ABOUT START TARANAKI
START Taranaki is a community-based youth justice organisation committed to empowering rangatahi through meaningful mentoring, early intervention, and pro-social support. We work alongside young people, whānau and communities to build positive futures grounded in respect, connection and accountability.
POSITION SUMMARY
We are seeking a passionate and committed Community Youth Mentor – Early Intervention to join our team on a full-time basis from January 2027. This role provides intensive mentoring support to at-risk rangatahi engaged in our START Early program.
This is a 40-hour a week role with occasional weekend work. There are 1-2 short ‘wilderness’ camps per year which you may be required to participate in. You will be given adequate notice if you are required to attend.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Provide one-on-one and group mentoring support to at-risk rangatahi.
Build strong, positive relationships and model pro-social behaviours.
Support behaviour management, crisis intervention and life skills development.
Assist rangatahi to build independence across physical, social, emotional and daily living skills.
Contribute to individualised service plans alongside the wider team.
Provide transportation for rangatahi and whānau where required.
Attend meetings with rangatahi, whānau and external agencies (school, court, health services).
Complete accurate reports, documentation, handovers and incident reporting.
Participate in team meetings, supervision, training and debriefs.
Adhere to all START Taranaki policies, procedures, and health and safety requirements.
At times, you may be required to offer mentoring to Wahine on our START Early program.
Please note: This role requires flexible hours, occasional overnight stays, and may occasionally include work in remote settings with limited cellphone reception.
QUALIFICATIONS & ATTRIBUTES
Commitment to supporting rangatahi and START Taranaki’s mission.
Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills.
Flexible, dependable and able to contribute positively to team culture.
Understanding of challenges facing young people and local communities.
Computer literacy and organisational skills.
Full NZ Driver’s Licence or working towards one.
An understanding of Tiriti O’Waitangi or a willingness to learn.
Experience working with rangatahi is preferred, but not essential for the right candidate.
WHY WORK WITH US?
START Taranaki offers a supportive team environment, ongoing professional development, and the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of young people and their whānau.
Employee Benefits
Flexibility of lifestyle: we aim to ensure that employees receive adequate downtime and balance. The mahi we do is high intensity and extremely rewarding, but without a good work/life balance it is easy to burn out.
Free gym membership: We have recently built a brand new gym and employees are permitted to have free access to these facilities to help support mindfulness and wellbeing.
End of year break: Each year we shut down for a 4-5-week period so employees can spend time reconnecting with friends and whanau before the next bust year ahead!
Training opportunities: START Taranaki pride ourselves on our desire to work collaboratively with different artists and professional agencies to bring a wide range of training opportunities and workshops for employees.
START Taranaki is a drug free workplace and you will be required to undertake pre-employment drug testing. Other requirements are a Police Vetting and Oranga Tamariki check, please note, an applicant must pass these before being able to start work.