Palmerston North: Transition Lead for Youth Reintegration

Oranga Tamariki—Ministry for Children; Palmerston North; On-site; NZD 126,000 - 139,000; Full time

Job summary

Oranga Tamariki is seeking a passionate Transition Delivery Lead to join the Military Style Academy (MSA) Programme in Palmerston North. You will lead transition and reintegration planning for rangatahi returning to whānau, education, employment, and the community, coordinating with social workers, whānau, and providers.

The role focuses on building pathways to lasting change, coordinating services, and reducing reoffending through evidence-informed, culturally responsive practice.

Qualifications

• A relevant tertiary qualification in social work, counselling, psychology, education, addictions, or related field.
• Experience supporting young people with complex needs.
• Experience in rehabilitation, reintegration, transition planning, case coordination, or community-based support services.
• Experience working with multiple agencies and stakeholders.
• Strong engagement with rangatahi, whānau, and community partners.
• Excellent relationship management and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Strong planning, coordination, and organisational capability.
• Understanding of youth development, rehabilitation, and community reintegration principles.
• Commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and culturally responsive practice.

Responsibilities

• Lead transition planning and reintegration activities for rangatahi returning to the community.
• Develop comprehensive transition plans alongside rangatahi, whānau, social workers, and key stakeholders.
• Coordinate access to education, employment, training, recreation, and community opportunities.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with whānau, caregivers, and support networks.
• Develop effective partnerships with schools, employers, community organisations, and service providers.
• Support continuity of care, relapse prevention planning, and ongoing rehabilitation efforts.
• Monitor progress, identify risks, and adapt plans to support successful outcomes.
• Contribute to multidisciplinary case reviews, transition planning meetings, and integrated care plans.
• This role may require occasional weekend and public holiday work to support programme delivery and transition activities.

Skills

Relationship management

Stakeholder engagement

Transition planning

Youth development

Multi-agency collaboration

Planning & coordination

Education

Tertiary qualification in social work or related field

Job description

Oranga Tamariki is seeking a passionate Transition Delivery Lead to join the Military Style Academy (MSA) Programme in Palmerston North. You will lead transition and reintegration planning for rangatahi returning to whānau, education, employment, and the community, coordinating with social workers, whānau, and providers.

The role focuses on building pathways to lasting change, coordinating services, and reducing reoffending through evidence-informed, culturally responsive practice.