Permanent Residential Youth Worker Epuni Lower Hutt

Epuni Care and Protection Residence in Lower Hutt, Wellington is looking for permanent, full-time Residential Youth Worker to be involved in the daily lives of at-risk rangatahi.

Mo m tou | About us:

Our tamariki and rangatahi deserve to feel safe, have their voices heard, and be surrounded by loving wh nau. 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.

Mo te tunga | About the role:

Our Residential Youth Workers have an important role to play. They provide care and support to the young people in our care and encourage and motivate them to make positive choices. This is a permanent opportunity to positively influence young people, help them grow and successfully transition back into the community. Epuni is a secure facility that provides a safe and structured residence for rangatahi in Care and Protection.

We are particularly interested in candidates who have the skills, experience and confidence to support kotiro and young w hine in care, helping them to keep safe, develop confidence, strengthen their sense of identity, and achieve their potential.

This is not a 9 to 5 job, our young people require wrap around support from us which is why our Residential Youth Workers do rostered shifts as the facility provides 24-hours, 7-days per week coverage (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 young people by playing sports and taking part in gym activities.

Supporting our rangatahi by helping them with their studies, teaching them life skills such as cooking, art, music and cultural programmes as well as mentoring them to make positive life choices.

Establishing and building rapport with rangatahi who have experienced trauma and assist with redirecting behaviour.

Ng pumanawatanga ou | What you will bring:

Experience working with rangatahi and tamariki

A tertiary education within psychology, social sciences, social work, sports, music, arts or teaching would be an advantage (but isn't required). Relevant life experiences and understanding of what rangatahi may be going through are equally important.

Resilience, initiative and a proactive approach with a positive outlook

Empathy, patience and ability to see past what someone may be struggling with

Sound judgement with the ability to manage risk and make tough decisions

Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to adapt to your audience

Understanding and confidence in tikanga M ori and te reo M ori

Physically fit to keep up with rangatahi in activities and daily life routines

Meet the Children's Act safety checking and our vetting requirements (please note that Clean Slate does not apply)

A full, clean New Zealand drivers license

Flexibility to work different shifts - mornings, evenings, weekends and public holidays

Nou te rourou | What's in it for you:

As a shift worker, annual remuneration that starts between approximately $69,312 to 78,400 (depending on your experience) this includes allowances for working shifts. Oranga Tamariki has a remuneration framework gives pay increases based on tenure (time in the job). We provide 3 weeks of paid training to best prepare youth workers to succeed.

We offer a vibrant and supportive team, with a genuine commitment to wellbeing. We offer significant 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 pehea te tuku tono | How to Apply

Apply online with your CV and and answers to our application questions in lieu of a cover letter. 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 on 7th August 2026! Applications will be reviewed and successful candidates may be invited to an interview prior to this advert closing

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.