Youth Support Worker – Dunedin/Ōtepoti

Role overview

Community Care Trust is looking for committed Youth Support Workers to join its Youth Team in Ōtepoti (Dunedin). The organisation especially welcomes applications from Māori and Pasifika candidates and values cultural knowledge, lived experience, community ties, and familiarity with Te Ao Māori and Pacific worldviews.

This position offers the chance to contribute meaningfully to young people’s lives by helping build safe, supportive, and culturally responsive spaces where rangatahi can grow and succeed. You will work in a values-led team focused on stability, connection, and positive change.

About the role

In this role, you will support rangatahi who may be dealing with trauma, hardship, or complex life situations. By forming positive relationships and providing steady encouragement, you will help them strengthen confidence, learn practical life skills, and work toward their personal goals.

You will also contribute to maintaining a secure, well-structured, and caring environment that supports the wellbeing and development of young people. Experience with positive behaviour support and challenging behaviours is considered an advantage.

The team works according to the organisation’s values of Respect (Whakaute), Reliability (Pono), Transparency (Puataata), and Responsiveness (Whakautu).

What you will do

• Work alongside rangatahi and help them navigate complex personal and social circumstances.
• Create steady, supportive relationships that encourage confidence and progress.
• Assist in developing life skills and supporting young people to reach their goals.
• Help maintain a safe, structured, and nurturing environment.
• Use strengths-based, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive practices in daily work.
• Collaborate with colleagues and keep communication and documentation clear and accurate.

What you need

• Experience supporting rangatahi, whānau, Māori, Pacific, or other diverse communities.
• Understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and culturally responsive practice.
• Working knowledge and practical application of Te Ao Māori, tikanga Māori, Pacific worldviews, and culturally grounded approaches to supporting rangatahi.
• Ability to form respectful, trusting, and positive relationships with young people.
• Strong communication skills, patience, and resilience.
• Understanding of strengths-based and trauma-informed approaches.
• Prior experience with young people who have complex needs or behaviours is preferred.
• Ability to work well in a team and maintain clear records and communication.

Essential requirements

• A full New Zealand driver licence.
• A first aid certificate, or willingness to obtain one at the employer’s expense.
• Permission to work in Aotearoa New Zealand.
• At least 12 months remaining on a work or student visa before expiry.
• Availability for rostered shifts, including weekends.

AEWV job token requirements

• A full New Zealand driver licence.
• A Level 4 or higher Health & Wellbeing qualification, or an assessed equivalent.
• Alternatively, 3 years of full-time New Zealand-based support worker experience.

What’s on offer

• Purposeful work that makes a real difference in young people’s lives.
• A supportive and inclusive workplace.
• Continued learning and professional development, including training in trauma-informed and culturally responsive practice.
• Opportunities to build skills and develop your career.
• Hourly pay of up to $29.10, depending on qualifications.

Additional information

Community Care Trust encourages applicants who bring lived experience, cultural knowledge, community involvement, and knowledge of Te Reo Māori or Pasifika languages.

For a confidential conversation, contact Sandy or David on 0800 800 001.

Applications close on Friday 10 July 2026 at 5:00 pm, though the role may close sooner if it is filled earlier.

Working together to enable great lives.