Youth Development Specialist

About the role After some professional and supportive training, you will become an instructor of a team of young people as they navigate through 1‑week, 2‑week or 6‑week courses primarily located in Burnham, with some courses at Whenuapai or Trentham. As an inspirational and engaging person, you will provide leadership and training to youth of Aotearoa, supporting them to build confidence, resilience and develop self‑belief by guiding them to see what potential they have and can achieve, and supporting them to develop conflict resolution skills. The role demands mental resilience, and the pride and reward of seeing the youth succeed makes it worthwhile. Working alongside peers made up of military personnel, physical training instructors and social workers will mean you have a supportive team. Ongoing comprehensive staff training and substantial support services are available. Skills and Experience You will bring strengths in innovative problem‑solving and initiative, and a genuine ability to connect with teenagers and young adults to build trusting relationships. Empathy, respect and cultural awareness are essential, enabling you to understand and support the diverse perspectives and experiences of youth across Aotearoa. You must be able to commit to shift‑rostered work on weekends and outside standard working hours, be willing and able to stay overnight in a field environment as required, and travel to other NZDF locations as needed (you will be compensated for both of these requirements). This is not a job where you will be working from home. Extensive and relevant experience in youth development and support. Ability to tailor your instructional approach to meet individual learning needs. Available to attend a 10‑day Youth Development Specialist Basic Training Course in Whenuapai. Be warm, calm and friendly with a sense of humour, able to have fun. A full, clean current driver’s licence. Confident verbal and written communication skills. Ability to live and operate in a wilderness/field environment, be physically fit and able to carry a pack and attend physical training classes alongside your team. Hold relevant social services or clinical qualifications ideally in youth development. Have a current New Zealand First Aid certificate or be prepared to obtain one. What's in it for you Competitive pay matched to your experience. Fully funded life cover of up to $300,000 and critical illness protection. Discounted additional insurances, free will services and savings schemes for the Defence community. Expert financial guidance and mortgage broker services. #J-18808-Ljbffr