Residential Youth Worker - Whakatakapokai

Residential Youth Worker - Whakatakapokai Do you want the chance to make a difference one moment, milestone and interaction at a time?Are you interested in helping tamariki develop the skills they need to be meaningful contributors to their whānau & communities?Would you like to share your interests, passions, and culture to help inspire and empower rangatahi? We would love to hear from you! We're currently recriuiting a Permanent Youth Worker Position at WhakatakapokaiYouth Justice Residence inSouth Auckland Whakatakapokai is the most recent secure youth justice residence to open. With 15 beds, there is a strong aspirational focus on achieving positive change with rangatahi through a model of care that draws on holistic, relational, and restorative ways of being (Te Ao Māori) to reduce reoffending. As part of our collective brand of practice you may be asked to support certain activities across the youth justice network. What is a Youth Worker? A Youth Worker works in Oranga Tamariki's Youth Justice Residences, Care & Protection Residences, Care & Protection Group Homes, and other residential facilities that provide care and support to youth offenders and/or at-risk tamariki and rangatahi. Mō te tūnga | About the role: Residential Youth Workers are high quality role models and champions of rangatahi in our care. They support rangatahi to strengthen their confidence and skills to be positive contributors to their whānau and communities. Guiding behavioural change requires kaimahi with confidence and courage. There is a variety of responsibilities, including: Ensuring that a safe and secure environment is maintained for the benefit of the rangatahi, staff and the community Supporting rangatahi in their personal growth with a focus on addressing offending behaviours, learning new skills, strengthening pro-social relationships, maintaining physical and mental health, participating in daily activities and programmes. It is important that you are motivated to engage in our way of being, so it is an advantage to have skills in tikanga & te reo Māori - however a strong motivation to learn restorative approaches is a great start. You will work within a collaborative and reflective workplace so need to be open minded and a team player who is committed to achieving Oranga Tamariki's vision, purpose, and values together. This is not a 9 to 5 job - Our rangatahi require wrap around support from us which is why our Residential Youth Workers work rostered shifts as we provide 24-hour, 7-days per week care (including weekends and public holidays) The starting salary for a permanent, Full Time Youth Worker isbetween$69,312 - $78,400 dependant on experience(this includes penal allowances of 20% for certain shifts worked) We value our kaimahi and the wide range of skills and experiences they have. We want to hear from you if you have: High quality skills to work with rangatahi who may have behavioural issues. Studies or qualifications in psychology, social sciences, social work, or education (beneficial but not required).Life learnings are equally important, and we value the life experience of our staff bring to this practical and challenging role. Available to work a roster that covers mornings, evenings, nights, weekends, and public holidays Willingness to support at other South Auckland residences if operationally required An appropriate level of physical health & fitness to interact with rangatahi The right to work in New Zealand A full, clean New Zealand driver's license is necessary for this role You must meet the safety checking and police vetting requirements required under the Children's Act. Nōu te rourou | What's in it for you: Our Youth Workers receive full-time, on the job paid training . We are committed to ensuring that our kaimahi have the best possible preparation and support to prepare them to work in our unique environment. We also provide ongoing development for our people. Oranga Tamariki is an organisation with great career development opportunities, in meaningful lines of work. A lot of our leadership team started with us as Youth Workers themselves. Hurry as applications for this role close at midnight 3rd of September 2026! If you are interested, please ensure that you make yourself familiar with our code of conduct as it sets out our expectations for our kaimahi and requires you to present at work free from the influences of both drugs and alcohol. #J-18808-Ljbffr