Support Worker Jobs in New Zealand

Residential Youth Worker (Hillcrest)

• We need role models with a passion for supporting and empowering rangatahi
• We are lucky enough to have a great team and experienced staff that you can upskill and learn off.
• Meals are provided on shift.

Are you looking for a rewarding career working with youth? We are looking for empathetic, resilient and honest people interested in applying their skills and experience to supporting the wellbeing of tamariki and rangatahi.

Mō mātou | About us

Hillcrest is an Oranga Tamariki facility providing both residential and day programmes for young male offenders or young males at risk of offending. We provide 24/7 support and care for up to 8 rangatahi who are involved in the Youth Justice system. At Hillcrest, we prioritise best practice and development, so we are lucky enough to have a number of experience staff that you can learn and develop off. We also provide full training and learning opportunities to ensure you're fully equipped to succeed as a Residential Youth Worker.

Mō te tūnga | About the role

Residential Youth Workers provide rangatahi with the confidence and skills to become positive contributors to their whānau and communities. They understand that the causes of offending are complex, and that successfully dealing with young offenders demands action beyond simple punitive measures.

Guiding behavioural change is a massive task and means our kaimahi have many responsibilities, including:

• Ensuring that a safe and secure environment is maintained for the benefit of the rangatahi, staff and the community
• Supporting young offenders in their personal growth and rehabilitation with a focus on health, education, training and employment
• Working with rangatahi to help them build and strengthen relationships with their whānau and communities and encouraging them to act on referrals to services

Ngā pūmanawatanga ōu | What you will bring

• Great engagement skills to overcome barriers
• Experience with conflict resolution
• Cultural awareness particularly around Māori and Pacifica communities
• Ability to establish relationships with people from all walks of life
• Good computer skills, particularly with MS Office Software, report writing is part of this role
• Experience in Social Services or working with at-risk children and youth is ideal, however applicants with transferrable life skills are encouraged to apply
• 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).

If you will have established relationships and networks across the area and a good knowledge of the key players to help you make a difference in the lives of youth then apply Today!

Nōu te rourou | What's in it for you

Oranga Tamariki offer an impartial remuneration package, that offers progression annually for experience through tenure. 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.

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

Applications close: Friday 28th March 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.

Oranga Tamariki is committed to developing a diverse workforce and an inclusive workplace. We provide equal employment opportunities and welcome applications from everyone who can meet the requirements of the role. We also support flexible working arrangements.