Casual Residential Youth Worker - Tumanako Invercargill

Are you passionate in making a real and positive difference in the lives of New Zealand's tamariki and rangatahi?

We currently have an opportunity for Casual Residential Youth Workers to join our Te Whare Tumanako Tuatahi Group Home.

Mō mātou | About us:

Our tamariki and rangatahi deserve to feel safe, have their voices heard, and be surrounded by loving whānau. At Oranga Tamariki—Ministry for Children, we're on a journey to ensure that it happens. We are a leading social work practice that is child-centred, trauma-informed, and effective for all cultures. We are a Ministry with a commitment to putting tamariki and rangatahi at the heart of everything we do and say.

Mō te tūnga | About the role:

Te Whare Tumanako Tuatahi operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week in Invercargill, providing a homely environment focused on achieving positive change in the lives of rangatahi. Our team is dedicated to improving outcomes for those in our care and helping them realise their potential. This role is all about providing positive engagement, role-modelling and motivation for at-risk rangatahi, all the while demonstrating resilience, maturity, reliability and honesty.

We are 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 and 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, whānau, work and community-based programmes.

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 and you could be asked to work any day of the week from Monday to Sunday, including 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

It is important that you are motivated to engage in our way of being, so it is an advantage to have skills in tikanga & te reo Māori - however a strong motivation to learn restorative approaches is a great start. You will work within a collaborative and reflective workplace so need to be open minded and a team player who is committed to achieving Oranga Tamariki's vision, purpose, and values together.

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:

• Strong relationship-building skills and the ability to work effectively with rangatahi who may present behavioural issues
• Qualifications or studies in psychology, social sciences, social work, education, or a related field are advantageous but not essential. Equally important are relevant life experiences, resilience, and a genuine commitment to supporting young people.
• Knowledge of, or a strong willingness to learn, Tikanga Māori and Te Reo Māori
• An appropriate level of physical health & fitness to interact with rangatahi
• Valid right to work in New Zealand
• A full, clean New Zealand driver's license
• 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 by submitting your CV and Cover Letter. If you are an Oranga Tamariki employee already, please ensure you register or login using your work email address. For reporting and transparency, it is important that all applications are submitted through our careers site, please do not email through applications and/or CVs.

If you have any questions about the role, please conact info_recruit@ot.govt.nz

Applications Close: Wednesday 28th October 2026! Applications will be reviewed as they are received, and candidates may be contacted to interview before the job posting closes.

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.