At Pact, we believe everyone deserves the opportunity to live a meaningful, connected life.
We are a leading provider of community, vocational, and residential support across New Zealand. We support people with intellectual disabilities, mental health and addiction challenges, and young people to reach their goals and build independence.
Our passionate team walks alongside individuals, empowering them to thrive in a safe, positive, and inclusive environment.
Job Description
About the Role
We're looking for a steady, supportive, and down-to-earth Youth Community Support Worker to join our Dunedin team. This role is not for the faint-hearted — but if you’re someone who can stay calm under pressure, set healthy boundaries, and still bring fun and connection to each day, you might be exactly who we need.
You’ll be working alongside rangatahi with short-term placements, who may present with challenging behaviours, including aggression, absconding, or property damage. You’ll play a vital role in creating stability, safety, and growth — even in the toughest moments.
In this role, you will:
Support youth to reconnect with whānau, culture, and community
Role-model emotional regulation, resilience, and life skills
Keep structure in the home and calmly manage behavioural challenges
Provide hands-on support with routines, wellbeing, and goal setting
Encourage learning through fun, trust, and respectful relationships
Work closely with a tight-knit team to create consistent, positive environments
Maintain clear documentation and communicate effectively with whānau, professionals, and colleagues
This is a Full-time position (80 hours per fortnight) with a variety of day, evening, weekend, awake night, and sleepover shifts.
Desired Skills and Experience
What You’ll Bring
Our Dunedin Youth Team is looking for someone with:
A calm, confident approach in high-pressure situations
Experience working with youth or challenging behaviours (professional or personal)
A resilient, no-nonsense attitude paired with a genuine care for others
Excellent communication and de-escalation skills
The ability to build trust quickly and lead by example
A full NZ driver’s licence
A relevant qualification (e.g. NZ Cert in Health & Wellbeing Level 4) or willingness to work towards one
Applicants must have the right to work in New Zealand and be available for an interview in Dunedin (If on a work visa, it must be valid for at least 12 months).
We’re a supportive, down-to-earth team that shows up for each other and the people we support. No two days are the same — but every day is an opportunity to change a life. If you’ve got the heart, humour, and grit for this role, we want to hear from you. Submit your CV today and join us in empowering young people to live life to the fullest.
Please do not apply unless you already have the right to work in New Zealand. We are unable to help with visa sponsorship.
