Dynamic Senior Youth Worker at Westbridge Specialist School, skilled in crisis response and youth mentoring. Successfully enhanced participant satisfaction through data-driven program improvements and fostered community partnerships, increasing resource access for underprivileged youth. Advocated for youth needs, promoting a safe environment and facilitating impactful life skills coaching and conflict de-escalation strategies.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Senior Youth Worker
Westbridge Specialist School
08.2013 - 02.2025
Evaluated program effectiveness by analyzing participant feedback and making necessary improvements.
Provided crisis intervention services when necessary, connecting youths with appropriate mental health resources during times of acute stress or trauma.
Facilitated parent involvement through regular communication about student progress and program updates.
Aligned programming with best practices in youth development theory, resulting in higher rates of participant satisfaction and success.
Increased access to resources for underprivileged youth through partnerships with local organizations.
Implemented a data-driven approach to track participant outcomes, informing ongoing adjustments in service delivery models.
Collaborated with community partners to create opportunities for youth to gain valuable skills and experiences.
Served as an advocate on behalf of young people within the broader community, championing their needs and interests through policy initiatives and public outreach efforts.
Organized field trips and other experiential learning opportunities that broadened horizons for participants beyond their immediate communities.
Coordinated events, workshops, and conferences for professional development of fellow youth workers.
Supervised a team of junior youth workers, providing training and support as needed for their success in the role.
Promoted a safe and inclusive environment by addressing conflicts and facilitating open communication among participants.
Enhanced youth engagement by developing and implementing interactive programs and activities.
Developed strategies to address challenging behaviors in youths while maintaining a positive group dynamic.
Supported at-risk youth through mentorship, providing guidance to improve their personal and academic lives.
Provided key emotional support to special needs youth.
Provided guidance and advice to youth, supporting navigation of diverse personal and social issues.
Managed and led activities promoting growth in mental, emotional, and educational areas.
Organized and facilitated recreational activities to engage youth in positive, team-building experiences.
Supervised youth in residential and community-based programs to minimize risks and offer support.
Education
Diploma - Youth Work
Careerforce
Auckland New Zealand
Skills
Mental health support
Social skills training
Life skills coaching
Family engagement
Suicide prevention
Youth mentoring
Bullying prevention
Restorative justice
Youth supervision
Conflict de-escalation
Social skill development
Positive reinforcement
Behavioral interventions
Behavior modeling
Program planning
Crisis response
Accomplishments
Volunteer Youth Leader - Tumau Youth Group (2005–2022): Organizing youth events, fundraisers, and annual camps.
Coach: NZTFI Tag Samoa & Pasifika U10–15 (2017–2024), Mt Albert Rugby League (2019–2024), Auckland Toa Samoa Tours.
Assistant Coach: St Pauls Rugby League (2021–2023), ARL Norths (2021–2022).
Coach: Pine Central U17 (2025).
Certification
Youth Worker Certificate Level 4
Diploma in Youth Work Level 6 (Current)
Certificate in fundamentals of safeguarding and child protection eLearning
Completion of Ministry of education physical restraint - understanding the rules and guidelines module 1
Certificate in Team teach-supporting positive behavior with transformative training
First Aid Certificate
Blue Card
Affiliations
REFERENCES
Reuben Aita-Ilaoa
Westbridge School - Deputy Principal - Residential