Are you committed to making a real and positive difference to New Zealand's at-risk tamariki and rangatahi?

We currently have an opportunity for permanent 0.6 FTE, 24 hours a week, Residential Youth Worker to join our Te Whare Tumanako Tuatahi Group Home.

Applications will be reviewed as they are received, and candidates may be contacted to interview before the job posting closes.

Mō mātou | About us:

Our tamariki and rangatahi deserve to feel safe, have their voices heard, and be surrounded by loving whānau. At Oranga Tamariki—Ministry for Children, we're on a journey to ensure that it happens. We are a leading social work practice that is child-centred, trauma-informed, and effective for all cultures. We are a Ministry with a commitment to putting tamariki and rangatahi at the heart of everything we do and say.

Mō te tūnga | About the role:

Te Whare Tumanako Tuatahi is a 24 hours, 7 days per week operation, that operates in Invercargill, providing a homely environment focused on achieving positive change in the lives of rangatahi. Our team is dedicated to improving outcomes for those in our care and helping them realise their potential. This role is all about providing positive engagement, role-modelling and motivation for at-risk rangatahi, all the while demonstrating resilience, maturity, reliability and honesty.

We are committed to providing comprehensive, proactive care and support to rangatahi during their stay and as they transition back into the community. To make this vision a reality, we are looking for Residential Youth Workers who are high quality role models and champions of rangatahi in our care and provide daily care and support. They get involved assisting our young people to re-engage with school/vocation, attending appointments, having visits with their family, connecting with peers, and managing themselves within the home. We work to keep our rangatahi connected to the positive influences in their lives - mentors, whānau, work and community-based programmes.

Typical duties of the role can involve:

• Coaching rangatahi through our structured day and through all life necessities
• Participating in activities with our rangatahi
• Supporting our rangatahi by helping them with their studies, teaching them life skills such as cooking, art, music and cultural programmes and mentor them to make positive life choices
• Establishing rapport with rangatahi who have experienced trauma and assist with redirecting behaviour

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.

Ngā pūmanawatanga ōu | What you will bring:

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, education (not required but are beneficial). Life learnings are equally important and we value the life experience of our staff bring to this practical and challenging role.
• Knowledge or high motivation to learn Tikanga Māori and Te Reo Māori
• An appropriate level of physical health & fitness to interact with rangatahi
• The valid right to work in New Zealand
• A Full, clean New Zealand driver's license.
• Can meet the safety checking and police vetting requirements required under the Children's Act

Nōu te rourou | What's in it for you:

Residential Youth Workers begin between $57,760 - $65,334 as well as allowances dependent on experience - this role will be pro-rata for 0.6 FTE (24 hours a week). Oranga Tamariki has a remuneration framework with annual pay increases based on tenure (time in the job).There is a variety of shifts available as residences operate 24/7.

We offer training and professional development so that you can thrive and grow. We welcome diversity and are committed to working in an inclusive and respectful way. This is your opportunity to apply your skills and experience to the wellbeing of tamariki and rangatahi. To see all the benefits of working for Oranga Tamariki, please visit https://mahi.orangatamariki.govt.nz/working-with-us/employee-benefits/

Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to apply:

Apply online with your CV and Cover Letter. If you are an Oranga Tamariki employee already, please ensure you register or login using your work email address. For reporting and transparency, it is important that all applications are submitted through our careers site, please do not email through applications and/or CVs.

Applications Close: Thursday 30 January 2025

If you are interested in any of our vacancies, 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.