About the role
Youth Worker | Kaitautoko Rangatahi (Part-time permanent + Fixed term Maternity cover)
YMCA Taranaki – Youth Development Team
Hours: 20 hours per week initially, increasing to 37.5 hours per week from January 2027 to October 2027 to cover maternity leave, before returning to 20 hours per week thereafter.
Join our whānau and help uplift the next generation of rangatahi.
YMCA Taranaki is seeking a passionate and committed Youth Worker | Kaitautoko Rangatahi to join our vibrant Youth Development team. This role is more than mahi—it’s a chance to be part of a kaupapa grounded in manaakitanga, whanaungatanga, and empowering young people and their whānau to thrive.
About the Role | Mō te Tūranga
As a Youth Worker at YMCA Taranaki, you will walk alongside rangatahi as a supportive mentor, advocate, and role model. You’ll bring a culturally responsive, strengths-based approach to your mahi, integrating Te Ao Māori me ōna tikanga into everyday interactions to build trust and uplift identity.
In this role, you will:
- Mentor rangatahi one-on-one, supporting their goals, wellbeing, and personal development through YMCA programmes and kaupapa.
- Engage and collaborate with whānau, community, and local organisations to build a strong wraparound support network.
- Promote wellbeing, resilience, and positive behaviours, while role-modelling healthy life skills.
- Respond professionally and calmly to crisis situations, demonstrating empathy, sound judgement, and cultural safety.
- Use sports, arts, wānanga, outdoor activities, and cultural experiences to inspire connection and confidence.
- Uphold and respect local tikanga, kawa, and cultural protocols when engaging with rangatahi, whānau, and community partners.
What You’ll Bring | Ngā Pūkenga me Ngā Wheako
- Rangatahi-focused, with experience mentoring youth individually or in groups.
- Confident in Te Ao Māori me ōna Tikanga, and able to apply cultural understandings in practice.
- Flexible and adaptable, able to work evenings and occasional weekends.
- Skilled at building strong, respectful relationships with rangatahi and their whānau.
- Professional, reliable, empathetic, and resilient.
- Comfortable working across diverse cultures and settings.
- In possession of a full, clean driver’s licence and able to transport rangatahi as needed.
- A hobby or skill that reflects your strengths and identity, which you can weave into your mahi to build rapport with rangatahi.
Bonus Skills (Desirable but not essential):
- Knowledge of youth justice, FGC processes, or working alongside statutory agencies.
- Experience advocating for rangatahi and supporting them through challenging systems.
- Ability to assess needs and create individualised development plans that build strengths and confidence.
- A relevant qualification in youth work, social services, sports leadership, education, or willingness to gain one on the job.
- Established networks within youth services, education, or community sectors that can help strengthen support pathways for rangatahi.
What We Offer | Ngā Painga
- Ongoing training and professional development.
- First Aid Certification provided.
- Staff discounts on YMCA services (Childcare, Holiday Programmes, etc.).
- Free YMCA Fitness Centre membership.
- Free onsite parking.
- Annual wellness day off to support hauora.
- Access to EAP services for additional wellbeing support.
Our Commitment to Safety
YMCA Taranaki is deeply committed to Child Protection and the safety of all rangatahi in our care. All staff must meet the requirements of the Children’s Act, including police vetting and reference checks.
Applicants must have New Zealand residency or a valid NZ work visa.
Ready to Make a Difference? | Me Tono Mai
If you’re ready to walk alongside rangatahi, uplift their voices, and help shape brighter futures, we’d love to hear from you.
Please send your CV and a cover letter outlining why this kaupapa resonates with you and what strengths you’ll bring to the role.
Applications close once a suitable candidate has been found.
Expected hours: No less than 20.0 per week
Benefits:
- Employee discount
- Gym membership
Work Location: In person
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