Casual Youth Workers - Hillcrest Home, Hamilton

Passionate casual Youth Justice Workers needed to provide support for rangatahi in Hamilton!

Mō mātou | About us:

Hillcrest Home is a purpose-built, non-secure facility located in a residential Hamilton suburb. Hillcrest Home provides a safe and therapeutic home-like environment for rangatahi (young people) aged 14 to 17 years old 24/7 who are involved in the New Zealand Youth Justice system. Using a therapeutic approach underpinned by Matauranga Māori and cognitive behavioural therapy, we aim to provide the highest level of care for rangatahi.

Oranga Tamariki—Ministry for Children has a commitment to putting tamariki and rangatahi at the heart of what we do. In our work, we aim to demonstrate these values:

• We put Tamariki first
• We believe Aroha is vital
• We respect the Mana of people
• We are Tika and Pono
• We value Whakapapa
• We recognise that Oranga is a journey

We are committed to ensuring that New Zealand is the best place in the world to be a child. We are also committed to ensuring Oranga Tamariki partners with hapū, iwi and Māori organisations to find appropriate solutions for tamariki in need.

Mō te tūnga | About the role

We are looking for positive role models to work with our young people, helping them turn their lives around. To help them achieve this, our casual Care (Youth) Workers, as part of a team, 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 Care (Youth) Worker you will be required to cover the shifts for our permanent Care Workers. This is not a 9 to 5 job - our rangatahi require wrap around support from us which is why our Care Workers do rostered shifts as we provide 24-hour, 7-days per week care (including weekends and 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

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. Life learnings are equally important and we value the life experience 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 is an advantage - Oranga Tamariki is committed to developing our kaimahi to develop this important capability.
• Willingness and ability to work across a variety of shifts
• An appropriate level of physical fitness that will allow you to safely support and interact with rangatahi
• Meet the Children's Act safety checking and our vetting requirements
• A full, clean New Zealand drivers license and the right to work in New Zealand are mandatory for this role

Nōu te rourou | What's in it for you:

This position pays $26.00 per hour + 8% holiday pay on hours worked. There are a variety of shifts available as Hillcrest Home operates 24/7, 365 days a year.

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

Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to Apply:

Apply online with your CV and answers to our application questions. If you are an Oranga Tamariki kaimahi, 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 contact

Applications close at midnight on Tuesday 10th Novemver 2026 ! Applications will be reviewed as received and candidates may be invited to interview before the advertisement closes, so apply now!

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.