Youth Justice Residential Youth Workers, Palmerston North

Overview

Following the Military Style Academy (MSA) Pilot, Oranga Tamariki is well advanced in planning what future versions of the MSA may look like and is looking to deliver the programme again in 2026.

The MSA is a kaupapa-driven, military-style residential programme for serious and persistent youth offenders and will provide an evidence-based, trauma-informed, alternative pathway for youth offenders to help them thrive within their whānau and communities.

Working in partnership with mana whenua and other youth focused providers, the programme is intended to bring hope, healing, and sustained change.

Mō te tūnga | About the role: Youth Work at the Military Style Academy

We are looking for experienced Residential Youth Workers who are passionate, caring, resilient and focused on the growth and development of the rangatahi participating in the MSA, based in Palmerston North, at our Te Au rere a te Tonga Youth Justice residence.

You will have a sound knowledge and understanding of all systems that affect day to day care and support of the cohort, and will be open minded about new, exciting and innovative approaches to residential care.

You will be part of a close-knit team enabling us to deliver an exciting and enhanced approach to Youth Justice and community integrated care for our young people. Each team member will play a key role supporting the delivery of this exciting programme of work. Key responsibilities include:

• Being responsible for the safety, security, 24-hour care and support for the rangatahi participating in the course.
• Communication and co-ordination with other course kaimahi, involved with delivering different elements of the programme.
• Supporting the delivery of programmes which will include off-site and specific skill and practical based learning activities, including completing required administrative tasks such as report notes.

What successful candidates will bring to the role

• Applicants will require a range of practical skills and it is expected that a moderate/high level of mobility and physical fitness is an essential attribute for this role.
• An understanding and/or experience of working within an LSV/MAC/Military/Personal Training Instructor qualified or other structured learning environment, although this is not essential.
• A high capacity for resilience and emotional regulation, and their ownstrong support network to support their own well-being
• Persistence and perseverance to meet goals and adaptability with competing priorities and needs
• A positive outlook on contributing to the mahi of Oranga Tamariki and enjoy finding satisfaction in participating as a valued team member
• Willingness to grow, learn, and adapt in a structured environment
• Enjoy working on the rostered shift schedule
• Full drivers licence

This is a fixed term, full-time position based in Palmerston North, with an anticipated 1-year appointment.

Nōu te rourou | What's in it for you

This is an opportunity to contribute to a programme of work that can have life-changing impacts for rangatahi. Successful candidates will start in the role with specific Military Style Academy training to be best prepared for this mahi.

. If you join our team and work as part of our team working shifts in our residence you will receive a package of remuneration and benefits that includes:

• 4 weeks and three days of annual leave each year
• A generous 20% allowance paid on top of base remuneration for working as part of a rotating roster (shift work).
• Meals that are prepared by our commercial kitchens and provided on-site - our kaimahi are encouraged to sit with rangatahi and share a meal and meaningful conversations
• Regular training and professional development so that you can thrive and grow your skills and capabilities
• Access to counselling and support when you need it through our employee assistance programme which reflects our genuine commitment to supporting the wellbeing of our kaimahi

We offer a remuneration package that starts between approximately $57,760 and $65,334 (depending on your experience). On top of this, we also apply a 20% allowance to your base remuneration for working shifts/a roster pattern. The 20% allowance is applied once you have completed your initial induction and are placed onto a rotating roster that covers days, evenings and weekends. Base remuneration plus the 20% allowance works out to be between $69,332 and $78,400 (depending on your experience). Additionally, Oranga Tamariki has a remuneration framework that offers step-based annual increases based on your tenure.

To see all the benefits of working for Oranga Tamariki, please visit

Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to Apply

Applications close just before midnight on 14 December 2025 We will be contacting applicants before the advertisement closes.

If this position sounds like you, apply online with your CV and complete the application questions in lieu of a cover letter. If you are already a kaimahi of Oranga Tamariki, please apply using your Oranga Tamariki email login.If you have any questions about role, please contact

If you are interested, 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.