Join our Kia Puāwai whānau in making a positive difference in the lives of young people in our community!

About Kia Puāwai

We are a tangata Tiriti NGO which specialises in providing therapeutic services for tamariki, rangatahi and whānau who have complex behavioural and/or mental health needs.

Our innovative approach combines Western evidence-based models with mātauranga Māori and Pasifika knowledge. We work in a trauma informed way that acknowledges the impacts of colonisation for tangata whenua and indigenous peoples of Te Moana Nui a Kiwa, including how and why members of these communities may require our services.

Our organisational tikanga: aroha, manaakitanga, whanaungatanga and wairuatanga help us to define what best practice is for working with tangata whenua in Aotearoa.

As a tangata Tiriti organisation, we are committed to meeting our obligations to He Whakaputanga and Te Tiriti o Waitangi. We strive to deliver equitable outcomes through the designing and delivery of effective and appropriate services for tangata whenua and Pasifika.

We have over 250 staff and caregivers supporting tamariki, rangatahi and their whānau across Te Tai Tokerau, greater Tāmaki, Waikato, Te Moana a Toi, Te Matau a Māui, and the lower areas of Te Ika o Māui and Te Wai Pounamu. To find out more about Kia Puāwai, visit www.kiapuawai.nz

What we offer | Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou

• We are currently undertaking a 4 Day working week trial. The 4DWW will see our kaimahi retain 100 percent of their pay, while working 80 percent (or close to) of the time and still delivering 100 percent on the great mahi we do.
• Flexible working environment
• Career progression and professional development opportunities in both western and indigenous knowledge bases.
• 24/7 senior leadership support
• Practice support from a team of professionals with a wide range of experience
• A comprehensive orientation and induction programme, including noho marae.
• Paid birthday leave

About the role | Mō tēnei turanga mahi

We are looking for a Youth Coach for our Youth Service in New Lynn! You will focus on supporting young people and young parents who are receiving government financial assistance referred to the service by the Ministry of Social Development. This is a full-time role, working 40 hours, with flexibility required to meet the needs of our clients.

This is an office-based and community role, responsible for supporting at-risk youth and young parents aged 16-20 years.

• Completing needs assessments to identify current circumstances and determine if the young person and/or their child require other services and/or interventions.
• Providing information, guidance and support to young people and their families/whānau in order to raise aspirations and assist the young person into work, training or further education opportunities.
• Developing a pathway plan with the young person that includes goals to improve young person's skills with a focus on increasing employability and enhancing social participation and engagement. 
• Planning and prioritising intermediary goals, or action steps, to advance the overall progress of the young person.
• Supporting with applications to further assistance/support.
• Keeping meticulous records of all aspects of engagements with young people.
• Implementing motivational strategies and strength-based approaches in order to maintain the young person's engagement with the service and chosen activity.
• Facilitating young person's access to the range of other services necessary to ensure the best result for the young person, as they move towards independence.
• Facilitation of Budgeting & Parenting Programmes.

About You | Mōu

To be considered for this role, you will need:

• Ability to build strong relationships with peers and stakeholders
• Have a full and clean New Zealand driver's licence
• Undergo Ministry of Social Development (MSD) check and police vetting
• Uphold the mana of our organisation through tikanga Māori in all interactions.
• A passion for working with tamariki, rangatahi, and whānau.
• Knowledge and understanding about the impacts of colonisation for tangata whenua, and for Aotearoa New Zealand.
• Ability and willingness to give effect to Te Tiriti o Waitangi.

Closing date | Rā Katinga 7 August 2025.  Please note that we review applications as we receive these and we can remove the advert before the closing date if we find a suitable candidate. Please note the official title of the role is Youth Coach – SWAT.

Position Description: please request a position description from recruitment@kiapuawai.nz

Contact: If you have any questions regarding the role, please contact Carmen Atama at carmen.atama@kiapuawai.nz. 

Menā e ngākaunui ana koe ki tēnei mahi, whakapā mai mō  ngētehi atu kōrero ki raro nei.

We welcome and encourage diversity and inclusion in our workforce and adhere to best practice equal employment opportunity principles in all aspects of our recruitment and our ways of working. Kia Puāwai is Rainbow Tick accredited.