Youth Worker
We are now seeking a full-time permanent Youth Worker / Kaitoko to join our Youth INtact team based at our community service hub in central Hamilton from where you will travel regularly throughout our service area including rural areas.
Key responsibilities include:
- Supporting young people with alcohol and drug issues to engage with their recovery process
- Working with Youth Practitioners to support the delivery of youth friendly, evidence based AOD assessment and treatment services, according to the Waikato Youth AOD Model of Care
- Identifying opportunities for further development of youth friendly and responsive services; and working with young people and service staff to implement these
- Developing effective networks and relationships with other Waikato youth services
In return we offer:
- $55,494 to $63,814.40 salary per annum (depending on your relevant qualifications and experience)
- 22 days annual leave and 5 days paid study leave per annum
- Professional and career development opportunities
- A dynamic and supportive team who are passionate about what they do
Your enthusiasm for working with young people will be demonstrated by work experience and/or a relevant qualification. With knowledge of the effects related to the misuse of alcohol and other drugs, you are proactive in engaging young people in their recovery and in service development. You will have a sound understanding of cultural norms, practices and traditions, especially with regard to Māori and Pacific communities, and the application of the Treaty of Waitangi to the guidelines for practice.
Passionate about working with young people, you will be able to creatively engage and motivate them to work towards goals. You are willing to work alongside family/whānau and have excellent facilitation skills. You can demonstrate experience using a client-centered strengths-based approach.
Youth INtact is a community-based youth alcohol and other drugs (AOD) service, established by Waikato District Health Board as part of the Waikato Youth Alcohol and Drug Project.
Delivered by Odyssey, an alcohol and drug treatment provider, Youth INtact is a new approach to service delivery for rangatahi/young people with problematic to severe alcohol and/or other drug use – offering easily accessible community based assessment and treatment services that are wraparound, holistic and culturally responsive.
Odyssey delivers its Youth INtact service for the Waikato region from its central Hamilton base. Communities receiving this service are Hamilton, Te Awamutu, Cambridge, Morrinsville, Matamata, Ngaruawahia, Huntly, Raglan and Te Kauwhata. There will be a mixture of school clinics and community-based services, depending on the community.
To apply, please send your CV and a cover letter, and complete the additional information questionnaire online. For all enquiries, please contact Michelle Nicholson on 021578262.
Closing date: 3 July 2025
Please note that Police, and Oranga Tamariki clearance checks are required for this role.
Odyssey is an equal opportunity employer and a smoke free organisation. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We particularly encourage applications from Māori and Pasifika candidates.
