A Day in the Life of a Young Fathers Youth Worker

8.30am
This morning we are having a whakatau to welcome visitors to Iosis. I’ve been asked to say a karakia and to greet them on behalf of the Iosis whanau.

9.30am
My first appointment of the day texts me to tell me he slept in and won’t make it in to see me today. It is frustrating but teen dads are teen dads! At least he contacted me to let me know. We’ll work on personal responsibility in his mentoring.

10.00am
One of the teen dads needs back-up support with accommodation, bedding and furniture. I chat to one of our community social workers. She is glad to help, and will call the client to make a time to meet with them.

11.30am
A young man calls me. He heard about Iosis from a friend. He has a court case coming up and it has prompted him to get some help. I make a time to see him later in the week

12.30pm
I head off to a networking meeting with other youth mentoring groups. The meeting takes place near a local mall, so I grab some of our new Young Fathers flyers to hand out to people, or give to shops to display.

3.30pm
Back in the office, I update client notes in our case management computer system. Keeping all our client data, assessments, care plans and case notes in one central, secure location supports our wrap-around approach.

4.00pm
On my way home I catch up with a friend who has recording experience. Several of the young dads are talented musically. Working on a music project together will give them a sense of belonging and teach them valuable life skills.