Social Worker Youth Justice

• 1 x Fulltime fixed term opportunity until November 2026
• Role based ideally in Ashburton, consideration may be given to be based in Timaru
• Remuneration starting from $81,206- $97,557 based on experience

We have an exciting opportunity for a Youth Justice Social Worker to join the Dunedin Youth Justice team. This position will have the ability to work in the prevention and statutory youth justice space and the applicant should have demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with other organisations.

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 hapū, iwi and Māori organisations to find appropriate solutions for tamariki in need.

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.

Ngā pūmanawatanga ōu | What you will bring

Key requirements of the role include:

• A passion for working with youth, connecting, understanding and building relationships to help provide positive outcomes for our rangatahi
• A Social Work Qualification with Full Registration and current Annual Practising Certificate with the New Zealand Social Worker Registration Board
• Experience, knowledge and expertise within Youth Justice or any other youth or whānau related field.
• 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 working with youth and whānau and an understanding of New Zealand Legislation that relates to the safety of children and young people
• A full, clean driver's licence

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.

Nōu te rourou | What's in it for you

Oranga Tamariki offer an impartial remuneration package ranging from $81,206 to $97,557 depending on 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

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 put Tamariki first
• We believe Aroha is vital
• We respect the Mana of people
• We are Tika and Pono
• We value Whakapapa
• We recognise that Oranga is a journey