Youth Justice Resource Worker - Hawkes Bay

• Come join a vibrant, supportive Hawkes Bay based Youth Justice team covering both Napier and Hastings
• Flexibility of casual hours to suit your lifestyle
• $26 per hour + 8% holiday pay

Do you have a passion for supporting young people to overcome challenges and achieve their potential? Have you guided your own children, whānau members, or young people through life's ups and downs and want to make a meaningful difference in your community?

If so, this could be the opportunity for you.

As a Resource Worker, you'll work alongside our Youth Justice Social Workers to provide practical support, positive role modelling, encouragement, and guidance to tamariki and rangatahi during important moments in their lives. Whether you're helping a young person attend court, supporting them to achieve personal goals, or simply being a consistent and trusted adult, your contribution can have a lasting impact.

Mō mātou | About us

Oranga Tamariki—Ministry for Children is committed to putting tamariki and rangatahi at the heart of everything we do. We work together to ensure children and young people are safe, strong, connected, and able to thrive in loving whānau and communities. Our values guide us every day:

• 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

Our purpose is to ensure all tamariki are supported to grow up safe, loved, and connected, with every opportunity to flourish.

Mō te tūnga | About the role

This role is part of a casual pool of Resource Workers who provide flexible support to our Youth Justice team on an as-needed basis. No two days are the same. You could be helping a young person navigate a challenging situation, supporting whānau connections, or assisting Social Workers with a range of youth-focused activities.

Key responsibilities may include:

• Building positive relationships with tamariki and rangatahi through one-to-one support and mentoring
• Providing supervision and support at Youth Court, community appointments, access visits, and activities
• Transporting young people safely to appointments, programmes, court appearances, and placements
• Acting as a positive role model while supporting young people to achieve agreed goals
• Providing emotional support and encouragement during difficult or uncertain times
• Maintaining accurate records and communicating effectively with Social Workers and the wider team
• Supporting Youth Justice Social Workers with day-to-day activities and programmes

This is meaningful work where your life experience, resilience, and ability to connect with young people can make a genuine difference.

Ngā pūmanawatanga ōu | What you will bring

We're looking for people who are compassionate, dependable, and committed to supporting young people to succeed.

You will bring:

• A genuine passion for working with and supporting tamariki and rangatahi
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills
• Experience in caregiving, youth work, social services, community support, coaching, mentoring, or similar environments
• The ability to remain calm, professional, and supportive in challenging situations
• Positive role-modelling and sound judgement
• Respect for confidentiality and the ability to maintain professional boundaries
• An understanding and appreciation of diverse cultures, particularly tikanga Māori and Pacific communities
• A full, clean New Zealand Driver Licence
• Flexibility to work casual hours, including evenings, weekends, and public holidays when required

Nōu te rourou | What's in it for you

This is a rewarding opportunity to make a tangible contribution to the wellbeing and future of young people in your community.

You'll enjoy:

• Being part of a welcoming and supportive Youth Justice team
• Flexible casual work arrangements
• Opportunities to develop specialist skills and experience working with rangatahi
• Ongoing training and professional development
• A workplace committed to inclusion, diversity, and wellbeing
• The chance to make a positive impact in the lives of tamariki, rangatahi, and whānau

The hourly rate for this casual position is $26 per hour plus 8% holiday pay.

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 log in using your Oranga Tamariki email address. If you have any questions about role, please contact

Applications close: 12 November 2026, we will be reviewing and inviting candidates to interview as we go so get your application in now!! Please note we do reserve the right to close the advert early if the role is filled.

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.