Social Worker Youth Justice

Oranga Tamariki—Ministry for Children; Palmerston North; On-site; NZD 81,000 - 98,000; Full time

Job summary

A government agency for child services is seeking a Youth Justice Social Worker in Palmerston North. This role focuses on supporting youth to change their lives positively and prevent lifelong offending by collaborating with families, police, and social services. Applicants must hold a Social Work Qualification with Full Registration. The position offers a salary ranging from $81,206 to $97,557 dependent on experience, alongside a supportive team environment and professional development opportunities.

Benefits

Flexible work options

Professional training and development

Vibrant and supportive team

Qualifications

• Passion for positively impacting the lives of youth.
• Experience with child protection and understanding of New Zealand legislation.
• Ability to provide professional written and verbal feedback.

Responsibilities

• Work in partnership with rangatahi and their whānau.
• Address underlying factors contributing to offending.
• Collaborate with police and community support services.

Skills

Working with youth

Relationship building

Strong communication skills

Cultural competency

Education

Social Work Qualification with Full Registration

Job description

Overview

Full time fixed term opportunity until November 2026

Role based in Whanganui

Remuneration starting from $81,206- $97,557 based on experience

About the role

Youth Justice is a pathway for tamariki and rangatahi who have, or are alleged to have, committed an offence. It gives them a genuine opportunity to change their lives for the better without getting a criminal record and to make positive strides forward.

In this role as a Youth Justice Social Worker within the team, you will work in partnership with rangatahi, their whānau, police, youth advocates and essential government and community support services to address the underlying factors that contribute to offending as early as possible, to reduce the potential for lifelong offending.

Ngā pūmanawatanga ōu | What you will bring

• A passion for working with youth, connecting, understanding and building relationships to help provide positive outcomes for our rangatahi
• A Social Work Qualification with Full Registration and current Annual Practising Certificate with the New Zealand Social Worker Registration Board
• Excellent relationship building skills
• Strong written and verbal communication skills (you will need to provide professional written and verbal feedback to the courts)
• A commitment to bi-cultural practice and a culturally responsive approach (including a good Understanding of Tikanga Māori and Te Tiriti o Waitangi)
• An understanding of the Oranga Tamariki Act and Youth Justice processes
• Proven expertise and social work practice in child protection and an understanding of New Zealand Legislation that relates to the safety of children and young people
• A full, clean driver\'s licence

Nōu te rourou | What\'s in it for you

Oranga Tamariki offer an impartial remuneration package ranging from $81,206 to $97,557 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. We welcome diversity and are committed to working in an inclusive and respectful way. This is your opportunity to apply your skills and experience to the wellbeing of tamariki and rangatahi.

To see all the benefits of working for Oranga Tamariki, please visit

Mō mātou | About us

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

In our work, we aim to demonstrate these values:

• We put Tamariki first
• We believe Aroha is vital
• We respect the Mana of people
• We are Tika and Pono
• We value Whakapapa
• We recognise that Oranga is a journey

We are committed to ensuring that 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.

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 login using your Oranga Tamariki email address. If you have any questions about role, please contact

Applications close: 17th September 2025 however we will be reviewing and inviting candidates to interview as we go so get your application in now as we may close the role early if the right candidate is found

To be considered for this position you must hold a Social Work Qualification and/or Full Registration and a current Annual Practicing Certificate with the New Zealand Social Worker Registration Board

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.