Residential Youth Worker - Dunedin

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

We are seeking energetic, motivated people to join our teams at the Puketai Residence and Te Pae Tawhiti Supervised Group Home.

Mō mātou | About us

Oranga Tamariki—Ministry for Children has a commitment to putting tamariki and rangatahi at the heart of what we do. We are committed to ensuring that New Zealand is the best place in the world to be a child. Our Residence and Group homes in Dunedin provide therapeutic care to tamariki and rangatahi aged 10-16. Puketai can take up to 8 and Te Pae Tawhiti up to 4 tamariki and rangatahi.

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.

Our Tamariki and rangatahi 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).

• Coach rangatahi through our structured day and through all life necessities
• Participate in sports activities with our young people
• Support our rangatahi by helping them with their studies, teaching them life skills such as cooking, art, music and cultural programmes and mentoring them to make positive life choices
• Build rapport with rangatahi who have experienced trauma and assist with redirecting behaviour

Ngā pūmanawatanga ōu | What you will bring

Our tamariki and rangatahi need caring and committed people around them, so these roles will be ideal for those who are looking for:

• the opportunity to mentor and support diverse tamariki and rangatahi
• role modelling healthy and safe behaviours to tamariki and rangatahi
• getting alongside tamariki and rangatahi throughout a structured day programme
• participating with tamariki and rangatahi in a wide range of sporting, cultural, art and life skill activities
• supporting tamariki and rangatahi to connect with their whānau
• engaging tamariki and rangatahi in health and education services
• using a mana-enhancing approach to bring out the best in our tamariki and rangatahi
• challenging and rewarding mahi that makes a difference in the lives of tamariki and rangatahi

For all roles, you will need resilience, initiative, and a proactive approach to mahi with a positive outlook. You will also need a full NZ driver's licence. Experience working with tamariki and rangatahi is beneficial, as is real life understanding or experience in psychology, social sciences, social work, sports, music, arts or teaching.

Nōu te rourou | What's in it for you

Oranga Tamariki offers a fair and impartial remuneration package, that offers progression annually for experience through tenure. Annual remuneration for this position starts between $$62,366 to $76,000 (Including allowances) depending on experience. We pride ourselves on offering a vibrant and supportive team environment, 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. 

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

Applications Close: 30th November 2023

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.