Casual Residential Youth Worker - Te Au rere a te Tonga

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

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 
Te a rere a te Tonga Youth Justice Residence, in Palmerston North, provides a safe, secure and supportive environment where rangatahi (young people) who have offended can make changes and get their lives back on track. In addition to maintaining secure facilities, we aim to help rehabilitate young offenders. 
We welcome diversity and are committed to working in an inclusive and respectful way. We provide 24/7 support and care for up to rangatahi aged 13 to 18 years old who are involved in the Youth Justice system.    
  
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 including participation in activities
• Working with rangatahi to help them build and strengthen relationships with their whānau and communities and encouraging them to act on referrals to services 

As a Casual, you will be required to cover the shifts of our Residential Youth Workers. This is not a 9 to 5 job - the successful candidate would be required to provide cover as and when required to support our permanent Residential Youth Workers staff and you could be asked to work any day of the week from Monday to Sunday, including Public Holidays. 

We want to call it out upfront - this role will be challenging at times. Residences are dynamic and, at times, high-risk environments. Despite the challenges, this work is deeply rewarding and offers you the opportunity to make a tangible difference for rangatahi. 

Ngā pūmanawatanga ōu | What you will bring 
We value our kaimahi and the wide range of skills and experiences they have.  We want to hear from you if you have: 

• The ability to build positive relationships with a wide range of people whether it be through your experience in customer service, coaching, engaging in your community or experience working with rangatahi in positive and proactive ways 
• Studied psychology, social sciences, social work, sports, arts or teaching and you want to bring those learnings to life in meaningful way by applying your skills to rangatahi in need of your help every day (beneficial but not required).  Life learnings are equally important and we value the life experience of our staff bring to this practical and challenging role. 
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to work with others and contribute to a supportive and inclusive team. 
• Knowledge of Tikanga and Te Reo which is an advantage - Oranga Tamariki is committed to developing our kaimahi to develop this important capability. 
• Willingness and ability to work across a roster that covers mornings, evenings, weekends and public holidays
• An appropriate level of physical fitness that will allow you to safely support and interact with rangatahi 

In this role you need to have the right to work in New Zealand, either as a NZ citizen or permanent resident, or by holding a valid work visa.  You also need to have a full, clean New Zealand driver's license as you will be required to drive as part of your job.  You will also need to be able to meet the safety checking and police vetting requirements required under the Children's Act.  
  
Nōu 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 residences operate 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. 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: 17 October 2024 
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 expec ations for our kaimahi and requires you to present at work free from the influences of both drugs and alcohol.