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

About the role | Mō tēnei tūranga mahi

We are looking for a Youth Coach for our Youth Service in New Lynn!

You will focus on supporting young people who are (NEET) not engaged in Education, Employment or Training or at risk of becoming NEET. 

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 aged 16 & 17 years.

You will be:

• Completing needs assessments to identify current circumstances and determine if the young person require other services and/or interventions.
• Providing information, guidance and support to young 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 support transitioning to Education or Employment; gaining NCEA qualifications & Work-based learning.
• 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.
• Supporting with overall wellbeing and Hauora goals.

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 150 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

• Enjoy the benefits of a 4-Day Work week, which sees 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 You | Mōu

To be considered for this role, you will need:

• The ability to build strong relationships with peers and stakeholders
• To have a full and clean New Zealand driver's licence
• To be willing to undergo Ministry of Social Development (MSD) check and police vetting
• To uphold the mana of our organisation through tikanga Māori in all interactions.
• To have 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.
• The ability and willingness to give effect to Te Tiriti o Waitangi.

Closing date | Rā Katinga 27th of March 2026.

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.
Please note the official title of the role is Youth Coach – HYPA

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

Contact: If you have any questions regarding the role, please contact Michelle Buchan michelle.buchan@kiapuawai.nz 

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 in Rainbow Tick accredited.