Looking for a more meaningful career?

Join the team at START Taranaki!

About our organisation

START Taranaki is a youth justice programme based in Kaponga, South Taranaki. We work with at-risk Rangatahi ranging from early intervention to the higher end of the youth justice system. 

START Taranaki is an exciting place to work, with a strong organisational culture and a legacy of success.

START Taranaki run programmes for Oranga Tamariki throughout the year in tandem with our early intervention programme for Taranaki-only youth, sponsored by the Toi Foundation. We have also begun working with young Wahine through our Oranga Rangatahi/Mana Wahine initiative.

Recently we have expanded our scope, developed an in-house community youth hub where we offer a plethora of work experience and pre-employment skills for our Rangatahi; including a barber shop, recording studio, barista facilities, education space and a gym.

Youth Worker - Core Programme

Kaponga, Taranaki

Community Services & Development

Child Welfare, Youth & Family Services

Full time

Are you looking for an exciting outdoor lifestyle job?

We are looking for new youth workers to join our organisation.

About the role:

As a youth worker on our core programme you will be front line with higher-risk Rangatahi referred to our programme. As such, you will be required to be available for shift work which includes periods of time away from base whilst our isolation phase is running.

You will partake in various activities including tramping, biking, canoeing, bush-craft, beach activities and noho marae.

There may also be occasions where you will need to be available to travel out of town for transition visits for up to two nights each visit.

START Taranaki is a drug free workplace and you will be required to undertake pre-employment drug testing.

Other requirements are a Police Vetting and Oranga Tamariki check, please note, an applicant must pass these before being able to start work.

Key Attributes:

  • Understanding of and ability to relate to young people

  • Ability to work with disadvantaged young people and their whanau

  • Some knowledge of the youth justice sector or a willingness to learn

  • A level of physical fitness

  • A positive attitude

  • Ability to operate as a reliable part of a team

  • Some experience of working in an outdoor setting is preferable

  • Knowledge of Te Ao Maori or a willingness to learn

In-house training will be provided for the right applicant as the key attribute we seek is someone eager to make a difference to the lives of vulnerable young people in Aotearoa, which we value above all else.

please email your cover letter and cv to the general manager kym@starttaranaki.co.nz