Youth Worker - Alternative Education

Arohanui ki ngā rangatahi – great love for all young people.

BGI is looking for a Youth Worker to join Te Whare Taiohi, our small alternative education programme in central Wellington.

This is a practical, relationship-based role for someone who enjoys working alongside rangatahi and can bring warmth, consistency, creativity and positive energy into each day.

Our young people need more than someone who simply delivers a programme. They need trusted adults who notice what is happening for them, recognise their strengths and stick alongside them as they take their next steps.

You will work as part of an integrated team of teachers and youth workers, combining education, pastoral support, mentoring and hands-on learning. BGI’s approach is strengths based and trauma informed, with Te Whare Tapa Whā helping guide how we support the whole young person.

What you’ll be doing

You will:

• Build transformative and consistent relationships with rangatahi
• Support young people with pastoral needs, personal goals and academic work
• Help deliver learning through the Te Kura platform
• Plan and facilitate group conversations and activity-based learning
• Support individual and small-group passion projects
• Help create an inclusive and positive group culture
• Work alongside whānau, schools, referral agencies and community partners
• Support Collaborative Action Plans and pathways for young people
• Maintain accurate pastoral, programme and health and safety records
• Contribute to other BGI programmes during holidays or when needed

Activities may include cooking, gym sessions, community-based learning and other experiences shaped around the interests and needs of the young people.

What you’ll bring

You may have a youth work or education qualification, be working towards one, or bring strong relevant experience.

Most importantly, you will bring:

• Experience connecting with young people from diverse backgrounds
• A sound understanding of youth development and youth culture
• The ability to create a safe and positive group environment
• Empathy, energy, reliability and good judgement
• Creativity and confidence planning engaging activities
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills
• A practical commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi
• An understanding of confidentiality and professional boundaries
• The ability to work collaboratively and contribute to a team
• A full, clean driver licence, ideally held for at least three years

Knowledge of the Code of Ethics for Youth Work in Aotearoa and legislation relevant to working with children and young people is important.

What BGI offers

• Work with real purpose and the opportunity to make a difference alongside rangatahi
• A close, collaborative alternative education team
• A varied mix of mentoring, education and practical activities
• Monthly external professional supervision paid for by BGI
• Opportunities for ongoing professional development
• Connection to BGI’s wider youth programmes, partners and community

About BGI

The Wellington Boys’ and Girls’ Institute has worked alongside young people since 1883.

We support, inspire and challenge rangatahi to wholeheartedly embrace who they are. To us, youth development means letting young people lead, having fun and building meaningful, lasting connections with whānau and community.

Our poutokomanawa is Arohanui ki ngā rangatahi – great love for all young people. It holds up the heart of our home, Troup House, and reflects the ethos behind our work.

Hours and remuneration

Full-time, part-time or casual opportunities are available.

Salary: $55,000–$75,000 FTE, based on experience and capabilities.

The programme primarily operates during weekday hours. Some travel and occasional evening or weekend work may be required.

How to apply

Please provide your CV and a short cover letter outlining:

• Why this mahi interests you
• Your experience working alongside young people
• The strengths you would bring to Te Whare Taiohi
• Your preferred working arrangement

Contact: Michael@bgi.org.nz

BGI welcomes applicants who can contribute to the diversity of our team and connect authentically with the rangatahi and communities we serve.