Deliver individual and group mental health support to Hamilton taiohi using evidence-based approaches.

Youth Worker

Do you thrive in working with taiohi, teachers and other health & social service workers to build confidence, resilience and wellbeing of taiohi?

Our spirit is 'loving life', and that's what we do – we work with our taiohi to realise this aspiration.

We provide health and wellbeing services working with local community supports to help taiohi aged 12-24 develop life skills and build strong connections, including their school, employer, whānau, and friends.

Whetū Marewa (Rising Star) services aims to build the confidence, resilience & wellbeing of taiohi (young people) with mental health and addiction related issues by enabling access to a range of supported interventions.

The Benefits include:

  • Free Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) for wellbeing support
  • Financial risk & planning advice to help you stay ahead
  • Discounted Southern Cross health insurance for peace of mind
  • Enjoy everyday savings with Perk & Perk Plus
  • Discounted eye care through Specsavers

…and the opportunity to work with an amazing team with an inspirational purpose.

The Role involves:

This is a permanent, full-time role based in Hamilton, working Tuesday to Thursday, 8:30am–5:00pm. Once a fortnight, the Tuesday shift will be 11:30am–7:30pm.

The role of the youth worker involves supporting taiohi with mild and moderate mental health and addiction concerns and social stressors. Supporting taiohi will include brief intervention and positive youth development model of care such as:

  • Provide one on one and group-based interventions that are backed by Cognitive Behavioral Therapeutic approaches, Exposure Therapy, sensory modulation and psychoeducation which is designed to give Taiohi a greater sense of achievement, connection and authenticity at home, school, work and community.
  • A range of recreational and cultural activities as a way of engaging taiohi, as well as helping them to build skills and confidence, community connections, and healthy, wellbeing-focused lifestyle choices, including rock wall climbing, mountain bike riding, candle making, crafts, and hiking. Whetū Marewa also runs a variety of different group-based interventions both in schools and within service including a Dungeons and Dragons club, Adventure Therapy based programs and Equine Therapy.
  • You will also be part of a new and exciting initiative "Kai Connect", which is a weekly youth-focused drop-in programme run every Tuesday from 3:30 pm to 6:30 pm at Te Whare O Te Hononga in Hamilton. Designed for young people who may struggle to access traditional daytime services, the programme provides a welcoming space that combines wellbeing support, physical activities, practical learning opportunities, barista skills, tutoring, and a shared meal, helping taiohi build confidence, develop skills, strengthen social connections, and access mental health support when needed.

About You:

You will:

  • Hold a Level 4 New Zealand Certificate in Health and Wellbeing (NZCHW) or a recognised equivalent or be studying towards a recognised equivalent.
  • Have experience in working with young people and an understanding of trauma-informed care.
  • Have both de-escalation and relationship building skills.
  • Hold a current full New Zealand driver's licence.
  • Hold a current New Zealand first aid certificate or be prepared to obtain one.
  • Have knowledge of, and demonstrable commitment to, the principles of the Te Tiriti o Waitangi.

Closing Date: 31 August 2026. Please note, this job may close sooner if a suitable candidate is found.

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