Youth Justice Social Worker - Wellington

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

Job summary

Oranga Tamariki—Ministry for Children invites applications for a Youth Justice Social Worker serving the Greater Wellington Region. The role collaborates with rangatahi, whānau, police and community services to address underlying factors contributing to offending and reduce lifelong risks.

A Social Work Qualification/Full Registration with Annual Practising Certificate is required, with strong relationship-building and bi-cultural practice essential.

Qualifications

• A passion for working with youth and building positive outcomes.
• Excellent relationship building and communication skills.
• Commitment to bi-cultural practice and Tikanga Māori awareness.
• Understanding of New Zealand Youth Justice context and legislation.

Education

Social Work Qualification & Registration

Job description

Youth Justice Social Worker - Wellington

This role supports the Greater Wellington Region and can be based in any of the following locations: Porirua, Kāpiti, Lower Hutt, Upper Hutt, or Wellington

• 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.

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.

• 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
• Full clean New Zealand drivers licence is required (historic convictions may be considered on a case-by-case basis)

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 visit https://mahi.orangatamariki.govt.nz/working-with-us/employee-benefits/

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 believeArohais vital
• We respect theManaof people
• We areTikaandPono
• 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.

Applications close: Friday 20th of November 2026