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Join us as a residential youth worker and work with young people in the youth justice system.

Be part of a supportive team that create a space where rangatahi build skills, confidence and take their next steps.

What residential youth workers do

Residential youth workers are mentors, role models and supervisors, working directly with rangatahi up to 19 years old in secure Youth Justice residences.

This is an active, shift-based role where you will:

  • maintain safety and supervision at all times
  • follow procedures and respond to incidents when required
  • build professional relationships with rangatahi
  • support structured routines, behavioural expectations and daily living.

What youth workers do

Hear what it's like to be a youth worker from from Kaiwhakaue Sean

Transcript

Kaiwhakaue Sean:

For a lot of our rangitaiki that come into care to them, social norms look a little bit different and that's just from learned behaviours, environment, all those sort of things.

But I think the main purpose of working in this space is realising you can't change the world every single day.

It's about just role modelling more pro-social behaviours and young people are like sponges.

Residences run 24/7 all year round.

Permanent roles are shift-based across all 7 days. Hours vary by residence. Casual roles are also available.

Build skills and confidence

A key part of the role is delivering and supporting programmes that help rangatahi build practical skills, confidence and positive behaviours. This includes leading activities such as:

  • sport and physical training
  • cooking and independent living skills
  • education support and learning activities
  • vocational and cultural development
  • music, arts and recreation.

Where you’ll work

Positions are available across our Youth Justice residences in Auckland, Rotorua, Palmerston North and Christchurch.

Apply now

How we support you

You will be set up for success from day one.

You will complete a structured 5-week induction programme, combining on-the-job learning with classroom-based training.

You will also have access to ongoing paid training and development, including opportunities to strengthen your practice and grow your career.

We want social workers 1

What we're looking for

Hear about the impact of Māori cultural experiences in our residences

Transcript

Kaiwhakaue Russ:

Rangatahi they have this hunger to consume Māori content.

So you know they're really mischief and loud and boisterous teenage boys in rōpū but if you sit down and you're telling them something about them that's inside them then they'll you can see them just switch and tune in and try and absorb as much as that as possible.

Because, unfortunately, the majority of these young people don't come from backgrounds where just that simple things that, you know, I took for granted growing up, yeah.

 

[Voice off-camera]:

Do you want me to stop recording?

 

Kaiwhakaue Russ:

Yeah bro.

One of our koro from our auahau, koro Mita Mohi, his whakatauki was, 'Ko au ko koe, ko koe ko au.'

So, 'I am you and you are me'. You know we are one so the whakaaro, the thinking behind it is, you know, you treat people how you like to be treated and if they can, if they can take that away and out there into the community, then I'll be, I'm a happy man.

What we're looking for

Our residential youth workers come from all kinds of backgrounds. What matters most is that you can:

  • stay calm, confident and professional in challenging situations
  • follow processes and safety procedures consistently
  • communicate clearly and respectfully with rangatahi
  • build positive relationships while maintaining strong boundaries
  • actively engage rangatahi in structured activities and programmes
  • work as part of a tight-knit team in a structured environment

We are particularly interested in people who can bring skills or interests they can share with rangatahi, such as sport, fitness, creative arts, trades or life skills.

What you need to apply

To be a residential youth worker, you need to be:

  • physically fit and able to safely engage in activities with rangatahi
  • willing to work a roster covering mornings, evenings, weekends and public holidays
  • able to pass core children’s worker safety checking requirements, including police vetting.
  • confident in facilitating activities with rangatahi and encouraging them to participate in activities.
We want social workers 2

Apply now

If this sounds like you, we’d love to hear from you.

Apply now

Published: July 2, 2026