Youth Development Worker

Youth Development Worker - Join our Youth Housing team and make a real difference for rangatahi!

Regular Working Hours + Full-time + Permanent Contract In Auckland + Professional Supervision

Are you passionate about supporting young people to thrive?

We're looking for a dedicated, compassionate, and people-focused Youth Development Worker to join our Youth Housing team. This is an exciting opportunity to support rangatahi aged 16 to 24 who are experiencing homelessness or housing insecurity across Tāmaki Makaurau.

Working alongside a passionate and experienced team, you'll build positive relationships with young people, support them to achieve their goals, and help them develop the skills and confidence needed to live independently and create brighter futures.

About Lifewise | Mō Lifewise

Lifewise is a national not-for-profit organisation that works interdependently with Airedale Property Trust and Methodist Mission Northern. Across The Three Trusts, we have over 400 employees who provide a broad range of social services in Auckland and Rotorua.

At Lifewise, we are committed to creating a society where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. Our Youth Housing service supports rangatahi experiencing homelessness by providing housing solutions and holistic support that empowers them to achieve positive, lasting outcomes.

About the Role | Mō te Tūranga

As a Youth Development Worker, you'll play a vital role in supporting rangatahi aged 16 to 24 as they transition from homelessness into stable, long-term housing. Working alongside a dedicated team, you'll build trusting relationships with young people, empowering them to develop the confidence, skills, and resilience needed to achieve their goals and create positive futures.

You'll provide practical and holistic support, helping rangatahi navigate challenges, strengthen their independence, and connect with opportunities in their communities. Every day brings the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in a young person's life.

Key Responsibilities | Ngā Mahi

• Develop positive and effective working relationships with the program's participants
• Provide support and guidance to the program's participants.
• Promote and facilitate a sense of community.
• Organise and manage community activities for program participants
• Nurture and maintain relationships with stakeholder organisations
• Maintain up-to-date & accurate programme participant documentation
• Work-related travel: You may be required to travel between Youth Housing Service Site locations in the Auckland area (travel costs covered by Lifewise).

What You'll Bring | Ngā Pūkenga me ngā Wheako

• Strong cultural awareness and understanding of Maori and Pacific communities
• Experience working in the community sector and with young people
• Qualifications in Youth Development, Social Work, Social Services, or community development
• Proven communication and interpersonal skills
• Experience working young people & understanding of youth development
• Experience in working with rangatahi who present challenging behaviours & have complex needs.
• Demonstrate a high level of ethics and boundaries
• Hold a current full New Zealand driver's License

What's in it for You? | Nōu te rourou

• Work from our brand-new office space
• Be part of a supportive, purpose-driven team making a real difference in the community
• Opportunities to learn, grow, and develop professionally
• Unlimited coffee from our fantastic coffee machine 
• Access to an on-site gym to support your wellbeing 
• Access to our Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) for confidential wellbeing, financial, and personal support

Ready for Your Next Challenge?

Apply now with your CV and cover letter and join a team committed to creating brighter futures for young people.

Closing Date: 7th August 2026