Youth Worker

Are you interested in helping tamariki develop the skills they need to be meaningful contributors to their whānau & communities? Would you like to share your interests, passions, and culture to help inspire and empower rangatahi? We would love to hear from you

• Permanent position available
• Based at our Dunedin site

The Dunedin Youth Justice team are excited to be looking for a youth worker to join our mahi of an intensive intervention approach to tamariki engaging in serious offending behaviour. This is innovative and fast paced mahi alongside key agency partners that ensures tamariki and whānau have the support they require to reduce the likelihood of further offending and escalation through the justice system. The successful applicant will have the opportunity to be part of this and work alongside other experienced kaimahi.

Mō te tūnga | About the role

Our site understands that the causes of offending are complex, and that successfully dealing with our rangatahi demands action beyond simple punitive measures. Guiding positive behavioural change is often challenging and requires a team & collaborative approach.

This position will see you involved in all aspects of supporting the team to implement the non-social work components of the young person's plan. The scope for development in this role is great, and you will be a valued member of our team.

Youth Justice youth workers have many responsibilities, including:

• Ensuring engagement with rangatahi is safe and professional.
• Supporting rangatahi in their personal growth and attending appointments with education, training and employment.
• Working with rangatahi to help them build and strengthen relationships with their whānau and communities.
• Develop plans with rangatahi that identify goals and clearly sets out the roles and expectations for both the young person and the youth worker.
• Coaching rangatahi through a structured day and plan.
• Supporting rangatahi to engage in sports and other interests, such as taking part in gym activities.
• Establishing and building rapport with rangatahi who have experienced trauma and assist with redirecting behaviour.
• Attending meetings with the rangatahi and other professionals from a range of different agencies e.g. Police, Education, Health and the community
• Making and coordinating appointments for rangatahi.
• Taking rangatahi to appointments that do not require a social workers presence.
• Helping rangatahi to learn life skills such as shopping and budgeting.
• Supporting rangatahi at Family Group Conferences
• Recording and other administrative tasks to support the team.
• Attend visits to the home or with other whānau.

These are just examples; a lot will depend on the special skills you bring to the team and how these can contribute to better outcomes for our rangatahi. You will be involved in the planning for the rangatahi and provide valuable feedback to the team from your involvement.

Ngā pūmanawatanga ōu | What you will bring

• Experience working in New Zealand, with rangatahi aged between 14-17 years.
• The ability to collaborate and develop a support plan.
• Understands role clarity.
• Has a proven record for wanting to make a positive difference in the lives of rangatahi.
• Resilience, initiative and a proactive approach.
• Sound judgement with the ability to manage risk and make tough decisions.
• Empathy, patience and ability to see past offending behaviours.
• Willingness and ability to work outside the usual business hours, including some weekends and evenings.
• Good communication skills with the ability to work with others and contribute to a supportive and inclusive team
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to adapt to your audience.
• Understanding in tikanga Māori and te reo Māori.
• A tertiary education within psychology, social sciences, social work, sports, music, arts or teaching would be an advantage (but is not required). Life learnings (such as coaching youth teams) are equally important, and we value the life experience that our staff bring to this practical and challenging role.
• A current and valid clean and clear New Zealand Full driver's license.
• Meet the Children's Act safety checking and our vetting requirements, including the right to work in New Zealand.
• You must be able to present at work free from the influences of drugs and alcohol

Mō mātou | About us

Oranga Tamariki—Ministry for Children has a commitment to putting tamariki and rangatahi at the heart of what we do.

Our vision is to ensure New Zealand is the best place in the world to be a child. We are also committed to ensuring Oranga Tamariki partners with hapū, iwi and Māori organisations to find appropriate solutions for tamariki in need.

Oranga Tamariki—Ministry for Children has a commitment of putting tamariki first, we believe aroha is vital, we respect the mana of people, we are tika and pono, we value whakapapa and we recognise that oranga is a journey.

Nōu te rourou | What's in it for you

Oranga Tamariki offer an impartial remuneration package ranging from $57,760 to $65,334 depending on experience and offer progression annually for experience through tenure.

We offer a vibrant and supportive team, flexible work options and a genuine commitment to wellbeing. We offer significant training and professional development so that you can thrive and grow. To see all the benefits of working for Oranga Tamariki, please visit

Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to Apply

Apply online with your CV and Covering Letter. If you are an Oranga Tamariki employee already, please ensure you apply with a log in using your Oranga Tamariki email address. If you have any questions about role, please contact

Hurry as applications for this role close Sunday 14th December however we will be reviewing CV's as we go so get your applications in today as we will close the role if preferred candidate is found Please note we do reserve the right to close the advert once role is filled

If you are interested in any of our vacancies, please ensure that you make yourself familiar with our code of conduct as it sets out our expectations for our kaimahi and requires you to present at work free from the influences of both drugs and alcohol.