We are looking for a dynamic Employment Coach for our Kia Puāwai Youth Service Employment Programme in New Lynn. 

You will focus on supporting young people referred to the service by the Ministry of Social Development.  This is an office based and community role, responsible for supporting young people into sustainable employment opportunities.

About the role | Mō tēnei tūranga mahi

This is a front-facing role where you’ll connect people with real opportunities. As an Employment Coach, you will partner with local employers to create jobs and support people into sustainable work.

You’ll be responsible for building strong employer relationships, identifying workforce needs, and matching the right people to the right opportunities. Alongside this, you’ll work closely with rangatahi, helping them showcase their skills and step confidently into employment.

If you have experience working with employers, a talent for creating opportunities, and a passion for supporting rangatahi into sustainable careers, this could be the role for you.

About You | Mōu

• Strong connections with employers and proven ability to establish vacancies that lead to sustainable job placements for rangatahi.
• Advocacy for rangatahi through effective role-matching and promoting their skills and strengths to employers.
• Experience using motivational and strength-based approaches to engage and support rangatahi.
• Solid knowledge of community resources and how to access information related to employment, training, and wellbeing.
• Ability to build collaborative relationships with Case Managers and Work Brokers to support and promote MSD’s services, products, and employer incentives.
• Strong administrative and organisational skills, including accurate record-keeping, data entry, and reporting.
• Commitment to practicing biculturalism and incorporating tikanga Māori in everyday work.
• Confidence and/or experience in facilitating and delivering programmes.
• Passion for working alongside whānau and rangatahi to achieve positive outcomes.
• Flexibility and strong organisational skills to manage multiple priorities and adapt to changing needs.
• Resilience and ability to achieve results under pressure while managing competing priorities.
• Full, clean driver’s licence.
• Ability to obtain a clearance from the Ministry of Social Development (MSD) and meet Police vetting requirements.

A commitment to diversity and bicultural practice is essential. The successful applicant will demonstrate an understanding of, and respect for, Māori and Pasifika kaupapa and the ability to integrate these into daily practice and workplace relationships.

What we offer | Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou

• Fun-loving whanau/family environment.
• A fast-paced and rewarding environment
• Values based organisation
• Outstanding training and career progression opportunities including cultural support and development
• A comprehensive orientation and induction programme, including noho marae.
• Competitive remuneration (including a vehicle) to match your skills and experience.
• Paid birthday leave
• Employee Assistance Programme
• At Kia Puāwai, we are currently trialling something very special: we are proud to be 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.

About Kia Puāwai | He kōrero mō 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.  To find out more about Kia Puāwai, visit www.kiapuawai.nz

It's an exciting time to join us and you will have the opportunity to make a real impact through your work- so apply now!

Closing date | Rā Katinga 23 September 2025.
Please note that we review applications as we receive these and we may remove the advert before the closing date if we find a suitable candidate. 

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

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

Mēnā e ngākaunui ana koe ki tēnei mahi, whakapāmai mo ngētehi atu kōrero ki raro nei. 

Ngā mihi nui

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.