Social Worker/Youth Worker: “Stepping Stones” programme

About us:

More than 5,700 young people in Kāpiti use KYS, which is around 60% of the district’s youth population. We’re a Youth One Stop Shop and a registered charity. For over 30 years we’ve offered free health, mental health and social support to rangatahi aged 10 to 24. Our vision is to be respected internationally for enabling youth to thrive in our community. Everything we do keeps the young person at the centre.

Our company/organisational values are:

• Young Person Centred
• Commitment to Quality
• Kaupapa of Care
• Relationship Focused
• Innovation / Thinking differently

About the role:

We have the exciting opportunity for a Social Worker / Youth Worker to join our team based in Paraparaumu.

As a member of the Stepping Stones team, you will work alongside taiohi and their whānau to deliver strengths-based, culturally responsive, trauma-informed and relationship-focused support that promotes positive behavioural change, wellbeing, participation and resilience.

This is where confidence gets built. Through group sessions and one-to-one mentoring, you’ll help taiohi explore who they are and connect with peers, whānau and their community

Your responsibilities include:

• Case management: Manage a caseload, complete assessments, develop and review support plans, and provide one-to-one mentoring and social work support.
• Group programmes: Plan, deliver and evaluate activity-based programmes on identity, emotional regulation, relationships, cultural belonging and leadership, including community and adventure-based activities.
• Whānau engagement: Build relationships with whānau, conduct home visits, advocate, and refer to other services where needed.
• Collaboration: Work within the KYS multidisciplinary team and with schools, Police Youth Aid, Oranga Tamariki, health services, iwi and community partners.
• Safeguarding: Identify and respond to risk and contribute to safety planning.

As the successful candidate, you will have:

• Qualification in youth work, social work, counselling, education or a related field, or equivalent experience.
• Experience working with rangatahi aged 10- 16 facing complex barriers, and in group facilitation.
• Competence in strengths-based, trauma-informed, culturally safe and neurodiversity-affirming practice.
• Understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi, cultural competency and equitable service delivery, and ability to practice from a bi-cultural and multi-cultural perspective.
• Knowledge of safeguarding and child protection.
• Strong communication skills.
• Full, clean NZ driver licence and ability to meet safety-checking requirements.
• Knowledge of the Kāpiti community and local support networks is desirable.

We pride ourselves on our supportive and collaborative team culture, and we are looking for someone who shares our values and is committed to delivering exceptional support to our rangitahi.

Please submit your application and cover letter via Seek. Applications close on the 10 November.

• For more information about KYS please visit our website – www.kys.org.nz