Residential Youth Worker - Puketai

We currently have a Permanent Residential Youth Worker position available at Puketai – Care and Protection Residence, based in Andersons Bay, Dunedin.

Oranga Tamariki—Ministry for Children is committed to putting tamariki and rangatahi at the heart of everything we do. Puketai Care and Protection Residence provides 24-hour care for up to eight tamariki and rangatahi aged 8-17, within a safe, supportive, and structured environment.

Our residence focuses on rehabilitation, education, and trauma-informed care, supporting positive and long-term outcomes for young people. We work alongside rangatahi to strengthen life skills, wellbeing, and connections, helping them reintegrate into their communities with confidence and resilience.

About the role | mō te tūnga

Our Residential Youth Workers play a vital role in the everyday lives of the young people in our care. You will provide care, guidance, and encouragement, helping rangatahi make positive choices and supporting them to build a better future

In this role, you will:

• Coach and support rangatahi through a structured daily routine
• Deliver innovative programmes including education, therapeutic interventions, and life and social skills development
• Participate in physical activities such as sports and gym sessions alongside young people
• Support learning and study, and teach practical life skills such as cooking, art, music, and cultural programmes
• Mentor rangatahi to build confidence, resilience, and positive decision-making skills
• Build strong, respectful relationships based on trust and consistency

About you | Mōu

This role may suit someone who brings life experience, emotional maturity, and confidence, and who is comfortable working in a dynamic, physically active environment with young people who need strong, consistent role modelling.

You'll be someone who:

• Has experience working with rangatahi (professional, cultural, voluntary, or lived)
• Demonstrates resilience, empathy, and sound judgement
• Has strong communication and relationship-building skills
• Has the flexibility to work rostered shifts (including weekends and public holidays)
• Holds a full, clean NZ driver's licence and has the right to work in New Zealand
• Has an understanding of tikanga Māori and te reo Māori

We welcome applications from people with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives, as we know this strengthens our team and better reflects the communities we serve.

What's in it for you | Nōu te rourou

We offer a remuneration package that starts between approximately $57,760 and $65,334 (depending on your experience). On top of this, we also apply a 20% allowance to your base remuneration for working shifts/a roster pattern. The 20% allowance is applied once you have completed your initial induction and are placed onto a rotating roster that covers days, evenings and weekends. Base remuneration plus the 20% allowance works out to be between $69,312 and $78,400 (depending on your experience). Additionally, Oranga Tamariki has a remuneration framework that offers step-based annual increases based on your tenure.

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 Cover letter. If you are an Oranga Tamariki employee already, please ensure you apply while logged in using your Oranga Tamariki email address. If you have any questions about the role, please contact

Hurry as applications for this role close: Midnight on Tuesday 3rd November. Applications may be reviewed as they are received, and shortlisted candidates may be contacted before the closing date.

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.