Youth Mentor Te Ao Āpōpō Service

Youth Mentor - Permanent Role

Te Rūnanga o Kirikiriroa is a kaupapa Māori organisation based on a whānau-first, tikanga-based, wellbeing approach. Our organisation works to a model of care centred around our pou (guiding principles) of whanaungatanga, manaakitanga, arohatanga, rangatiratanga, tika and pono. We deliver health and social services across the lifespan and have a team of over 100 people working across Hamilton city and beyond.

About the Role

The Youth Mentor supports rangatahi within Te Ao Āpōpō, our housing service for young people aged 16–25 who are experiencing homelessness or housing instability. This role focuses on mentoring, building trust, and providing wrap-around support to help rangatahi develop life skills and transition toward independence.

Working Monday to Friday, 40 hours per week, you will support day-to-day needs within the housing programme, assist with personal development planning, and create opportunities for rangatahi to reconnect with culture, education, and community.

Key Responsibilities

• Build positive mentoring relationships with rangatahi, fostering trust and personal growth.
• Provide guidance and support for daily living needs, including life skills development and housing stability.
• Collaborate with team members to deliver wrap-around support tailored to each rangatahi’s goals.
• Advocate for rangatahi with internal and external services to promote wellbeing.
• Support rangatahi to engage in cultural, educational, and community activities.
• Maintain accurate documentation and contribute to reporting on service delivery outcomes.
• Promote a safe and supportive environment within the housing programme aligned with kaupapa Māori values.

Skills

• Youth mentoring and relationship-building abilities.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.
• Understanding of, or willingness to learn, kaupapa Māori practice approaches.
• Ability to remain calm, empathetic, and solution-focused in challenging situations.

Experience

• Previous experience working with rangatahi or in youth support roles.
• Background in social services, mentoring, or community work is advantageous.
• Familiarity with housing support services or wrap-around care approaches is beneficial.
• Knowledge of the social housing space / pathways with transitioning taiohi into independent living.
• Lived experience can also be beneficial in this role.

Qualifications and Education

• Relevant qualification in youth work, social services, or a related field is preferred, or equivalent experience.
• Full New Zealand driver licence (manual preferred) and ability to pass Police and MSD vetting are required.

Benefits

• Work in a kaupapa Māori organisation rooted in community service and cultural integrity.
• Contribute to meaningful mahi that uplifts whānau and supports kaimahi wellbeing.
• Ongoing development and learning opportunities.
• Access to medical insurance.
• Monthly supervision to support your professional journey.

Ready to Join Us?

If you’re passionate about working in a kaupapa Māori organisation and committed to a whānau-first, tikanga-based wellbeing approach, we’d love to hear from you. This role is an opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the lives of our whanaunga and be part of a team that stands for integrity, care, and collective uplift.

Join us in making a difference – apply now.

We aim to finish receiving applications by no later than 04/05/2026.