Join Our Team – Walk Alongside Tamariki Through the Court Journey
We are seeking a compassionate, resilient, and culturally grounded Court Support Practitioner to join our Kahu Pīītongatonga team.
This role walks alongside tamariki and whānau navigating the criminal justice system as victim survivors of sexual violence. You will provide holistic, trauma responsive, and mana-enhancing support throughout the court process and beyond, ensuring tamariki feel safe, heard, prepared, and empowered every step of the way.
Working across justice, health, education, social services, and community agencies, you will act as a trusted advocate and navigator for tamariki and their whānau during some of the most complex and vulnerable moments in their lives.
About the role
Kirikiriroa Family Services Trust is seeking a passionate and dedicated Court Support Practitioner to join our Hamilton based team.
This role focuses on strengthening the wellbeing, resilience, and voice of tamariki through culturally grounded and trauma-informed practice. You will work closely with tamariki, whānau, Court Victim Advisors, Police, Crown Prosecutors, Oranga Tamariki, and other agencies to ensure coordinated and supportive pathways of care.
Practice within this role is grounded in our organisational Model of Care and Service Delivery Pathways, ensuring interventions are evidence based, trauma informed, relationally led, and aligned to outcomes that strengthen tamariki and whānau wellbeing. Our approach centres whakamana, cultural safety, and long-term healing while ensuring tamariki remain at the centre of every decision.
This is a part-time role with occasional evening and weekend work required. Remuneration will be pro-rata and aligned to experience and qualifications.
What you’ll be doing
- Completing holistic assessments and developing child-centred plans with tamariki and whānau
- Supporting tamariki through court processes and interagency engagements
- Advocating for tamariki across justice, health, education, and social systems
- Coordinating supports including counselling, health, housing, and community services
- Developing and monitoring safety plans alongside tamariki, whānau, and agencies
- Building strong, trusting, and consistent relationships with tamariki and whānau
- Ensuring tamariki voices, identities, and aspirations remain central to planning and decision making
- Applying approved evidence-based interventions consistent with the organisation’s Model of Care and Service Delivery Pathways
- Maintaining accurate documentation, case notes, and reporting requirements
- Participating in supervision, reflective practice, and ongoing professional development
What we’re looking for
- A relevant qualification in social work, counselling, psychology, youth work, or a related field
- Experience working with tamariki and whānau impacted by trauma
- Strong understanding of trauma-informed practice and child development
- Knowledge of the criminal justice system and cross-sector service pathways
- Experience in risk assessment, safety planning, and interagency collaboration
- Strong communication, relationship-building, and advocacy skills
- Ability to remain calm, organised, and resilient within high-intensity environments
- Understanding of te ao Māori and tikanga Māori, or willingness to continue developing in this space
- Professional registration is desirable but not essential
- Full NZ driver licence required
What we offer
- A supportive and values-led workplace grounded in Te Tiriti o Waitangi
- Regular professional and cultural supervision
- Ongoing training and professional development opportunities
- Weekly Te Reo Māori classes
- Group health insurance after six months with the organisation
- A collaborative team environment focused on positive tamariki outcomes
- The opportunity to contribute meaningful, life-changing support to tamariki and whānau
About us
Kirikiriroa Family Services Trust is a leading provider of social services across the Waikato region. Our mahi is grounded in strengthening tamariki, uplifting whānau, and delivering culturally responsive and trauma-informed support that creates long-term wellbeing outcomes.
We believe tamariki deserve to feel safe, empowered, and supported — especially when navigating systems that can often feel overwhelming and complex.
If you are passionate about walking alongside tamariki with integrity, compassion, and courage, we encourage you to apply.
Apply now.
