Youth Worker (Fixed Term)
- Youth Worker
- YouthGrow - Family Works, Dunedin
- Fulltime, Fixed Term
Do you have what it takes to be a Youth Worker? Do you know your stuff when it comes to strengths-based positive youth development? Do you have a working knowledge of Te Whare Tapa Wha and the Circle of Mana? Are you proactive, self-motivated and innovative with a heart for community, wellbeing and the environment?
We are looking for an enthusiastic, experienced Youth Worker who has skills in building and developing positive and effective relationships with young people. Someone capable of helping young people build confidence, resilience and wellbeing and motivated to make a difference in the lives of rangatahi at YouthGrow.
About the role
Join the team at YouthGrow and help strengthen the mental health of rangatahi. In this role, you will be able to provide a space of belonging, encourage generosity and independence. You will support rangatahi to connect with their wider community and help transition them into positive future- focused initiatives, becoming work-ready and life-ready. The YouthGrow Youth Development Programme offers a non-clinical, recovery-oriented vocational support Day Programme for eligible youth aged 14 - 24 experiencing difficulty with their mental health.
You will work collaboratively with other members of the youth team, other agencies, and whānau to foster meaningful relationships that enhance the mana of rangatahi, supporting them to gain more control over their life and to get better prepared to navigate their next step in life.
Employment Type: Full Time, Fixed Term, 12 Months
Hours of Work: 8:30 am to 5:00 pm, Monday to Friday
Reason for Fixed Term Contract: This position is offered on a 12- month fixed-term basis to provide flexibility needed during a period of strategic review. While no decisions have been made, we’re currently evaluating future priorities and operational needs. This enables us to meet current demands while maintaining adaptable to any future changes. Additionally, funding beyond 12 months has not yet been confirmed and is subject to ongoing review, including considerations by the Minister of Education.
About You
- You will have a passion for assisting rangatahi to navigate the challenges of mental health, neurodiversity and AOD.
- Experienced in applying key youth practice models and prioritizing and championing a strengths-based approach.
- Able to skilfully facilitate group activities.
- Have a sense of humour, be resilient, and have advanced interpersonal, relationship building skills.
- Confidently navigate challenges and skilfully apply de-escalation and conflict resolution skills.
- Culturally competent, inclusive, embracing of diversity including able to work effectively with Māori, Pasifika, and other cultures.
- Has a Level 4 or greater qualification in Health & Wellbeing, Mental Health or Youth Work, or equivalent and be motivated to work toward level 5 or 6.
- Have had teaching experience and/or qualification and experience working with vulnerable and at-risk young people would be advantageous.
- Be adaptable and intuitive, and able to respond to the uniqueness of young people.
- Holds full, clean drivers’ license and capable of driving a van as part of this role.
- Have practical, artistic or technological skills and the ability to encourage and inspire young people in creative and imaginative ways.
What We Offer
- Make a real difference in people’s lives
- Join a supportive, passionate, and high functioning team
- Professional development and supervision
- Being part of a well-known and highly respected charitable organisation and a strong wider Family Works Team.
- A team culture that values diversity and well-being
- Discounts with local businesses
About Us
YouthGrow is a youth development programme. We are mental health provider, as well as an alternative education provider, supporting 14–24-year-olds to become life, work, and education ready; recognizing that that looks different for each of our youth. YouthGrow is committed to meeting the needs of rangatahi experiencing mental health challenges in a holistic and strength-based way, using a Life Skills curriculum and hands-on projects to do this.
YouthGrow is a service offered by Family Works, the social services arm of Presbyterian Support Otago. PSO is a Charitable Trust established in 1906, and a leading provider of aged care, retirement living and social services to the people of Otago and the wider South Island and provides a wide range of community-based social support programmes.
Join the team at YouthGrow - To apply click "Apply Now".
For further information contact recruitment@psotago.org.nz
Closing date 8 August 2025.
Please note applications will be reviewed as they are received, and this job vacancy could close prior to the closing date.
Please apply only if you have the legal right to work in New Zealand.
