Residential Youth Worker

• An opportunity to work in a rewarding therapeutic environment
• Learning and development opportunities
• Week on Week off shift work - including sleepover

Do you thrive on variety and meaningful work?  Are you passionate about supporting rangatahi 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 Auckland.

The home supports up to five female rangatahi aged 12-17 years with high and complex needs, including trauma histories and challenging behaviours. Our safe, supportive, and therapeutic environment equips these young individuals with essential life skills as they prepare to transition back to their whānau, caregivers, or independence.

This is a permanent full-time position.

Hours and Roster

This role operates on a seven days on/seven days off rotating roster, generally with the following shift pattern.

• Shift starts: Friday 3 pm
• Shift finish: Following Friday 11 am (includes team meeting 9-11am)
• Sleepovers: Required at the house during your shift
• Weekday stand-down: Monday – Friday, 9 am – 3 pm (off shift unless required)

This structure allows continuity of care for rangatahi and clear recovery time for kaimahi.

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.
• Develop, facilitate and monitor structured and unstructured activities that support wellbeing, education and positive identity.
• Promote and maintain meaningful connections with whānau, community and cultural supports.
• Contribute to a safe, respectful and professional team environment, including accurate documentation 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
• The ability to remain calm, reflective and resilient in high-pressure situations
• Knowledge of Kaupapa Māori and/or Whānau Ora approach (desirable)
• A current full NZ driver’s license is essential
• A current First Aid Certificate (desirable)

Culture

This work can sometimes be challenging. You will need resilience and a passion for working with youth, be flexible, have a positive attitude, and exhibit the ability to build strong professional relationships with young people, whānau/families, staff, and service providers.  A comprehensive induction programme is undertaken with ongoing education, training, and support offered to all staff.

Why Choose Barnardos?

• Be at the forefront of trauma-responsive youth care in New Zealand, contributing to groundbreaking programs
• Join a respected NGO with over 55 years of impact in child welfare and advocacy
• Access ongoing professional development opportunities, including specialised training in trauma-informed practices and the latest youth care methodologies
• Benefit from discounted childcare at Barnardos Early Learning centres
• Supportive team environment with regular supervision and peer support
• Opportunity to make a lasting difference in the lives of vulnerable young people

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, and any other questions, please email recruitment@barnardos.org.nz and quote ID: 1707303

We will commence interviews as applications are received.