Permanent Residential Youth Worker Epuni Lower Hutt

Permanent Residential Youth Worker Epuni Lower Hutt

Join to apply for the Permanent Residential Youth Worker Epuni Lower Hutt role at Oranga Tamariki—Ministry for Children.

Are you committed to supporting positive outcomes for Aotearoa New Zealand’s vulnerable tamariki and rangatahi?

We currently have an opportunity for full‑time Permanent Residential Youth Workers to join the Epuni, Te Awe, and Mary Crescent Care and Protection teams in the Hutt Valley. Applications may be reviewed while the advert is still open.

Mōp 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 are on a journey to ensure that happens. We are a leading social‑work practice that is child‑centred, trauma‑informed, and effective for all cultures. We are a Ministry committed to putting tamariki and rangatahi at the heart of everything we do and say.

Mōp te tšunga | About the role

Oranga Tamariki is 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. As part of a team, they provide daily care and support, helping our young people re‑engage with school or vocation, attend appointments, visit family, connect with peers, and manage themselves within the home.

This is not a 9 to 5 job – our rangatahi require wrap‑around support; therefore our Residential Youth Workers do rostered shifts 24‑hour, 7‑days per week, including weekends and public holidays.

Typical duties of the role

• Coaching rangatahi through our structured day and life necessities.
• Participating in activities with rangatahi.
• Supporting rangatahi with their studies and teaching life skills such as cooking, art, music, and cultural programmes, and mentoring them to make positive life choices.
• Establishing rapport with rangatahi who have experienced trauma and assisting with redirecting behaviour.

What you will bring

What’s in it for you

As a shift worker, annual remuneration starts between approximately $69,312 and $78,400 depending on experience, including allowances for shift work. Oranga Tamariki’s remuneration framework provides pay increases based on tenure.

We offer a vibrant and supportive team, significant training and professional development, and a genuine commitment to wellbeing. We welcome diversity and are committed to an inclusive and respectful workplace.

How to apply

Apply online with your CV and answers to our application questions, and include your work availability. If you are an Oranga Tamariki employee, use your Oranga Tamariki email address. For questions, contact

Applications close midnight 7th December 2025.

If you are interested in this vacancy, please familiarize yourself with our code of conduct, which sets out our expectations for our kaimahi and requires you to present at work free from the influences of both drugs and alcohol.

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