Youth Worker/Youth Practitioner – TIMARU

Description

Youth Worker / Youth Practitioner (permanent full-time position, based in Timaru)

The Opportunity Are you passionate about making a difference in the lives of young people? We’re looking for a dynamic, proactive, and practice-focussed professional to join our Y Timaru team.

In this role, you’ll build meaningful one-on-one relationships with taiohi, supporting their personal growth, wellbeing, and aspirations. You’ll also deliver engaging group programmes that spark creativity, build resilience, and foster a sense of belonging.

Whether it’s mentoring through life’s challenges or creating safe spaces for taiohi to thrive, you’ll be at the heart of inspiring the next generation. If you’re ready to bring energy, compassion, and a whole lot of heart—this is your chance to be part of something truly impactful.

Ideal Person Specifications:

• A relevant qualification e.g., social work, youth work, health, teaching or human services exceptions may be made for people with significant relevant experience.
• Demonstrates experience working with taiohi (and their whānau) to achieve positive outcomes
• Knowledge of and confidence communicating with relevant community networks and employers
• Ability to be objective, personable, and hold space and empathy for those we work with, regardless of decisions they have made.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, in a variety of settings, i.e., whānau homes, meetings, and professional consults.
• Knowledge of the effects of trauma on social and emotional development and resilience
• A working knowledge of Child Protection and the Vulnerable Children Act (2014)

The ideal candidate will also demonstrate the following:

• A deep passion for empowering young people and driving positive change in their lives and communities
• Strong self-motivation and resilience, with the ability to work independently and consistently deliver impactful outcomes
• Flexibility and adaptability in dynamic environments, with a strong voice to advocate for the needs and aspirations of taiohi
• A commitment to building respectful, professional relationships that foster trust, safety, and growth
• The ability to support taiohi and their whānau in identifying meaningful pathways, while guiding them through systems, opportunities, and connections with confidence
• A strong understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and a commitment to applying tikanga Māori appropriately and respectfully in all aspects of the role
• A full, clean New Zealand driver licence

If you are looking for a challenging yet rewarding position supporting the Y Central South Island to service the needs of taiohi in South Canterbury, we want to hear from you!

Applications close Wednesday, 10th June 2026. Email your CV and cover letter to: Jessica Thomas, Senior Manager Youth and Community Development, jessica@ymcasc.org.nz
A position description may be requested from the same email. Applications will be reviewed as they come in and interviews may commence prior to the close date.

About The Central South Island Evolving to meet community need since 1917 in South and Mid Canterbury and now North Otago, The Y provides a wide range of programmes and services across three core streams:

• Education & Training
• Driving & Employment Pathways, Wellbeing & Youth Work
• Youth & Community Development

Check out our website (http://www.ymcasc.org.nz) to see what our mahi is all about.

The Y Central South Island is committed to child protection and the safeguarding of children and young people in our care, and it is our expectation that all staff will operate in a way that reflects this intent. Appointment to a role with the Y will be subject to a satisfactory Police and CYRAS Check. Of equal importance, diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace are central to our mahi. Our bicultural plan guides our commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi.