Permanent Residential Youth Worker Epuni Lower Hutt

Are you committed to support positive outcomes for Aotearoa New Zealands vulnerable tamariki and rangatahi?

We currently have an opportunity for full time Permanant Residential Youth Workers to join the Epuni, Te Awe, and Mary Crescent Care and Protection teams in the Hutt Valley

Please note that applications may be reviewed while the advertisement is still open.

Mō mātou | About us

Our tamariki and rangatahi deserve to feel safe, have their voices heard, and be surrounded by loving whānau. At Oranga Tamariki—Ministry for Children, we're on a journey to ensure that it happens. We are a leading social work practice that is child-centred, trauma-informed, and effective for all cultures. We are a Ministry with a commitment to putting tamariki and rangatahi at the heart of everything we do and say.

Mō te tūnga | About the role

Oranga Tamariki is committed to providing comprehensive, proactive care and support to rangatahi during their stay and as they transition back into the community. To make this vision a reality, we are looking for Residential Youth Workers who are high quality role models and champions of rangatahi in our care. To help them achieve this, our Residential Youth Workers, as part of a team, provide daily care and support. They get involved assisting our young people to re-engage with school/vocation, attending appointments, having visits with their family, connecting with peers, and managing themselves within the home. We work to keep our rangatahi connected to the positive influences in their lives - mentors, whānau, work and community-based programmes.

This is not a 9 to 5 job - our rangatahi require wrap around support from us which is why our Residential Youth Workers do rostered shifts as we provide 24-hour, 7-days per week care (including weekends and public holidays).

Typical duties of the role can involve:

• Coaching rangatahi through our structured day and through all life necessities
• Participating in activities with our rangatahi
• Supporting our rangatahi by helping them with their studies, teaching them life skills such as cooking, art, music and cultural programmes and mentor them to make positive life choices
• Establishing rapport with rangatahi who have experienced trauma and assist with redirecting behaviour

Our team is dedicated to ensuring the time rangatahi spend at Epuni is transformative, meeting their needs and improving their future prospects. This role offers you the chance to be actively involved in the daily operations of the residence, working directly with rangatahi to understand their unique needs and help them succeed.

Ngā pūmanawatanga ōu | What you will bring

We value our kaimahi and the wide range of skills and experiences they have. We want to hear from you if you have:

• High quality skills to work with rangatahi who may have behavioural issues.
• Studies or qualifications in psychology, social sciences, social work, education (not required but are beneficial)
• Knowledge or high motivation to learn Tikanga and Te Reo Māori
• Ability to operate within a reflective practice environment
• Available to work on a roster schedule that covers mornings, evenings, weekends, and public holidays
• An appropriate level of physical health & fitness to interact and engage with rangatahi
• The right to work in New Zealand
• Full, clean New Zealand driver's license
• Meet the safety checking and police vetting requirements required under the Children's Act

Nōu te rourou | What's in it for you

As a shift worker, annual remuneration that starts between approximately $69,312 to 78,400 (depending on your experience) this includes allowances for working shifts. Oranga Tamariki has a remuneration framework gives pay increases based on tenure (time in the job)

We offer a vibrant and supportive team, with 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 answers to our application questions, please include in your application your work availability. 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 

Applications close midnight 7th 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.