Expression of Interest- Youth Justice Youth Worker

About the Company At Oranga Tamariki, we are dedicated to helping tamariki and rangatahi develop the skills they need to become meaningful contributors to their whānau and communities. Our commitment to supporting youth is reflected in our work at Te Puna Wai Youth Justice Residence, located in Rolleston, Canterbury. We are currently inviting Expressions of Interest from individuals interested in pursuing a career in Youth Work with us. About the Role As a Youth Worker, you will play a vital role in our Youth Justice Residences, Care & Protection Residences, and Care & Protection Group Homes. You will provide care and support to youth offenders and at-risk tamariki and rangatahi. This position requires a commitment to working with young people who may have faced significant challenges. The starting salary for a permanent, full-time Youth Worker ranges from $69,312 to $78,400.80. For those seeking casual work, the hourly rate is $26.00 plus an additional 8% holiday pay. Te Puna Wai operates 24/7, providing a secure environment for youth offenders to await sentencing or serve their sentences. We are looking for positive role models who can help our rangatahi turn their lives around. As part of a dedicated team, our Residential Youth Workers provide daily care and support, assisting rangatahi in re-engaging with education and vocational opportunities, attending appointments, maintaining family connections, and managing their behavior within the residence. We emphasize the importance of keeping our rangatahi connected to positive influences, including mentors, whānau, and community-based programs. Please note that this role involves working shifts as our rangatahi require comprehensive support around the clock, including weekends and public holidays. Typical duties of the role include: - Coaching rangatahi through structured daily activities and life necessities - Participating in various activities with rangatahi - Supporting rangatahi in their studies and teaching them essential life skills such as cooking, art, 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 We are looking for individuals who can bring the following qualities and experiences: - Experience working with rangatahi and tamariki, demonstrating resilience, initiative, and a proactive approach - Sound judgment with the ability to manage risk and make difficult decisions - Empathy and patience, with the ability to understand and support those facing challenges - Excellent verbal and written communication skills, adaptable to different audiences - Understanding of tikanga Māori and te reo Māori - A tertiary education in psychology, social sciences, social work, sports, music, arts, or teaching is advantageous but not required; we value life experience equally - A current and valid New Zealand driver's license - Ability to meet the Children's Act safety checking and vetting requirements, including eligibility to work in New Zealand - Flexibility to work various shifts, including mornings, evenings, weekends, and public holidays Benefits We offer our Youth Workers comprehensive on-the-job paid training and meal provisions during shifts. Our commitment is to ensure that our kaimahi are well-prepared and supported for work in our unique environment. We also promote ongoing professional development. Oranga Tamariki provides excellent career advancement opportunities in meaningful lines of work. Many members of our leadership team began their careers as Youth Workers. Our remuneration package is impartial and includes annual progression based on experience and tenure. We value diversity and are committed to fostering an inclusive and respectful workplace. How to Submit Your Expression of Interest If you are interested in joining our team, we encourage you to share your experiences, passions, and interests related to youth work and your career aspirations with Oranga Tamariki. To express your interest, please upload your current CV and complete our screening questions. For any further inquiries, feel free to contact us at info_recruit@ot.govt.nz. We invite you to familiarize yourself with our code of conduct, which outlines our expectations for our kaimahi, including the requirement to present at work free from the influences of drugs and alcohol. We look forward to hearing from you.