Job Description
Join the team at our Te Maioha o Parekarangi Youth Justice Residence as a Casual Residential Youth Worker and take pride in knowing that the work you do every day makes a real difference to the lives of our tamariki.
Mo m tou | 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's 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. However, 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 rangatahi and staff on site, however, we are committed to ensuring that the time rangatahi spend in our residences will improve their prospects for the future. Our Residential Youth Workers are there to keep our rangatahi safe, but they're also mentors, role models and coaches.
We offer a variety of interesting, educational, and fun activity programmes for our young people while they stay with us. A few examples of the activities we offer might include cooking classes, gaming and sports tournaments, vocational and cultural demonstrations, and lessons with leaders from the local community and much more!
Oranga Tamariki-Ministry for Children has a commitment to putting tamariki and rangatahi at the heart of what we do. In our work, we aim to demonstrate these values:
We put Tamariki first
We believe Aroha is vital
We respect the Mana of people
We are Tika and Pono
We value Whakapapa
We recognise that Oranga is a journey
We are committed to ensuring that New Zealand is the best place in the world to be a child. We are also committed to ensuring Oranga Tamariki partners with hapu, iwi and M ori organisations to find appropriate solutions for tamariki in need.
Mo te tunga | About the role:
Our Residential Youth Workers enrich the lives of our rangatahi and maximise learning opportunities and engagement with positive role models. They work alongside our partners to build high-trust relationships and help tamariki develop the skills, behaviours, and attitude they will need to meaningfully contribute to their wh nau and their community. They understand that the causes of offending are complex, and that successfully dealing with young offenders demands action beyond punitive measures.
Guiding behavioural change is a massive task and means our kaimahi have many responsibilities, including:
Ensuring that a safe and secure environment is maintained for the benefit of the rangatahi, staff and the community
Supporting young offenders in their personal growth and rehabilitation with a focus on health, education, training and employment
Working with rangatahi to help them build and strengthen relationships with their wh nau and communities and encouraging them to act on referrals to services
As a Casual, you will be required to cover the shifts of our Residential Youth Workers. This is not a * to 5 job - the successful candidate would be required to provide cover as and when required to support our permanent Residential Youth Workers staff and you could be asked to work any day of the week from Monday to Sunday, including Public Holidays.
Ng pumanawatanga ou | What you will bring:
We value our kaimahi and the wide range of skills and experiences they have. We want to hear from you if you have:
The ability to build positive relationships with a wide range of people whether it be through your experience in customer service, coaching, engaging in your community or experience working with rangatahi in positive and proactive ways.
Studied psychology, social sciences, social work, sports, arts or teaching and you want to bring those learnings to life in meaningful way by applying your skills to rangatahi in need of your help every day (beneficial but not required). Life learnings are equally important and we value the life experience of our staff bring to this practical and challenging role.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to work with others and contribute to a supportive and inclusive team.
Knowledge of Tikanga M ori and Te Reo M ori is an advantage - Oranga Tamariki is committed to developing these important capabilities.
Willingness and ability to cover rostered shifts across mornings, evenings, weekends and public holidays.
An appropriate level of physical fitness that will allow you to safely support and interact with rangatahi.
The valid right to work in New Zealand is essential.
A full and clean New Zealand drivers licence.
Meet the background check critieria under the Children's Act 2014, including a police convictions check where the Clean Slate does NOT apply.
Nou te rourou | What's in it for you:
This position pays $26.00 per hour + 8% holiday pay on hours worked. There is a variety of shifts available as residences operate 24/7.
We offer training and professional development so that you can thrive and grow, including a 3-week, full time (9am to 5pm) paid, training induction programme that will set you up for success. We welcome diversity and are committed to working in an inclusive and respectful way. This is your opportunity to apply your skills and experience to the wellbeing of tamariki and rangatahi.
Me pehea te tuku tono | How to Apply:
Apply online with your CV and and answers to our application questions. If you are an Oranga Tamariki employee already, please ensure you apply with your Oranga Tamariki email address. If you have any questions about role, please contact Info_recruit@ot.govt.nz
Applications close: 8 May 2026! Applications will be reviewed when received and we will be contacting successful applicants to interview before the close date of this role
If you are interested in any of our vacancies, please ensure that you make yourself familiar with our code of conduct as it sets out our expec ations for our kaimahi and requires you to present at work free from the influences of both drugs and alcohol.
