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 wh nau & 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 currently have positions for Puketai our Secure Care & Protection Residence based in Dunedin

Mo te tunga | About the role

Oranga Tamariki is 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. To help them achieve this, our Residential Youth Workers, as part of a team, 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, wh nau, work and community-based programmes.

As a Casual Residential Youth Worker you will be required to cover the shifts of our Residential Youth Workers. This is not a 9 to 5 job - our rangatahi require wrap around support from us which is why our Residential Youth Workers do rostered shifts as we provide 24-hour, 7-days per week care (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 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

Our team is dedicated to ensuring the time rangatahi spend at Puketai is transformative, meeting their needs and improving their future prospects. This role offers you the chance to be actively involved in the daily operations of the residence, working directly with rangatahi to understand their unique needs and help them succeed.

Ng pumanawatanga ou | What you will bring:

• Experience working with rangatahi and tamariki

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to adapt to your audience

• Understanding and confidence in tikanga M ori and te reo M ori

• A full, clean, valid driver's licence

• Meet the Children's Act safety checking and our vetting requirements

• New Zealand citizenship or residency

• Resilience, initiative and a proactive approach with a positive outlook working within a secure facility

• 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 but not necessary

• Flexibility to work different shifts - mornings, evenings, weekends and public holidays

• Sound judgement with the ability to manage risk and make tough decisions

• Life experience and understanding of what rangatahi may be going through

Nou te rourou | What's in it for you:

This position pays $26.00 per hour + 8% holiday pay on hours worked. There is a variety of shifts available as operation is 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.

Me pehea 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

Hurry as applications for this role close at midnight 11th of January 2026!

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.