Casual Resource Workers - Christchurch

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• Based in Christchurch (supporting care arrangements across the wider region)
• Casual Worker vacancies (hours are not guaranteed)
• Hourly rate: $26.00 per hour
• Flexible, casual opportunities providing care and support for tamariki and rangatahi
• Make a difference where it matters most

At Oranga Tamariki, we are committed to ensuring every child and young person feels safe, valued, heard, and supported. We are seeking compassionate, reliable, and resilient people to join our team of Casual Resource Workers, providing direct care and support to tamariki and rangatahi when they need it most.

About the role | Mō te tūnga

This role is focused on providing direct care and support to tamariki and rangatahi who require safe and nurturing care arrangements. Care may be required at short notice and in a variety of settings, including emergency placements, interim care arrangements, community-based accommodation, motels, Oranga Tamariki homes, and other temporary living environments. These arrangements may range from a single shift to several days or weeks, depending on the needs of the young person. Opportunities may include longer block assignments or consecutive shifts; however, Resource Workers are employed on a casual basis and retain flexibility to determine their availability and accept work that suits their circumstances.

This role is focused on providing direct care and support to tamariki and rangatahi who require safe and nurturing care arrangements. Care may be required at short notice and in a variety of settings, including emergency placements, interim care arrangements, community-based accommodation, motels, homes, and other temporary living environments.

Whether it is supporting a young person for a single shift, several days, or a longer period, you will play an important role in helping create stability, safety, and positive connections during times of uncertainty.

Training, coaching, and ongoing support will be provided to help you develop the skills and confidence needed to work alongside tamariki and rangatahi with a range of needs and experiences.

The mahi you do will vary depending on the needs of the young person but may include:

• Providing safe, caring, day-to-day support for tamariki and rangatahi in temporary care arrangements.
• Building positive, trusting relationships that help young people feel safe, valued, and heard.
• Supporting routines, including meals, education, recreation, appointments, and daily living activities.
• Providing supervision and care during evenings, weekends, school holidays, and overnight shifts as required.
• Supporting tamariki and rangatahi to engage in activities, maintain connections, and achieve positive outcomes.
• Helping young people develop independence, resilience, and life skills.
• Transporting tamariki and rangatahi to school, appointments, activities, respite placements, and whānau commitments.
• Supervising contact visits with parents, whānau, and siblings, and completing observational reports where required.
• Working alongside Social Workers and other professionals to support the wellbeing of tamariki and rangatahi.
• Responding flexibly to changing care needs, including short-notice requests for support.

What you will bring | Ngā pūmanawatanga ōu

We're looking for people who genuinely enjoy working alongside young people and can provide calm, consistent, and compassionate support.

You'll bring:

• Experience caring for, supporting, mentoring, or working alongside tamariki and rangatahi, particularly those with complex needs, is desirable
• Patience, empathy, and the ability to see beyond challenging behaviours.
• The ability to build positive relationships and establish trust with young people from diverse backgrounds.
• An understanding of trauma-informed practice and confidence supporting tamariki and rangatahi who may have experienced trauma or have complex needs.
• Experience working with behavioural, developmental, or neurodiverse needs, including Autism, ADHD, and FASD, would be advantageous.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to write accurate and meaningful reports.
• Flexibility to work a variety of shifts, including weekends, evenings, public holidays, and overnight stays.
• The ability to remain calm, professional, and resilient when working in challenging situations.
• A high level of integrity and professionalism, and the ability to work effectively as part of a wider care team.
• An understanding and appreciation of cultural identities and needs, particularly tikanga Māori and Pacific cultures.
• The legal right to work in New Zealand and a current full New Zealand driver's licence.

What's in it for you? | Nōu te rourou

• Meaningful work that positively impacts the lives of tamariki and rangatahi.
• Comprehensive training and ongoing development opportunities.
• A supportive team environment with experienced colleagues.
• Opportunities to build skills and experience working with young people and families.
• The chance to contribute to safe, caring, and positive outcomes for tamariki and rangatahi across your community.

How to Apply | Me pēhea te tuku tono

If you are passionate about supporting vulnerable tamariki and rangatahi and want to make a meaningful difference, we would love to hear from you.

Please apply online with your CV and cover letter. If you are already employed by Oranga Tamariki, please register or log in using your work email address.

Only online applications will be accepted.

If you have any queries, please contact: info_recruit@ot.govt.nz

Applications close: Friday 23 October 2026

We will be reviewing applications and interviewing suitable candidates as they are received, so we encourage you to apply early.

As part of your application, please ensure you familiarise yourself with the Oranga Tamariki Code of Conduct, which outlines our expectations of kaimahi, including the requirement to present fit for work and free from the influence of drugs and alcohol.