Casual Residential Youth Worker - Epuni/Te Awe at Oranga Tamariki—Ministry for Children, Wellington

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

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

We currently have an opportunity for Casual Residential Youth Workers to join the Epuni and Te Awe teams in Lower Hutt. 

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  
 
Epuni Care and Te Awe are on the brink of a major transformation. We're launching a new, robust therapeutic and rangatahi-centric residential care model. This program is the result of intense, dedicated work aimed at enhancing the experiences of rangatahi and our staff. 

  
Our mission is to significantly improve the lives of rangatahi placed in our care and improve their outcomes. This overhaul will enhance the quality of care, improve staff training rosters, upgrade resources, and create clear career advancement paths for our kaimahi and create a new way forward for care in New Zealand.  

 
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. To help them achieve this, our Residential 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 Residential Youth Worker you will be required to cover the shifts of our Residential Youth Workers. This is not a 9 to 5 job - our rangatahi require wrap around support from us which is why our Residential Youth 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 

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. 

Our team is dedicated to ensuring the time rangatahi spend at Epuni is transformative, meeting their needs and improving their future prospects. This role offers you the chance to be actively involved in the daily operations of the residence, working directly with rangatahi to understand their unique needs and help them succeed. 

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. Join us at Epuni Care and make a tangible difference in the lives of 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: 

• High quality skills to work with rangatahi who may have behavioural issues. 
• Studies or qualifications in psychology, social sciences, social work, education (not required but are beneficial) 
• Knowledge or high motivation to learn Tikanga and Te Reo Māori
• Ability to operate within a reflective practice environment
• Available to work a roster that covers mornings, evenings, nights, weekends, and public holidays
• Willingness to support both Epuni and Te Awe sites in Lower Hutt
• An appropriate level of physical health & fitness to interact with rangatahi 
• Right to work in New Zealand
• 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 with your CV and Covering Letter, please include in your application your work availability. 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: 21 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 expectations for our kaimahi and requires you to present at work free from the influences of both drugs and alcohol.