Website Thrive Trust
Supporting young people, whānau and communities to live with vis
Thrive Trust is looking for one or two people to join our youth work team across Thames and Paeroa.
We’re keeping the structure flexible because we’re more interested in finding the right people than fitting someone into a predetermined box.
The opportunity could be:
One 30–35 hour role working across both Thames and Paeroa; or Two 15–20 hour roles, with one person primarily serving Thames and the other Paeroa.
If you’re interested in only one location, we still want to hear from you.
THE ROLE
At the heart of this position is building genuine relationships with young people and helping them thrive.
Thrive provides around 10 hours per week of youth work at Thames High School and 10 hours at Paeroa College. Our youth workers spend time in the school environment, building relationships with rangatahi and providing mentoring and non-clinical wellbeing support.
The role also includes facilitating Thrive’s practical, activity-based wellbeing and resilience programmes in local feeder primary schools, helping young people develop confidence, self-awareness, communication, healthy relationships, teamwork, leadership and belonging.
For the right person, there may also be opportunities to contribute to our young entrepreneur programme, primary-school leadership initiatives and other developing areas of Thrive’s work.
WHO ARE WE LOOKING FOR?
Qualifications are useful, but they aren’t the first thing we’re looking for. We want someone young people can trust and relate to — someone who connects naturally with students while communicating professionally with teachers, parents, whānau and community organisations.
You will ideally bring:
Experience working with children or young people
Strong relationship-building skills
A mature, grounded and non-judgemental approach
Initiative and good time management
Good verbal and written communication
The ability to work independently and as part of a team
Confidence facilitating groups, or the ability to develop this
A willingness to receive training and feedback
Full Drivers Licence
Relevant experience or qualifications in youth work, education, social work, counselling, community development or outdoor education would be an advantage, but are not essential.
ABOUT THRIVE
Thrive Trust is a Christian charitable organisation supporting young people, whānau and communities across Thames and the Hauraki.
Our Christian foundations shape our mission, values, culture and motivation for serving our community. The successful applicant will need to be able to genuinely work within, support and represent Thrive’s mission, values, policies and organisational culture while working respectfully with people from a wide range of cultures, backgrounds and beliefs.
We’d particularly love to hear from people already connected within Thames, Paeroa or the wider Hauraki, but we’re also open to applicants from outside the area who are considering relocating.
COULD THE ROLE GROW?
Yes. For someone with significant experience and leadership capability, there may be opportunities over time to take on additional responsibility in programme development, supporting other youth workers, school and community relationships, team leadership and aspects of Thrive’s day-to-day leadership.
These responsibilities are not a requirement of the youth worker role. If the position developed significantly into leadership or management, the position description and remuneration would be reviewed.
HOURS & REMUNERATION
$28-30 per hour, depending on relevant experience, skills and responsibilities.
The role can be structured as:
15–20 hours per week for a Thames- or Paeroa-focused position; or 30–35 hours per week for someone working across both communities.
Much of our work takes place during school hours, although some flexibility is required around programmes, activities, meetings and community events.
Flexible start date from 12 October 2026 onwards.
SAFETY & SUITABILITY
Appointment will be subject to reference checking, Police vetting and any required children’s-worker safety checking. Applicants must have the legal right to work in New Zealand.
INTERESTED?
Send us your CV and a short cover letter telling us:
about yourself
your experience working with young people
why this work interests you
whether you’re interested in Thames, Paeroa or the combined role
approximately how many hours you’re looking for.
We’re looking for the right fit and will review applications as they come in, so we encourage you to apply early. The listing will remain open until the position is filled.
Thrive Trust Supporting young people, whānau and communities to live with vision, resilience and hope.
To apply for this job email your details to mike@thrivetrust.co.nz.
