Residential Youth Worker - Te Maioha o Parekarangi

Residential Youth Worker - Te Maioha o Parekarangi

Location : Oranga Tamariki—Ministry for Children

About Us

Te Maioha o Parekarangi Youth Justice Residence, just outside Rotorua, provides a safe, secure and supportive environment where rangatahi (young people) who have offended can make changes and get their lives back on track. It is a place where 13‑17‑year‑olds accused of an offence stay to await court proceedings or serve a sentence. This means they are not free to leave. A residence is not a prison, and our Residential Youth Workers are not prison guards.

At all times we prioritise the safety and security of our tamariki and staff on site, while ensuring that the time tamariki spend in our residences improves their prospects for the future. Our Residential Youth Workers keep our tamariki safe, and they are also mentors, role models and coaches.

About the Role

Our Residential Youth Workers enrich the lives of our tamariki and maximise learning opportunities and engagement with positive role models. They work alongside partners to build high‑trust relationships and help tamariki develop the skills, behaviours, and attitudes they will need to contribute meaningfully to whānau and community. They understand that the causes of offending are complex and that successfully dealing with young offenders demands action beyond simple punitive measures. Ultimately, Residential Youth Workers are responsible for keeping the rangatahi and their team safe.

We offer a variety of interesting, educational, and fun activity programmes for our young people while they stay with us. Examples include cooking classes, gaming and sports tournaments, vocational and cultural demonstrations, and lessons with leaders from the local community.

What You Will Bring

Our Residential Youth Workers come with a broad array of experiences and perspectives. The most important characteristic is a determination to be there for our tamariki. To succeed in this role you need to listen without judgement, build trust and respect, and be able to :

• Work a full‑time roster that covers mornings, evenings, weekends, and public holidays.
• Be physically able to play sports and interact with rangatahi safely.
• Meet our background‑checking criteria under the Childrens Act 2014, including a police check where the Clean Slate does NOT apply.
• Show reliable and consistent work attendance; our tamariki count on a consistent routine and familiar faces.
• Present at work free from the influences of drugs and alcohol.
• Hold a clean New Zealand driver’s licence; a full and restricted licence is preferred as the role requires transporting rangatahi.
• Have the right to work 40 hours a week in New Zealand.

Knowledge of Tikanga and Te Reo Māori is an advantage. Oranga Tamariki is committed to developing our kaimahi in this capability. Our best Youth Workers share their interests, culture, experiences, and values with tamariki and serve as consistent role models.

What’s in It for You

We aim for the successful candidates to start on 2 February 2026 . If you join our team, you will receive a remuneration and benefits package that includes :

The base remuneration starts between approximately $57,760 and $65,334, depending on experience. After completing induction and being placed on a rotating roster, the 20% allowance brings the total to between $64,766 and $78,400.

Remuneration also includes step‑based annual increases based on tenure.

How to Apply

Apply online with your CV and answers to our application questions in lieu of a cover letter. If you are an Oranga Tamariki employee already, please log in using your Oranga Tamariki email address. For questions about the role, contact the recruitment team.

Applications close : 9 December 2025! Applications will be reviewed as received and we will contact candidates before the close date.

Those interested in our vacancies should be familiar with our code of conduct, which sets out expectations for our kaimahi and requires present at work free from the influence of drugs and alcohol.

Seniority Level

Entry level

Employment Type

Full‑time

Job Function

Other and Health Care Provider

Industries

Government Administration

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