Youth Development Navigator

Immediate start | Recruitment experience is a must | Help rangatahi step into their potential!

About Us

At Lifeskills, we believe employment is more than a job; it is a pathway to dignity, independence, and thriving whānau. For over 30 years, we have walked alongside people facing complex barriers, supporting them into education, employment, housing stability and financial wellbeing. Our work is grounded in manaakitanga, whanaungatanga, and a deep belief that every person has strengths to build upon.

We’re seeking an exceptional Youth Development Navigator to join our Te Ara Whakamana team. Te Ara Whakamana is a 26-week youth employment and development programme, followed by 26 weeks of post-placement support, helping rangatahi aged 15–24 overcome barriers and transition into sustainable employment, education or training.

This isn’t simply about finding someone a job. It’s about walking alongside rangatahi as they discover who they are, build confidence, strengthen resilience, and create a future they can be proud of. 

About the Role

As a Youth Development Navigator, you’ll build trusted relationships with rangatahi experiencing multiple barriers to employment and education. You’ll help identify strengths, understand challenges, co-design meaningful development plans, and connect young people with opportunities that align with their aspirations.

Working alongside employers, education providers, whānau, community organisations and MSD, you’ll support rangatahi from first engagement through to sustained employment or education outcomes.

Key Responsibilities & What You'll Bring

✅ Build authentic, strengths-based relationships with rangatahi.
✅ Complete holistic assessments and identify barriers to participation.
✅ Develop and implement Individual Development Plans.
✅ Deliver mentoring, coaching and work-readiness support.
✅ Identify education, training and employment pathways aligned to participant goals.
✅ Partner with employers to create sustainable employment opportunities.
✅ Coordinate wraparound support with whānau and community agencies.
✅ Monitor participant progress and maintain accurate case notes.
✅ Provide proactive post-placement support to maximise long-term success.

About You

You're passionate about empowering rangatahi and have experience supporting young people with complex barriers into sustainable employment through a trauma-informed, strengths-based, and culturally responsive approach. You build trusted relationships, work collaboratively with whānau, employers, MSD, and community partners, and have strong coaching, communication, and case management skills. You'll hold a Full New Zealand Driver Licence, have a sound understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi, be able to manage competing priorities, and successfully pass a Child Protection Safety Check, including Police Vetting.

Why Join Us

• Meaningful, purpose-driven work.

• Ongoing professional development.

• A supportive and values-led team culture.

• Opportunities to shape innovative youth employment initiatives.

• The chance to make a lasting difference for rangatahi, whānau and our communities.

Our Values

• Whakawhanaungatanga | Connection – We build authentic relationships that uplift our people.
• Ngākau Pono | Integrity – We always do the right thing.
• Moemoeā | Aspirations – We dream big and help others rise to their full potential.
• Aroha | Love – We lead with compassion and truth.
• Ringa Raupā | Diligence – We work hard and get the job done with excellence.

Ready to Lead with Purpose?

If you’re ready to help rangatahi find their footing and thrive in employment, we’d love to hear from you.

📅 Apply now — we’ll be reviewing applications as they come in.