 - 11pm Sunday - Thursday).

Role & Responsibilities

• Engaging and supporting young people on a daily basis
• Supporting young people to make positive changes in their lives
• Developing, facilitating, and monitoring programmed activities
• Encouraging and supporting connectedness to whānau
• Maintaining a positive work environment

Skills & Experience

• A belief that all young people deserve the opportunity to grow and learn
• Culturally responsive. An understanding of Te ao Māori is desirable
• Prior experience working with young people is highly desirable
• Knowledge of Kaupapa Maori and/or Whānau Ora approach is desirable
• A current full clean NZ driver’s licence is required, and
• A current 1st Aid Certificate is desirable.

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.

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 specialised 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 centres
• 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

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

About Barnardos Aotearoa

Barnardos Aotearoa is a children’s charity working with tamariki and whānau to ensure every child in Aotearoa has the opportunity to thrive, no matter their circumstances. Our unique combination of social services, early learning, care services and counselling helpline provides the broadest range of child and whānau‑centred services in Aotearoa.

Each year, we work with more than 30,000 tamariki, rangatahi and whānau across the country.

We will commence interviews as applications are received.