Youth Justice Social Worker - Christchurch East

• Apply now for a rewarding permanent full-time social work career.
• Join our vibrant multi-cultural office at our Christchurch East Youth Justice Site
• We're offering a competitive salary starting from $81,206 to $97,557, depending on experience.

Make a difference where it matters most.

Youth Justice provides tamariki and rangatahi with the opportunity to take positive steps forward following offending behaviour. By working alongside rangatahi, whānau, and key community partners, we help create pathways toward safer, stronger futures and reduce the likelihood of ongoing involvement in the justice system.

This is an opportunity to be part of meaningful change, supporting young people to realise their potential and achieve positive outcomes for themselves, their whānau and their communities.

Mō mātou | About us

At Oranga Tamariki, we are committed to putting tamariki and rangatahi at the centre of everything we do. Every day, our kaimahi work to ensure that children and young people are safe, supported and empowered to thrive.

Our values guide the way we work:

• 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

We are committed to ensuring Aotearoa New Zealand is the best place in the world to be a child. Partnering with hapū, iwi, Māori organisations, communities and families is central to achieving better outcomes for tamariki and rangatahi.

Mō te tūnga | About the role

As a Youth Justice Social Worker, you will play a key role in supporting rangatahi who have entered the youth justice system. Working closely with rangatahi, their whānau, Police, Youth Advocates, the Courts, schools, community providers and other agencies, you will assess needs, develop plans and help address the underlying causes of offending behaviour.

This is a dynamic and rewarding role where no two days are the same. You will have the opportunity to influence positive change, strengthen whānau connections, and support young people to build brighter futures.

Key responsibilities include:

• Building strong and trusting relationships with rangatahi and their whānau
• Preparing and presenting professional reports and recommendations to the Youth Court
• Developing intervention plans that support positive outcomes
• Coordinating support services and community-based responses
• Working collaboratively across multidisciplinary teams and partner organisations
• Advocating for the needs and aspirations of tamariki and rangatahi

To be considered for this role, you must hold a recognised Social Work qualification and either hold, or be eligible to hold, Full Registration with the New Zealand Social Workers Registration Board, along with a current Annual Practising Certificate.

Ngā pūmanawatanga ōu | What you'll bring

We're looking for someone who combines sound social work practice with genuine passion for supporting young people and their whānau.

You will bring:

• A passion for working with rangatahi and helping them achieve positive, sustainable outcomes
• A recognised Social Work qualification
• Full Social Work Registration and a current Annual Practising Certificate
• Strong relationship-building and engagement skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare professional reports for the Courts
• Knowledge and understanding of Youth Justice processes and the Oranga Tamariki Act
• Experience in child protection social work practice and an understanding of relevant New Zealand legislation
• A commitment to culturally responsive practice, including an understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and tikanga Māori
• The ability to work effectively in complex and challenging situations
• A full, clean New Zealand driver's licence (historic convictions may be considered on a case-by-case basis)

Nōu te rourou | What's in it for you

At Oranga Tamariki, we know our people are our greatest strength. When you join us, you'll become part of a supportive team that values professional growth, wellbeing and making a meaningful difference.

We offer:

• Salary between $81,206 and $97,557, with annual progression based on experience and tenure
• Ongoing professional development and training opportunities
• Regular professional supervision and support
• Flexible working arrangements where appropriate
• A collaborative and inclusive team environment
• Access to a wide range of employee benefits and wellbeing initiatives
• The opportunity to contribute to lasting change for tamariki, rangatahi and whānau

To learn more about the benefits of working at Oranga Tamariki, visit:

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: Tuesday 3rd of November 2026 and we will begin shortlisting candidates as we receive applications. Please note we do reserve the right to close the advert once all roles are 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.