Special Needs Educator Jobs in New Zealand

• Permanent, Full Time Roles Available
• We need role models with a passion for supporting and empowering rangatahi
• Attractive remuneration and benefits package

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:

Our Residential Youth Workers have an important role to play. They provide care and support to the young people in our care and encourage and motivate them to make positive choices. This is a permanent opportunity to positively influence young people, help them grow and successfully transition back into the community.

This is not a 9 to 5 job, our young people require wrap around support from us which is why our Residential Youth Workers do rostered shifts as the facility provides 24-hours, 7-days per week coverage (including weekends and public holidays). Typical duties of the role can involve:

• Coaching rangatahi through our structured day and through all life necessities.
• Participating in activities with our young people by playing sports and taking part in gym activities.
• Supporting our rangatahi by helping them with their studies, teaching them life skills such as cooking, art, music and cultural programmes as well as mentoring them to make positive life choices.
• Establishing and building rapport with rangatahi who have experienced trauma and assist with redirecting behaviour.

Ngā pūmanawatanga ōu | What you will bring:

• Experience working with rangatahi and tamariki
• Meet the Children's Act safety checking and our vetting requirements (please note that Clean Slate does not apply)
• New Zealand citizenship or residency
• Resilience, initiative and a proactive approach with a positive outlook
• Empathy, patience and ability to see past what someone may be struggling with
• A tertiary education within psychology, social sciences, social work, sports, music, arts or teaching would be an advantage
• Flexibility to work different shifts - mornings, evenings, weekends and public holidays
• Physically able to keep up with 10 teenagers
• Sound judgement with the ability to manage risk and make tough decisions
• Life experience and understanding of what rangatahi may be going through
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to adapt to your audience
• Understanding and confidence in tikanga Māori and te reo Māori

Nōu te rourou | What's in it for you:


As a shift worker, annual remuneration that starts between approximately $69,312 to 78,400 (depending on your experience) which includes allowances for working shifts. Oranga Tamariki has a remuneration framework gives pay increases based on tenure (time in the job)

We offer a vibrant and supportive team, flexible work options and a genuine commitment to wellbeing. We offer significant 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 Covering Letter. If you are an Oranga Tamariki employee already, please ensure you apply with a log in using your Oranga Tamariki email address.

If you have any questions about role, please contact Info_recruit@ot.govt.nz

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.