Social Worker Youth Justice

Join to apply for the Social Worker Youth Justice role at Oranga Tamariki—Ministry for Children

• 2 × Full‑time fixed‑term positions until November 2026
• One position based in Whanganui, one in New T Plymouth
• Remuneration starting from $81,206 – $97,557 based on experience

Do you want to help 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.

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.

Ngā pūmanawatanga ōu | What you will bring

Nōu te rourou | What's in it for you

Oranga Tamariki offers an impartial remuneration package ranging from $81,206 to $97,557 depending on experience and offers 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.

Mō mātou | About us

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 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.

Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to Apply

Apply online with your CV and Covering Letter. If you are an Oranga Tamariki employee already, please ensure you apply with a login using your Oranga Tamariki email address. If you have any questions about the role, please contact (contact details).

Applications close : 30th November 2025. We will review and invite candidates to interview as we go so get your application in now as we may close the role early if the right candidate is found.

To be considered for this position you must hold a Social Work Qualification and / or Full Registration and a current Annual Practising 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.

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