YJ Youth Worker - Hamilton

New Zealand Government; Hamilton; On-site; NZD 58,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employee benefits package

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Oranga Tamariki-Ministry for Children seeks a Youth Worker at our Hamilton site to support rangatahi and their whānau. You will work within a multidisciplinary team to build positive outcomes, foster independence, and coordinate appointments with health and education services.

You will engage with whānau, attend meetings with professionals, and help implement Care Standards while providing meaningful guidance and support to rangatahi in achieving their goals.

Qualifications

• Familiar with Te Reo Māori and Tikanga.
• Experience working with traumatised rangatahi.
• Understanding of cross-cultural practices including Māori and Pacific cultures.
• Full, clean New Zealand driver licence.
• Experience in trauma-informed approaches with youth.
• Ability to work in a multidisciplinary team.

Responsibilities

• Engage with whānau and rangatahi planning.
• Collaborate with Social Workers and partner agencies to implement Care Standards.
• Attend meetings with rangatahi and professionals from various agencies (Police, Education, Health).
• Coordinate appointments and transport for rangatahi.
• Support rangatahi to develop independence skills and participate in activities.
• Record and perform administrative tasks to support the team.

Skills

Te Reo Māori

Tikanga Māori

Cross-cultural practice

Driver licence

Trauma-informed approach

Team collaboration

Job description

Make a Difference in the Lives of RangatahiDo you have the passion, energy, and life experience to inspire young people to thrive?Are you motivated by helping tamariki and rangatahi build confidence, independence, and the skills they need to succeed in life? Do you want to share your culture, interests, talents, and strengths to empower young people and make a genuine difference in your community?If this sounds like you, we'd love to hear from you.1x permanent, fulltime Youth Worker position available!Role will be based at our Hamilton SiteWe're offering a competitive salary starting from $57,760 to $65,334, depending on experienceMo te tunga | About the roleAt our Hamilton Youth Justice site, we're taking a fresh and collaborative approach to supporting tamariki, rangatahi, and their wh nau. As a valued member of a multidisciplinary team, you'll play an important role in helping bring positive outcomes to life.No two days are the same. You'll build meaningful relationships with rangatahi, support them to achieve their goals, help strengthen connections with wh nau, and work alongside Social Workers and partner agencies to create positive pathways for the future.This position will see you involved in all aspects of supporting the team to implement the non-social work components of the young person's plan. The scope for development in this role is great and you will be a valued member of the team.Engaging with wh nau and other people involved in the rangatahi's planSpending time with the rangatahi and relating well to young peopleWorking alongside Social Workers to support the mahi of bringing to life the Care Standards and positive outcomes for tamariki and rangatahiAttending meetings with the rangatahi and other professionals from a range of different agencies e.g. Police, Education, Health and the communityMaking and coordinating appointments for rangatahiInvolving in activity based and recreational programmes with our rangatahiTaking young people to appointments that do not require a social workers presenceHelping rangatahi to learn independence skills such as shopping and budgetingSupporting rangatahi at Family Group ConferencesRecording and other administrative tasks to support the teamSupporting rangatahi to attend visit e.g. with mental health and education servicesMay be required to attend visits to the home or with other wh nauThese are just examples; a lot will depend on the special skills you bring to the team and how these can contribute to better outcomes for our rangatahi. You will be involved in the planning for the rangatahi and provide valuable feedback to the team from your involvement.Ng pumanawatanga ou | What you will bringKey requirements of the role include:Familiar with Te Reo M ori and TikangaA full, clean, current New Zealand driver licence (historic convictions may be considered on a case-by-case basis)An understanding of Oranga Tamariki as an organisationExperience working with traumatised rangatahiUnderstanding and appreciation of cross-cultural practices in particular; knowledge of tikanga M ori, and Pacific peoples' cultureMo m tou | About usOranga Tamariki-Ministry for Children has a commitment to putting tamariki and rangatahi at the heart of what we do.Our vision is to ensure New Zealand is the best place in the world to be a child. We are also committed to ensuring Oranga Tamariki partners with hapu, iwi and M ori organisations to find appropriate solutions for tamariki in need.Oranga Tamariki-Ministry for Children has a commitment of putting tamariki first, we believe aroha is vital, we respect the mana of people, we are tika and pono, we value whakapapa and we recognise that oranga is a journey.Nou te rourou | What's in it for youIn return we provide a fascinating, rewarding and committed team environment where we offer a competitive salary and generous benefits - https://mahi.orangatamariki.govt.nz/working-with-us/employee-benefits/ and a genuine commitment to wellbeingOranga Tamariki offer an impartial remuneration package, that offers progression annually for experience through tenure. Annual remuneration for this position starts between $57,760 to $65,334 dependent on experience. We offer the opportunity to work in a diverse, supportive and committed team alongside a range of professional development opportunities.Me pehea te tuku tono | How to ApplyApply online with your CV and Covering Letter. If you are an Oranga Tamariki employee already, please ensure you apply with a log in using your Oranga Tamariki email address. If you have any questions about role, please contact [e-mail] close: Tuesday 6th October 2026 and we will begin shortlisting candidates as we receive applications. Please note we do reserve the right to close the advert once all roles are filled.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.