Do you thrive on variety and meaningful work? Are you passionate about supporting rangatahi with complex needs to build safer, more positive futures? This could be the role for you!
We are looking for a suitably qualified and/or experienced, culturally responsive youth worker for a residential home in Wellington.
The home supports up to five male rangatahi aged 12-17 years with high and complex needs, including trauma histories and challenges behaviours.
Our safe, supportive, and therapeutic environment equips these young individuals with essential life skills as they prepare to transition back to their whanau, caregivers, or independence.
This casual role will be for shifts as and when required - could be sleepover, day and/or weekend.
Role & Responsibilities
As a Residential Youth Worker, you will:
- Engage with and support rangatahi during rostered shifts using a trauma-responsive, strengths-based approach.
- Support rangatahi to develop pro-social behaviours, emotional regulation and life skills.
- Respond safely and professionally to challenging behaviour, including situations involving risk or harmful behaviour, in line with organisational policy.
- Contribute to a safe, respectful and professional team environment, including accurate documentations and handovers.
- Work collaboratively with colleagues, social workers, schools, and external providers.
- Maintain clear professional boundaries and uphold the safety and dignity of all rangatahi in care.
Skills & Experience
You will bring:
- A strong belief that all rangatahi deserve the opportunity to grow learn and thrive.
- Experience working with rangatahi with high and complex needs, including trauma and challenging behaviour.
- A culturally responsive practice, with an understanding of Te Ao Māori is desirable
- The ability to remain calm, reflective and resilient in high-pressure situations.
- Knowledge of Kaupapa Māori and/or Whānau Ora approach is desirable
- A current full NZ driver’s license is required, and
- A current First Aid Certificate is desirable.
This role can be challenging and rewarding. You will need resilience and a genuine passion for youth work. In return, we offer:
- A comprehensive induction programme
- Ongoing training and professional development, including trauma-informed practice
- Regular supervision and peer support
- A supportive team culture focused on learning and reflection
Embody Our Values
- Kotahitanga (Unity): Cultivate a sense of belonging through meaningful relationships with rangatahi, colleagues, and the wider community
- Mahi Tōtika (Excellence): Demonstrate unwavering integrity and purpose in all aspects of your work, striving for the highest standards of care
- Kaikōkiritanga (Innovation): Drive positive change with creativity, constantly seeking new and effective ways to support rangatahi
- Āta Whakarongo (Active Listening): Let rangatahi voices shape your approach, ensuring their perspectives are central to decision-making
- Māiatanga (Empowerment): Nurture growth and unlock potential in both rangatahi and colleagues, fostering a culture of continuous learning and development
About Barnardos Aotearoa
Barnardos Aotearoa is a children’s charity working with tamariki and whānau to ensure every child in Aotearoa has the opportunity to thrive, no matter their circumstances. Our unique combination of social services, early learning, care services and counselling helpline provides the broadest range of child and whānau-centred services in Aotearoa.
Each year, we work with more than 30,000 tamariki, rangatahi and whānau across the country.
Apply Now
For a copy of the position description, please email [email protected] and quote ID: 1695166