Kaihapai Taiohi Youth Worker

The Opportunity

Are you passionate about making a difference in the lives of young people? We're looking for a dynamic , proactive , and practice-focussed professional to join our team. In this role, you'll build meaningful one-on-one relationships with taiohi, supporting their personal growth, wellbeing, and aspirations. You'll also deliver engaging group programmes that spark creativity, build resilience, and foster a sense of belonging.

Whether it's mentoring through life’s challenges or creating safe spaces for taiohi to thrive, you’ll be at the heart of inspiring the next generation. If you’re ready to bring energy, compassion, and a whole lot of heart—this is your chance to be part of something truly impactful.

Ideal Person Specifications :

• A relevant qualification e.g., social work, youth work, health, teaching or human services
• exceptions may be made for people with significant relevant experience.
• Demonstrates experience working with taiohi (and / or whānau) to achieve positive outcomes
• Knowledge of and confidence communicating with relevant community networks and employers
• Ability to be objective, personable, and hold space and empathy for those we work with, regardless of decisions they have made.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, in a variety of settings, i.e., whanau homes, meetings, and professional consults.
• Knowledge of the effects of trauma on social and emotional development and resilience
• A working knowledge of Child Protection and the Vulnerable Children Act (2014)

The ideal candidate will also demonstrate the following :

If you are looking for a challenging yet rewarding position supporting the Y Central South Island to service the needs of taiohi in the South Canterbury District, we want to hear from you!

Email your CV and cover letter to : Jessica Thomas, Senior Manager Youth and Community Development, (emailprotected)

A position description may be requested from the same email.

Applications will be reviewed as they come in and interviews may commence prior to the close date.

About The Central South Island

Evolving to meet community need since 1917 in South and Mid Canterbury and now North Otago, The Y provides a wide range of programmes and services across three core streams :

Education & Training

Driving & Employment Pathways, Wellbeing & Youth Work

Youth & Community Development

Check out our website ( to see what our mahi is all about.

The Y Central South Island is committed to child protection and the safeguarding of children and young people in our care, and it is our expectation that all staff will operate in a way that reflects this intent. Appointment to a role with the Y will be subject to a satisfactory Police and CYRAS Check. Of equal importance, diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace are central to our mahi. Our bicultural plan guides our commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi.

Application notes

The following questions may be included in your application : Do you have the right to work in New Zealand? Do you have a current New Zealand driver's licence?

To help fast track investigation, please include here any other relevant details that prompted you to report this job ad as fraudulent / misleading / discriminatory / salary below minimum wage.

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