Youth Worker

ABOUT KAHU YOUTH

Kāhu Youth is a registered charity based in Wānaka, dedicated to enhancing the wellbeing of local rangatahi.

Our vision is to empower young people in our communities so they feel seen, valued, and able to contribute. We achieve this through a range of youth development programmes including; mentoring, drop-in sessions at our youth centres, afterschool activities and clubs, holiday programmes, adventure development and community events.

Everything we do is grounded in positive youth development principles and designed to help young people build confidence, resilience, skills and meaningful connections, all of which are recognised protective factors that support long-term wellbeing.

We run two Youth Centres in Wānaka and Hāwea, these are safe and inclusive spaces where rangatahi can belong, have fun and access support.

ABOUT THE ROLE

We’re looking for an enthusiastic and motivated Youth Worker to join our team full-time.

No two days are the same in Youth Work. One day you might be mentoring a young person and helping them work towards their goals. The next, you could be facilitating activities at our Youth Centre, running a school holiday programme or leading an outdoor adventure.

Youth Work is a highly rewarding role for someone who genuinely enjoys working with teenagers and wants to make a lasting difference in their lives.

WHAT YOU’LL BE DOING

Mentoring – during school hours

During school hours, you’ll support our mentoring programme, an early intervention programme designed to help young people with low to moderate support needs.

This includes:

• Building positive, trusting relationships with young people.
• Supporting rangatahi to identify their strengths, interests and aspirations.
• Developing individual youth development plans, setting meaningful goals and supporting the young person to work towards them.
• Helping young people build confidence, resilience, life skills and overall wellbeing.
• Create opportunities for young people to try new experiences and explore their interests.
• Working alongside schools, whānau and other support services when appropriate.

Youth Centre Programmes

After school, our Youth Centres become vibrant third spaces where rangatahi can connect with friends, take part in activities, build relationships and feel a sense of belonging.

As a Youth Worker you’ll:

• Create a welcoming, safe and inclusive environment for all young people.
• Build meaningful relationships with rangatahi from diverse backgrounds, cultures, genders and abilities.
• Plan and facilitate engaging activities that develop skills, confidence, creativity and connection.
• Support young people to feel a sense of belonging within the Kāhu Youth community.
• Prepare food and share kai with young people.
• Help maintain a clean, organised and inviting space.
• Respond appropriately to challenges while ensuring the safety and wellbeing of everyone attending.

School Holiday Programmes

When school is out, we provide rangatahi with opportunities to learn, connect and grow through our school holiday programmes. Packed with adventure and new experiences, activities include skiing and snowboarding, mountain biking, hiking, water-based adventures, arts and crafts, games, community volunteering, local projects, and supporting special events such as Matariki. These experiences help young people develop confidence, build friendships, learn new skills and strengthen their connection to the community.

Adventure Development

Adventure Development is an exciting and growing part of Kāhu Youth’s programmes. By providing opportunities for rangatahi to step outside their comfort zones and explore the outdoors, we help them develop confidence, leadership, resilience and strong teamwork skills.

Experience in outdoor recreation, guiding, instruction or adventure-based learning would be an advantage, but a genuine enthusiasm for the outdoors and a willingness to learn are equally important.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

You don’t need to have followed a traditional pathway into Youth Work, but you’ll enjoy this role if you:

• Enjoy working with youth – a must!!
• Are able to build positive relationships.
• Are energetic, adaptable and confident working in dynamic environments.
• Have strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Are organised, and are able to work independently.
• Are a team player and enjoy working as part of a collaborative team.
• Have a positive attitude, energy and a good sense of humour.
• Are keen to contribute to a safe inclusive and supportive environment.

Qualifications or experience in youth work, education, social work, psychology, counselling, mental health, recreation, outdoor education or related fields would be beneficial but are not essential.

APPLY

Please email [email protected] your CV along with a cover letter detailing how your experience, skills and qualifications align with the responsibilities of the role, and what you can bring to the team.

For a full position description email [email protected]

Applications close 25th September 2026.

We’ll be reviewing applications as they come in, so we encourage you to apply early. We reserve the right to appoint before the closing date if we find the right person for the role.

Applicants must have legal entitlement to work in New Zealand and view this role as a permanent position rather than temporary. A full, clean New Zealand driver’s licence is required. Kāhu Youth Trust has a thorough onboarding process for all staff, which includes police vetting.