YJ Social Worker Hamilton

Oranga Tamariki; New Zealand; On-site; NZD 81,000 - 98,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible work options

Wellbeing support

Professional development

Job summary

Oranga Tamariki—Ministry for Children is seeking a Youth Justice Social Worker to work with rangatahi and their whānau in partnership with police and community services to address underlying factors contributing to offending. You will apply bicultural practice, Tikanga Māori, and Te Tiriti o Waitangi to support positive outcomes.

The role requires a Social Work Qualification with Full Registration and current Annual Practising Certificate, plus a commitment to bi-cultural practice and strong

Qualifications

• Social Work Qualification and Full Registration with Annual Practising Certificate.
• Proven strong relationship building and communication skills.
• Knowledge of tikanga Māori and Te Tiriti o Waitangi in practice.
• Understanding of the Oranga Tamariki Act and Youth Justice processes.
• Full, clean NZ driver's licence.

Responsibilities

• Work in partnership with rangatahi, whānau, police and services to address underlying factors contributing to offending.
• Provide culturally responsive, bicultural support to help rangatahi flourish.
• Prepare professional written and verbal feedback for courts and stakeholders.

Skills

Youth engagement

Relationship building

Written communication

Verbal communication

Bi-cultural practice

Tikanga Māori knowledge

Te Tiriti o Waitangi understanding

NZ driver’s licence

Education

Social Work Qualification with Full Registration and Annual Practising Certificate NZ

Job description

Jora New Zealand will close on 9th September 2026. Thank you for being with us, we are cheering you on as you continue your career journey.

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

Mō te tūnga | 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.

This role will provide a real opportunity to positively influence rangatahi, and whānau in your community. Our belief is that in the right environment, with the right people surrounding and nurturing them, any tamariki and rangatahi can, and should flourish.

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 putTamarikifirst
• We respect theManaof people
• We valueWhakapapa
• We recognise thatOrangais 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.

• A passion for working with youth, connecting, understanding and building relationships tohelp provide positive outcomes for ourrangatahi
• 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 NZ'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 dependingon 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 visithttps://mahi.orangatamariki.govt.nz/working-with-us/employee-benefits/

Applications close: 24th August 2026 however we will be reviewing and inviting candidates to interview as we go so get your application in now!

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.