Kaiārahi (Young Adult Development Worker)

• Use your heart, skills and experience to directly support (rangatahi) young adults navigating their way to independence in a challenging and dynamic youth development programme (office based in Mt Roskill, flats based in Mt Roskill and Te Atatū)
• Join a small, flexible and supportive team who value a whanau feel at work, your whanau at home and your career momentum
• Play a key role in the future navigation and development of the programme itself

Hours  37.5 flexible hours per week (full-time)
Salary  $55,000.00-$60,000.00 annually (negotiable based on qualifications and experience)

About the Department/Operation/Programme

TE KĀPEHU WHETŪ is a programme designed to offer a positive living or flatting environment with both internal support from kaitiaki and external support by kaiārahi. Young adults aged 16-21 who are transitioning out of the ‘care system’ are referred by Oranga Tamariki (under-18 years) or community transition workers (18+). Rangatahi can then choose to apply to flat and those accepted move into a house where both their peers and supportive flatmates (kaitiaki) reside. Kaitiaki are volunteers who receive the same board package as rangatahi and are responsible for upholding the kaupapa of the programme, which includes building a positive flat culture and prioritizing informal learning opportunities. As a kaiārahi you would provide more formal support outside of the flat to encourage a smoother transition to independence, in whatever shape of form this may take for our rangatahi.

About the role/job description

As kaiārahi you are required to walk alongside approximately 5 rangatahi (likely males) as they adjust to flatting life and independence. Our young adults come with different experiences of the care-system and the kaiārahi (with support from kaitiaki and colleagues) assess both strengths and areas for development and mould their role around and through these. It is expected that you will work to maximise a young adult’s strengths and use a positive youth development approach to address their ‘needs’. The difference between Te Kāpehu Whetū and many other young adult development roles is that you have easy access to rangatahi within their own accommodation, while also being able to influence and support the kaitiaki living with them. Connecting with their culture, identity and whanau, focussing on restoration where safe and positive to do so is also a component of the role.
 

Key tasks

• Capacity to build positive relationships with young adults, actively listen and then practice based on maximising strengths and addressing needs of individual and flat collective.
• Work with a sound knowledge of the positive youth development framework, and willingness to practically apply models or assessment tools such as Te Whare Tapa Wha, Circle of Courage and HEEADSSS
• Assess and manage risks for wellbeing of all flatmates and staff and be adept at supporting problem-solving, conflict resolution, negotiating and de-escalation with a view to restorative outcomes.
• Willingness to foster relationships with kaitiaki as well as with internal and external stakeholders particularly Transition to Adulthood Workers (TTAs) and Oranga Tamariki Social Workers
• Participate in Family Group Conferences (FGCs) and other hui as required (including any flat hui)
• Keep up-to-date weekly records and a growth plan for young adults on Te Kāpehu Whetū using The Salvation Army’s internal records system.

Person Specification

• A heart, desire and passion to ‘care about’ vulnerable young adults
• Creativity, patience, willingness to learn, ability to problem solve with, and advocate for, young adults aged 16 and over
• Level 4 qualification (Diploma or higher) in relevant field
• Being comfortable engaging with whanau who may have had negative experiences working with community and government organisations
• Adept at navigating and building external relationships with professionals from Oranga Tamariki and other community organisations in the ‘transitions’ space.
• Seek to embrace diversity, different cultural backgrounds and enhance the mana of our young adults and wider team
• Own your place in a small team and add value to the wider Te Kāpehu Whetū whanau of rangatahi, kaitiaki and staff.
• Flexibility to work (agreed) variable hours to meet needs of young adults and programme
• Enthusiasm to upskill and engage in training designed to assist your practice and ensure the safety and wellbeing of our rangatahi

Contact Information

For more information about this role please contact Matt Evans on 0210757575 or by email matt.evans@salvationarmy.org.nz

Applications

To apply please send your cover letter, CV (including referee details) and completed application form to: matt.evans@salvationarmy.org.nz

Applicants for this position will need to have NZ residency or a valid NZ work visa.  All employment offers are subject to the completion of a satisfactory Ministry of Justice clearance/Police Check (where applicable).

Closing date

Applications close by Thursday March 30, 2023.

The Salvation Army is a worldwide evangelical Christian church and human service provider. It is committed to caring for people, transforming lives and reforming society – all through the love of God shown in Jesus. The successful applicant should therefore show an ability to identify with the mission and values of The Salvation Army.