Mo m tou | 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's 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. However, 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 rangatahi and staff on site, however, we are committed to ensuring that the time rangatahi spend in our residences will improve their prospects for the future. Our Residential Youth Workers are there to keep our rangatahi safe, but they're also mentors, role models and coaches.
We offer a variety of interesting, educational, and fun activity programmes for our young people while they stay with us. A few examples of the activities we offer might include cooking classes, gaming and sports tournaments, vocational and cultural demonstrations, and lessons with leaders from the local community and much more!
Oranga Tamariki-Ministry for Children has a commitment to putting tamariki and rangatahi at the heart of what we do. In our work, we aim to demonstrate these values:
We put Tamariki first
We believe Aroha is vital
We respect the Mana of people
We are Tika and Pono
We value Whakapapa
We recognise that Oranga is a journey
We are committed to ensuring that New Zealand is the best place in the world to be a child. We are also committed to ensuring Oranga Tamariki partners with hapu, iwi and M ori organisations to find appropriate solutions for tamariki in need.
Mo te tunga | About the role:
Our Residential Youth Workers enrich the lives of our rangatahi and maximise learning opportunities and engagement with positive role models. They work alongside our partners to build high-trust relationships and help tamariki develop the skills, behaviours, and attitude they will need to meaningfully contribute to their wh nau and their community. They understand that the causes of offending are complex, and that successfully dealing with young offenders demands action beyond punitive measures.
Guiding behavioural change is a massive task and means our kaimahi have many responsibilities, including:
Ensuring that a safe and secure environment is maintained for the benefit of the rangatahi, staff and the community
Supporting young offenders in their personal growth and rehabilitation with a focus on health, education, training and employment
Working with rangatahi to help them build and strengthen relationships with their wh nau and communities and encouraging them to act on referrals to services
As a Casual, you will be required to cover the shifts of our Residential Youth Workers. This is not a * to 5 job - the successful candidate would be required to provide cover as and when required to support our permanent Residential Youth Workers staff and you could be asked to work any day of the week from Monday to Sunday, including Public Holidays.
Ng pumanawatanga ou | What you will bring:
We value our kaimahi and the wide range of skills and experiences they have. We want to hear from you if you have:
The ability to build positive relationships with a wide range of people whether it be through your experience in customer service, coaching, engaging in your community or experience working with rangatahi in positive and proactive ways.
Studied psychology, social sciences, social work, sports, arts or teaching and you want to bring those learnings to life in meaningful way by applying your skills to rangatahi in need of your help every day (beneficial but not required). Life learnings are equally important and we value the life experience of our staff bring to this practical and challenging role.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to work with others and contribute to a supportive and inclusive team.
Knowledge of Tikanga M ori and Te Reo M ori is an advantage - Oranga Tamariki is committed to developing these important capabilities.
Willingness and ability to cover rostered shifts across mornings, evenings, weekends and public holidays.
An appropriate level of physical fitness that will allow you to safely support and interact with rangatahi.
The valid right to work in New Zealand is essential.
A full and clean New Zealand drivers licence.
Meet the background check critieria under the Children's Act 2014, including a police convictions check where the Clean Slate does NOT apply.
Nou te rourou | What's in it for you:
This position pays $26.00 per hour + 8% holiday pay on hours worked. There is a variety of shifts available as residences operate 24/7.
We offer training and professional development so that you can thrive and grow, including a 3-week, full time (9am to 5pm) paid, training induction programme that will set you up for success. We welcome diversity and are committed to working in an inclusive and respectful way. This is your opportunity to apply your skills and experience to the wellbeing of tamariki and rangatahi.
Me pehea te tuku tono | How to Apply:
Apply online with your CV and and answers to our application questions. If you are an Oranga Tamariki employee already, please ensure you apply with your Oranga Tamariki email address. If you have any questions about role, please contact Info_recruit@ot.govt.nz
Applications close: 8 May 2026! Applications will be reviewed when received and we will be contacting successful applicants to interview before the close date of this role
If you are interested in any of our vacancies, please ensure that you make yourself familiar with our code of conduct as it sets out our expec ations for our kaimahi and requires you to present at work free from the influences of both drugs and alcohol.
💡 Quick Summary
Seeking a career-building opportunity? The Casual Residential Youth Workers Te Maioha o Parekarangi, Rotorua position is now open for candidates interested in the Back Office Jobs sector. This role in Rotorua offers a professional environment and growth potential.
Requirement Snapshot: Candidates should possess basic communication skills, a proactive attitude, and the ability to work in a team. Experience in Back Office Jobs is a plus.
