Expressions of Interest for Te Puna Wai - Youth Ju

About the Company At Oranga Tamariki, we are dedicated to making a positive impact on the lives of youth in our communities. We strive to support tamariki and rangatahi in developing essential skills that enable them to contribute meaningfully to their families and communities. Our commitment to nurturing young individuals is evident in every interaction, and we are seeking passionate individuals to join our team. About the Role We are currently inviting Expressions of Interest from candidates who are interested in pursuing a career in Youth Work at Te Puna Wai Youth Justice Residence located in Rolleston, Canterbury. Please note that submitting your Expression of Interest does not constitute a formal application for a position. Instead, it allows us to register your interest, and we will reach out to you if a suitable opportunity becomes available. As a Youth Worker, you will play a crucial role within Oranga Tamariki's Youth Justice Residences, Care & Protection Residences, Care & Protection Group Homes, and other facilities that provide care and support to youth offenders and at-risk tamariki and rangatahi. The starting salary for a permanent, full-time Youth Worker ranges from $69,312 to $78,400.80. Casual Youth Workers receive an hourly rate of $26.00, plus 8% holiday pay. Te Puna Wai is a secure residence for youth offenders, where they await sentencing or serve their sentences. Operating 24/7, we support rangatahi by providing positive role models and helping them turn their lives around. Our Residential Youth Workers work collaboratively to deliver daily care and support, assisting rangatahi in re-engaging with education and vocational training, attending appointments, connecting with family and peers, and managing their behavior within the residence. We emphasize maintaining connections with positive influences in their lives, including mentors, family, and community-based programs. This is not a traditional 9 to 5 role; our rangatahi require comprehensive support, which is why our Residential Youth Workers work rostered shifts, providing care around the clock, including weekends and public holidays. Typical duties of the role include: - Coaching rangatahi through our structured daily schedule and essential life skills - Participating in various activities with our rangatahi - Supporting educational endeavors and teaching life skills such as cooking, arts, music, and cultural programs - Mentoring rangatahi to make positive life choices - Establishing rapport with rangatahi who have experienced trauma and assisting in behavior redirection Requirements To be successful in this role, you will need: - Experience working with rangatahi and tamariki, demonstrating resilience, initiative, and a proactive approach - Sound judgment and the ability to manage risk and make difficult decisions - Empathy and patience, with an understanding of the challenges faced by young individuals - Excellent verbal and written communication skills, adaptable to various audiences - Knowledge of tikanga Māori and te reo Māori - A tertiary qualification in psychology, social sciences, social work, sports, music, arts, or teaching is advantageous but not mandatory, as we value life experiences equally - A current and valid New Zealand driver's license - Compliance with the Children's Act safety checking and vetting requirements, including the right to work in New Zealand - Flexibility to work various shifts, including mornings, evenings, weekends, and public holidays Benefits Our Youth Workers benefit from full-time, on-the-job paid training and meals during shifts. We are dedicated to ensuring our kaimahi receive the best preparation and support to thrive in our unique environment. We also prioritize ongoing professional development for our staff. Oranga Tamariki offers excellent opportunities for career advancement in meaningful roles, with many of our leadership team members starting their careers as Youth Workers. Additionally, we provide a comprehensive remuneration package that allows for annual progression based on experience and tenure. We embrace diversity and are committed to fostering an inclusive and respectful workplace. How to Submit Your Expression of Interest If you are interested in building a career in youth work with Oranga Tamariki, we would love to learn more about your experiences, passions, and interests. To express your interest, please upload your details through our application portal. We look forward to hearing from you.