Youth Justice Social Worker - Panmure

About the Role

We have an immediate opening for a Youth Justice Social Worker within the Panmure Youth Justice team, part of the Auckland City Youth Justice service. This position offers the unique opportunity to work both in prevention and statutory youth justice environments, collaborating effectively with various organisations to support tamariki and rangatahi.

Our mission is to make New Zealand the best place in the world for children, with a focus on partnering closely with hapū, iwi, and Māori groups to develop culturally appropriate solutions for children in need.

Role Overview

Youth Justice serves as a pathway for youth who have committed, or are alleged to have committed an offence, providing them with a chance to reform without gaining a criminal record. As a Youth Justice Social Worker, you will work collaboratively with rangatahi, their whānau, the police, youth advocates, and key government and community services. The aim is to address root causes of offending at an early stage to diminish the chances of lifelong offending.

This role offers a meaningful chance to positively impact rangatahi and whānau within your community by fostering a nurturing environment conducive to growth and flourishing.

Key Responsibilities

• Partner with rangatahi, whānau, police, youth advocates, and community agencies to provide support and intervention.
• Address underlying issues contributing to offending behavior.
• Deliver professional reports and verbal feedback to courts and relevant bodies.
• Ensure culturally responsive and bicultural practices consistent with Tikanga Māori and Te Tiriti o Waitangi.

Required Qualifications and Experience

• Fully registered Social Work qualification with a current Annual Practising Certificate from the New Zealand Social Worker Registration Board.
• Strong passion and experience working with youth and families, particularly within Youth Justice or related fields.
• Exceptional relationship-building capabilities.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills for professional reporting.
• Understanding of Oranga Tamariki Act, Youth Justice processes, and applicable New Zealand legislation on child and youth safety.
• Commitment to bicultural practice and culturally sensitive engagement.
• Possession of a full and clean driver’s license.

Offer and Benefits

The remuneration package ranges from NZ$81,206 to NZ$97,557 annually, based on experience, with scheduled annual increments for tenure. The team environment is supportive and vibrant, with flexibility in work arrangements and a genuine emphasis on well-being.

Extensive professional development and training opportunities are provided to help you excel and grow within this role. Diversity and inclusion form core principles within the work culture.

Application Process

Interested applicants should submit a CV and cover letter online. Existing employees should ensure applications are submitted via their official Oranga Tamariki email account.

Applications will be reviewed continuously, with interviews scheduled as suitable candidates emerge. Early application is encouraged as the vacancy may close ahead of the stated deadline.

Additional Information

This is a permanent full-time position based in Panmure, Auckland. Applicants must adhere to the organization's code of conduct, which requires staff to attend work free from the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Application deadline: Midnight, 24th August 2026.