Looking for a more meaningful career?
Join the team at START Taranaki!
Youth Worker - Core Programme
Kaponga, Taranaki
Community Services & Development
Child Welfare, Youth & Family Services
Full time
About the role:
Are you looking for an exciting outdoor lifestyle job? We are looking for new youth mentors to join our organisation.
START Taranaki is a youth justice programme based in Kaponga, South Taranaki. We work with at-risk Rangatahi who are at the higher end of the youth justice system. START Taranaki is a rewarding place to work with a strong passion for our mahi and a legacy of success.
START Taranaki run programmes for Oranga Tamariki throughout the year in tandem with early intervention programmes for Taranaki-only Tane and Wahine, sponsored by the Toi Foundation. We also partner with Iwi Services to run Oranga Rangatahi mini programmes.
We have recently expanded our scope and have developed an in-house community youth hub where we offer a plethora of work experience and pre-employment skills for our Rangatahi; including a barber shop, recording studio, barista facilities and a gym.
As a youth mentor, you will be front line with the young people referred to our high-tariff programme from youth justice residences nationwide. These are 7-8 week intakes which run sequentially throughout the year. You will also help support our other programmes from time to time.
As such you will be required to be available for shift work, including periods of time away from base whilst our isolation phase is running. You will partake in various activities including tramping, biking, canoeing, bush-craft, beach activities and noho marae. There may also be occasions where you will need to be available to travel out of town for transition visits (up to two nights each visit).
We are a culturally diverse workplace and welcome all applicants who possess any of the following key attributes:
Understanding of and ability to relate to young people
Ability to work shifts when required
Ability to work with disadvantaged young people and their whanau
Some knowledge of the youth justice sector or a willingness to learn
A level of physical fitness
A positive attitude
A full, clean driver’s license or be working to obtain this
Ability to operate as a reliable part of a team
Some experience of working in an outdoor setting is preferable
Knowledge of Te Ao Maori / Te Tiriti O’ Waitangi or a willingness to learn
Level 4 certificate in youth work or a willingness to work toward this
Ultimately, the biggest key attribute we seek is drive to make a difference for vulnerable young people in New Zealand, which we value above all else.
Employee Benefits
Flexibility of lifestyle: we aim to ensure that employees receive adequate downtime and balance.
The mahi we do is high intensity and extremely rewarding, but without a good work/life balance it is easy to burn out.
Free gym membership: We have recently built a brand new gym and employees are permitted to have free access to these facilities to help support mindfulness and wellbeing.
End of year break: Each year we shut down for a 5-week period so employees can spend time reconnecting with friends and whanau before the next bust year ahead!
Training opportunities: START Taranaki pride ourselves on our desire to work collaboratively with different artists and professional agencies to bring a wide range of training opportunities and workshops for employees.
START Taranaki is a drug free workplace and you will be required to undertake pre-employment drug testing. Other requirements are a Police Vetting and Oranga Tamariki check, please note, an applicant must pass these before being able to start work.