Job Description
Are you passionate in making a real and positive difference to New Zealand's tamariki and rangatahi?
We currently have an opportunity for a Permanent Residential Youth Worker to join our Christchurch/Canterbury Care and Protection Group Homes.
Mo m tou | About us:
Our tamariki and rangatahi deserve to feel safe, have their voices heard, and be surrounded by loving wh nau. At Oranga Tamariki-Ministry for Children, we're on a journey to ensure that it happens. We are a leading social work practice that is child-centered, trauma-informed, and effective for all cultures. We are a Ministry with a commitment to putting tamariki and rangatahi at the heart of everything we do and say.
Mo te tunga | About the role:
We are looking for positive role models to work with our young people, helping them turn their lives around. To help them achieve this, our Residential Youth Workers, as part of a team, provide daily care and support. They get involved assisting our young people to re-engage with school/vocation, attending appointments, having visits with their family, connecting with peers, and managing themselves within the home. We work to keep our rangatahi connected to the positive influences in their lives including mentors, wh nau, work and community-based programmes. The Care and Protection Homes are a group of unsecure homes that provide safe and supportive spaces for rangatahi across the Canterbury region.
As a Permanent Residential Worker you will be required to cover the shifts of our Residential Youth Workers.
This is not a + to 5 job - our rangatahi require wrap around support from us which is why our Residential Youth Workers do rostered shifts as we provide 24-hour, 7-days per week care (including weekends and public holidays).
Typical duties of the role can involve:
Coaching rangatahi through our structured day and through all life necessities
Participating in activities with our rangatahi
Supporting our rangatahi by helping them with their studies, teaching them life skills such as cooking, art, music and cultural programmes and mentor them to make positive life choices
Establishing rapport with rangatahi who have experienced trauma and assist with redirecting behaviour
Ng pumanawatanga ou | What you will bring:
Experience working with rangatahi and tamariki with resilience, initiative and a proactive approach
Empathy, patience and ability to see past what someone may be struggling with
Sound judgement with the ability to manage risk and make tough decisions
Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to adapt to your audience
Understanding in tikanga M ori and te reo M ori
A tertiary education within psychology, social sciences, social work, sports, music, arts or teaching would be an advantage (but is not required). Life learnings are equally important and we value the life experience of our staff bring to this practical and challenging role.
A full New Zealand driver's licence
Meet the Children's Act safety checking and our vetting requirements, including the right to work in New Zealand
Flexibility to work different shifts - mornings, evenings, weekends and public holidays
Nou te rourou | What's in it for you:
We offer training and professional development so that you can thrive and grow. 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. To see all the benefits of working for Oranga Tamariki, please visit https://mahi.orangatamariki.govt.nz/working-with-us/employee-benefits/
Me pehea te tuku tono | How to apply:
Apply online with your CV and Covering Letter. If you are an Oranga Tamariki employee already, please ensure you apply with a log in using your Oranga Tamariki email address.
If you have any questions about role, please contact Info_recruit@ot.govt.nz
Applications Close: 4th May 2026!
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 expectations for our kaimahi and requires you to present at work free from the influences of both
We currently have an opportunity for a Permanent Residential Youth Worker to join our Christchurch/Canterbury Care and Protection Group Homes.
Mo m tou | About us:
Our tamariki and rangatahi deserve to feel safe, have their voices heard, and be surrounded by loving wh nau. At Oranga Tamariki-Ministry for Children, we're on a journey to ensure that it happens. We are a leading social work practice that is child-centered, trauma-informed, and effective for all cultures. We are a Ministry with a commitment to putting tamariki and rangatahi at the heart of everything we do and say.
Mo te tunga | About the role:
We are looking for positive role models to work with our young people, helping them turn their lives around. To help them achieve this, our Residential Youth Workers, as part of a team, provide daily care and support. They get involved assisting our young people to re-engage with school/vocation, attending appointments, having visits with their family, connecting with peers, and managing themselves within the home. We work to keep our rangatahi connected to the positive influences in their lives including mentors, wh nau, work and community-based programmes. The Care and Protection Homes are a group of unsecure homes that provide safe and supportive spaces for rangatahi across the Canterbury region.
As a Permanent Residential Worker you will be required to cover the shifts of our Residential Youth Workers.
This is not a + to 5 job - our rangatahi require wrap around support from us which is why our Residential Youth Workers do rostered shifts as we provide 24-hour, 7-days per week care (including weekends and public holidays).
Typical duties of the role can involve:
Coaching rangatahi through our structured day and through all life necessities
Participating in activities with our rangatahi
Supporting our rangatahi by helping them with their studies, teaching them life skills such as cooking, art, music and cultural programmes and mentor them to make positive life choices
Establishing rapport with rangatahi who have experienced trauma and assist with redirecting behaviour
Ng pumanawatanga ou | What you will bring:
Experience working with rangatahi and tamariki with resilience, initiative and a proactive approach
Empathy, patience and ability to see past what someone may be struggling with
Sound judgement with the ability to manage risk and make tough decisions
Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to adapt to your audience
Understanding in tikanga M ori and te reo M ori
A tertiary education within psychology, social sciences, social work, sports, music, arts or teaching would be an advantage (but is not required). Life learnings are equally important and we value the life experience of our staff bring to this practical and challenging role.
A full New Zealand driver's licence
Meet the Children's Act safety checking and our vetting requirements, including the right to work in New Zealand
Flexibility to work different shifts - mornings, evenings, weekends and public holidays
Nou te rourou | What's in it for you:
We offer training and professional development so that you can thrive and grow. 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. To see all the benefits of working for Oranga Tamariki, please visit https://mahi.orangatamariki.govt.nz/working-with-us/employee-benefits/
Me pehea te tuku tono | How to apply:
Apply online with your CV and Covering Letter. If you are an Oranga Tamariki employee already, please ensure you apply with a log in using your Oranga Tamariki email address.
If you have any questions about role, please contact Info_recruit@ot.govt.nz
Applications Close: 4th May 2026!
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 expectations for our kaimahi and requires you to present at work free from the influences of both
💡 Quick Summary
Seeking a career-building opportunity? The Permanent Residential Youth Worker Canterbury Care and Protection Homes position is now open for candidates interested in the Work from home Jobs sector. This role in Oaro 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 Work from home Jobs is a plus.
