Social Worker - Youth Forensic Team

About the role

The Youth Forensic Team at Te Whatu Ora Waitaha Canterbury, based at Whakatata House in central Christchurch and covering Canterbury, is looking for an experienced Registered Social Worker. The team works with adolescents aged 10 to 18 involved with the Youth Justice system, providing mental health assessment and interventions to help them break their offending cycle. The position is permanent, full-time (1.0 FTE, Monday to Friday); 0.8 FTE may be considered for a preferred applicant.

Key responsibilities

• Carry out comprehensive mental health and AOD screens and assessments using clinical interviewing, diagnostic and behavioural assessment.
• Develop and deliver intervention plans as part of case management with young people aged 10 to 18 and their family/whanau.
• Contribute to the multidisciplinary team (MDT).
• Work with Youth Courts, Youth Drug Court and Rangatahi court.
• Present assessments and materials to other groups.
• Provide consultation and interventions for the Youth Justice residence (Te Puna Wai o Tuhinapo) and the Youth Wing at Christchurch Men's Prison.
• Liaise with Youth Justice agencies, NGOs and regional services.

Required profile

• Current New Zealand registration and APC in your profession is essential.
• A full New Zealand driver's licence is required.
• Experience in Child, Adolescent and Family services or Specialist Mental Health is desirable; familiarity with youth and families in a mental health context is also valued.
• Experience working with Māori and applying the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi to practice is essential.
• Ability to assess risk and advise on management strategies, and to build strong relationships with young people, whanau and community partners.

Required skills

• Sound psychiatric assessment skills.
• Robust knowledge of relevant legislation, including the Oranga Tamariki Act, the Mental Health Act and the Criminal Justice Act.
• Organisation, methodical approach to administration and time management, and flexibility.

Applications are made through the online careers portal by 22 November 2026; applications are reviewed as they arrive.