Posted 16 July, 2026
Casual Residential Worker - Te Puna Wai
Ministry for Vulnerable Children, Oranga Tamariki
Christchurch, CAN, NZ
Full Time
Reference: 2941421eb1af7800
Job Description
Induction date 16th July 2026! Make a real difference in the lives of our rangatahi! Are you passionate about supporting young people to thrive? Join our team at Te Puna Wai Youth Justice Residence as a Casual Residential Youth Worker and be part of a kaupapa that truly matters. Our residence provides care and support for 13-17-year-olds who are either awaiting court proceedings or serving a sentence. While they are not free to leave, this is not a prison. We focus on creating a safe, secure, and nurturing environment where rangatahi can build skills, confidence, and hope for the future. As a Youth Worker, you'll play a vital role in keeping our tamariki safe, while also being a mentor, coach, and positive role model. You'll help guide them through daily routines, build trust, and support their personal growth. At our Te Puna Wai residence, we have a school, sports field, visitors' suite, gym, and whare on site. We also have a small farm (complete with friendly farmanimals from pigs, alpacas, goats, sheep, and a pony!) that offers our tamariki valuable life skills and experience. Our Youth Workers use these facilities to help enrich the lives of our tamariki and set them up with the skills they will need to meaningfully contribute to their whānau and community. We welcome people from all walks of life. You might have experience in: Youth work, coaching, mentoring, tutoring, or community support Healthcare, psychology, education, sports, music, or the arts What matters most is your ability to: Listen without judgment and build respectful relationships Be physically active and engage safely with tamariki Be reliable, consistent, and present at work free from the influence of drugs or alcohol Pass Police vetting and a Vulnerable Children's Act check Commit to three-week, full-time paid induction (Monday-Friday, 40 hours/week). Next induction date is the 16th July 2026. As a casual staff member, you'll cover shifts across a 24/7 roster, including evenings, weekends, and public holidays. Nōu te rourou | What's in it for you 26.00 per hour + 8% holiday pay Paid induction and ongoing training Opportunities for career development - many of our leaders started as Youth Workers! A supportive team environment where your mahi makes a real impact Oranga Tamariki is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. We welcome applications from everyone who meets the role requirements. Please take time to read our Code of Conduct - it outlines our expectations, including presenting at work free from the influence of drugs and alcohol. Reference # 40797 Posted on 07 May 2026 Closes on 17 Jun 2026 23:55 Location(s) Ashburton, Christchurch, Rangiora, Timaru, Oamaru, Canterbury #J-18808-Ljbffr