Transition Worker | Te Tuapapa Kaimahi

Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Te Rangi Iwi Trust; Tauranga; On-site; NZD 52,000 - 78,000; Full time

Job summary

Te Tuapapa Kaimahi at Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Te Rangi Iwi Trust leads rangatahi through transitions from care to independence, up to age 21 and entitlements up to 25. You will collaborate with Oranga Tamariki, caregivers and a wide network to build trust and genuine connections.

You will work in a kaupapa-driven team, supporting youth development, budgeting, transport access, and navigating services while upholding te reo Māori, kaupapa Māori and whānau-centred approaches.

Responsibilities

• Support three stages of transition for rangatahi: from in-care to independence up to age 21, and up to 25 for entitlement awareness.
• Build trusting, respectful relationships with young people and whānau, with clear boundaries.
• Assist with assessment and transition planning, centering the young person's voice and goals.
• Provide practical support for everyday life (budgeting, transport, accessing services).
• Help rangatahi strengthen connections with whānau, hapū, iwi and supportive adults.
• Collaborate with Oranga Tamariki, caregivers and other professionals involved in the youth's life.

Job description

Te Tuapapa Kaimahi| Oranga Whānau

Location: Te Rua Taiko | Hull Road

Employment: Full-time | Mon-Fri | 8am-4pm

Help rangatahi make a good start to adult life. As Te Tuapapa Kaimahi, you'll walk alongside young people transitioning out of care, from the final stages of their statutory care right through to age 21. You'll take a youth led approach, building trust, strengthening whānau and community connections, and helping each young person grow into their independence at their own pace.

What you’ll do

• Support young people through three stages of transition: helping prepare them while they're still in care, becoming their key point of contact as they move into independence up to age 21, ensuring rangatahi are aware of their entitlement to advice and assistance until 25 and provide information on how to access this if needed.
• Build and maintain a trusting, respectful relationship with each young person, with clear boundaries.
• Support assessment and transition planning, keeping the young person's voice, goals and aspirations at the centre.
• Provide practical and empathetic support for everyday life, from budgeting and transport to accessing services and entitlements.
• Help young people build and strengthen connections with whānau, hapū, iwi and a wider network of supportive adults.
• Work collaboratively with Oranga Tamariki, caregivers and other professionals involved in the young person's life.

What you’ll bring

• A relevant qualification in social work, youth work, health, teaching or human services (Level 6 or above); significant relevant experience may be considered in place of formal qualifications.
• Experience working with youth or vulnerable people, and the ability to build rapport and trust with young people and whānau.
• An understanding of trauma, adolescent brain development and youth development approaches, and of how disability, mental health and substance abuse can affect a young person's life.
• Cultural competency and demonstrable knowledge of kaupapa Māori, te reo Māori, Te Tiriti o Waitangi and Pacifica protocols.
• Strong behaviour management and conflict resolution skills.

Join a kaupapa driven team making a real difference in the lives of our rangatahi.