Youth Justice Social Worker - Porirua (Fixed Term till January 2027)

Position Overview

This full-time fixed term position, based in Porirua with responsibilities extending across the Hutt Valley and broader Wellington region, offers a meaningful opportunity to support tamariki and rangatahi involved in Youth Justice. The role aims to provide these young people with a path to positive change, avoiding criminal records and fostering better futures.

Role Responsibilities

As a Youth Justice Social Worker, you will collaborate closely with rangatahi, their whānau, police, youth advocates, and key government and community resources to tackle root causes of offending early on, thereby reducing lifelong criminal involvement.

Requirements

• You must possess a Social Work Qualification along with Full Registration and a current Annual Practising Certificate issued by the New Zealand Social Worker Registration Board.
• Demonstrated passion and commitment to working with youth, effectively connecting and building relationships to achieve positive outcomes.
• Strong skills in both written and verbal communication to provide professional feedback to the courts.
• A deep cultural responsiveness, including an understanding of Tikanga Māori and Te Tiriti o Waitangi, along with bicultural practice commitment.
• Sound knowledge of the Oranga Tamariki Act and Youth Justice procedures.
• Experience and professional expertise in child protection, including awareness of legislation safeguarding children and young people in New Zealand.
• A full, clean driver's licence is required.

Benefits

Oranga Tamariki provides a competitive remuneration starting from $81,206 to $97,557 depending on experience, including annual progression through tenure. Staff enjoy a dynamic supportive team environment, flexible work arrangements, and a genuine focus on wellbeing. Extensive training and professional development opportunities are available to foster growth. The organization embraces diversity, inclusivity, and respect.

About Oranga Tamariki

The Ministry is dedicated to prioritizing tamariki and rangatahi wellbeing with core values including putting children first, embodying aroha (love and compassion), respecting people's mana, demonstrating integrity (tika and pono), valuing whakapapa (genealogy), and understanding that wellbeing is an ongoing journey. It works closely with hapū, iwi, and Māori organizations to provide culturally appropriate support and solutions.

Additional Information

The application deadline is midnight 27th July 2026. Early applications are advised as interviews will be conducted as suitable candidates are identified and the employer reserves the right to close applications once the position is filled. Interested applicants should also be familiar with the organization's code of conduct, which requires being free from the influence of drugs and alcohol while at work.