Therapeutic Frontline Leader — Military Style Academy

New Zealand Government Joba; Palmerston North; On-site; NZD 126,000 - 139,000; Full time

Job summary

Oranga Tamariki in Palmerston North is seeking an experienced Practice Manager for the Military Style Academy to lead frontline teams in a 24/7 secure residence, driving therapeutic and rehabilitative outcomes for rangatahi.

Based at Te Au rere a te Tonga Youth Justice Residence, the role provides operational leadership, workforce planning, risk management, and alignment with legislative requirements, reporting to Kaiwhakahaere and collaborating with whānau and mana whenua.

Qualifications

• 4-5 years' leadership experience within a Youth Justice residence or comparable setting.
• Strong knowledge of Youth Justice practice, rehabilitation, and working with high-risk and vulnerable young people.
• Experience leading frontline teams within a 24/7 operational environment.
• Proven capability in people leadership, workforce development, and performance management.
• Strong risk management and incident response experience.
• Demonstrated ability to build productive relationships across multidisciplinary teams.
• A commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and culturally responsive practice.
• A current full New Zealand Driver Licence.

Responsibilities

• Leading, coaching, and developing Team Leaders and frontline kaimahi.
• Providing day-to-day operational oversight of programme delivery.
• Promoting a culture of accountability, practice excellence, and continuous improvement.
• Ensuring programme delivery aligns with therapeutic and rehabilitative objectives.
• Managing workforce planning, rostering, recruitment, and capability development.
• Leading responses to incidents and supporting effective risk management.
• Maintaining compliance with legislative, regulatory, and organisational requirements.
• Building strong relationships with Te Ara Hou, Residence leadership, whānau, mana whenua, and key stakeholders.

Skills

Leadership

Youth Justice

Risk management

Incident response

Communication

Problem solving

Cultural responsiveness

Job description

Oranga Tamariki in Palmerston North is seeking an experienced Practice Manager for the Military Style Academy to lead frontline teams in a 24/7 secure residence, driving therapeutic and rehabilitative outcomes for rangatahi.

Based at Te Au rere a te Tonga Youth Justice Residence, the role provides operational leadership, workforce planning, risk management, and alignment with legislative requirements, reporting to Kaiwhakahaere and collaborating with whānau and mana whenua.