Youth Worker

• Full-time, permanent roles available + Based in Waikanae
• Extra Annual Leave + 2 Paid Wellbeing Days + more staff benefits
• Earn up to $32.30 per hour + work in a warm, home-based environment

Empower taiohi to grow life skills, build meaningful connections, and create lasting positive change in their lives.

Real | Mō mātou

Our spirit is ‘loving life’, and that's what we do – we work with our taiohi to realise this aspiration.

We provide health and wellbeing services working with local community agencies to help taiohi aged 12-25 develop life skills and build strong connections, including their school, employer, whānau, and friends.

What we offer | Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou 

• Increased KiwiSaver contribution
• Fifth Week of Annual Leave (after 12 months employment)
• Paid Wellbeing Days (2 days a year)
• HealthNow Payment Card - $250 per year to support Health and Wellbeing for you and your whānau
• Perk & Perk Plus discount app
• Holiday programme assistance
• Earn up to $32.30 per hour

The Role | Mō tēnei tūranga mahi

We are seeking Youth Workers with experience supporting individuals with complex needs and/or mental health challenges to join our OTIS Youth Team in Waikanae.

In this role, you will provide tailored support to one or two taiohi (young people), helping them build on their strengths, achieve their goals, and enhance their wellbeing.

Key responsibilities include:

• Working closely with clinical service staff in designing personalised support plans
• Working with people’s strengths, hold hope and encourage people to recognise their ability to overcome adversity.
• Working with people planning a suite of activities and programmes individually designed to help them meet goals

Available Shifts

We currently have three positions available. Please indicate your preferred role(s) and shift pattern in your cover letter or CV.

Role 1: Tuesday to Saturday, 7:00am – 3:30pm

Role 2: Friday to Monday, 7:00am – 3:30pm

Role 3: Friday to Monday, 11:00pm to 7:30am

About You | Mōu:

We’re looking for a passionate, energised Youth Worker to join our growing service.

You will:

• Hold a Level 4 New Zealand Certificate in Health and Wellbeing (NZCHW) or a recognised equivalent or be studying towards a recognised equivalent.
• Have experience in working with young people, ideally within youth work, mental health or social services (although not essential).
• Have an understanding of trauma-informed care and how to support people experiencing complex needs.
• Have both de-escalation skills and strong relationship building skills.
• Show cultural awareness and a commitment to supporting Māori and Pasifika whānau
• Hold a full and clean New Zealand driver’s licence
• Hold a current New Zealand first aid certificate or be prepared to obtain one.
• Have knowledge of, and demonstrable commitment to, the principles of the Te Tiriti o Waitangi.

Closing Date | Rā Katinga: 26 August 2026. Please note, this advert may close early if suitable candidates have been found.

Position Description: https://www.wisegroup.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Pathways-Youth-Worker-Sep-2024.pdf

Contact: [email protected] with any queries.

For further information, visit www.real.org.nz

Real is supported by Pathways Health Limited, part of the Wise Group. Pathways are committed to healthy lifestyles and actively support a smoke-free environment. 

Note: The Criminal History Check is exempt from The Clean Slate Act. In other words, the Clean Slate Act does not apply to this position. Please declare any offences (even outside 7 years) in your application.

All new appointees into Pathways require background checking. Under the requirements of the Children's Act 2014, new employees that are identified as coming under this act are required to undergo further safety checks as part of the recruitment process.