Pilot Home – Resource Workers Dunedin

Make a difference for Tamariki and Rangatahi as a Resource Worker

• Casual Resource Workers - Based at our Dunedin Pilot Home
• Casual Tamariki & Rangatahi Resource Workers vacancies
• Hourly rate $26.00 per hour (as and when required for short or block assignments)

Overview

Two Pilot Homes are being established in Dunedin and Hamilton. This is an amazing opportunity to be a part of a new approach to care in our Homes, helping to increase the capacity for care in regions and to be a part of a wider community of practice in the region.

The pilot Home will test some new concepts which are aimed at reducing challenges we face when caring for tamariki and rangatahi in small group home settings.

The Homes will provide emergency, respite or planned care for up to 5 tamariki in each location. Care in the Homes will be provided by full-time live-in caregivers, supported by skilled Care Workers.

These 12-month pilot Homes, named 'WHARE', will:

• Provide Whanau-like care with fulltime, live in caregivers
• Be Helped by a small group of flexible and qualified care staff, overseen by a Supervisor (Social Worker)
• Be focused on Achieving the goals and aspirations that tamariki and whanau have set in their All About Me Plan
• Focus on providing Relational and restorative care
• Be closely Engaged with local communities, sites and regions with leadership coming from regional teams and accountability to local, external stakeholders

About the role | Mō te tūnga

Ideal candidates for this role are strong, assertive individuals who are driven to making a difference to the lives of our young people. In this rewarding role, you will play a crucial part in supporting our Tamariki and rangitahi, helping them navigate their journeys with understanding and care.

The mahi you do will vary depending on the needs at the time, but could include the following:

• Transport tamariki and rangatahi to school, appointments, activities, and respite
• Minding tamariki and rangatahi when they are not with their whānau
• Weekend work and hours outside of core business hours may be required, and travel may on occasion require you to stay overnight.
• Support, mentor and walk alongside our tamariki and rangatahi during their journey with us
• You may assist Social Workers if the need arises
• Supervising tamariki and rangatahi visits at a variety of venues with parents, whānau and/or siblings, and writing observational reports for the social worker.

What you will bring | Ngā pūmanawatanga ōu

• Flexibility to work varying hours including weekends and potentially overnight stays
• Patience, empathy and an ability to see past what someone might be struggling with
• Experience with tamariki and rangatahi who may have complex needs (Behavioral, Trauma, ADHD, Autism, FASD to name a few)
• Exhibit discretion and be able to earn the trust of tamariki, rangatahi, whānau and other staff
• Demonstrate tolerance and understanding
• Excellent verbal & written communication skills with the ability to adapt to your audience, be able to prepare an accurate, understandable, and useable report or incident record to social workers
• Always show a high degree of consistency in behaviour and act as a clear and positive role model, generating confidence and commitment of others through his/her own ethical conduct
• The ability to work in New Zealand, hold a clean current full driver's licence
• An understanding and appreciation of cultural issues and concerns in particular, Tikanga Māori & Pacific Island cultures.

What's in it for you | Nōu te rourou

• A vibrant and supportive team environment
• Training and professional development opportunities
• The chance to make a positive impact on the lives of tamariki and rangitahi

Nōu te rourou | What's in it for you

We offer a vibrant and supportive team, flexible work options and a genuine commitment to wellbeing. We offer significant 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

Me pēhea 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

Hurry as applications for this role closes midnight 10th December 2025

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 drugs and alcohol."