Youth Coach

Youth Coach – Whai Marama Youth Services

About Us

Te Rūnanga o Kirikiriroa is a kaupapa Māori organisation grounded in a whānau-first, tikanga-based wellbeing approach. Our mahi is guided by our six pou: whanaungatanga, manaakitanga, arohatanga, rangatiratanga, tika and pono. We deliver health and social services across the lifespan and have nigh on 150 kaimahi working across Kirikiriroa and beyond.

About the Role

Whai Marama Youth Services (WMYS) is seeking a full-time Youth Coach to support rangatahi aged 15–19 to build independence, wellbeing and long-term life skills. Depending on your allocated portfolio, you will support rangatahi engaged with Youth Payment (YP), Young Parent Payment (YPP) or NEET services.

The role combines one-on-one coaching, practical assistance and transport with substantial case administration. You will help rangatahi navigate education, training, employment and everyday challenges, while maintaining accurate records in both Recordbase and MSD’s required system.

This role sits within a supportive and highly collaborative team, guided by the Whai Marama Youth Services Team Lead.

The working hours are 8:30am – 5pm, Monday to Friday.

Key Responsibilities

• Build strong, trusting relationships with rangatahi, their whānau and community partners.
• Work alongside rangatahi to develop personalised plans and review progress towards education, training, employment, wellbeing and independence.
• Arrange access to courses and programmes, including budgeting, parenting and driver licensing, supporting attendance and following up on participation.
• Provide practical assistance and transport to kura, courses, licensing activities, interviews, counselling and other services according to identified needs.
• For relevant portfolios, assist with payment applications, supporting evidence, obligations, money-management processes and changes in circumstances.
• Support young parents to access parenting support, childcare and relevant services where this forms part of your allocated portfolio.
• Maintain accurate case notes, documentation and reporting across Recordbase and MSD’s required system, managing correspondence and outstanding actions.
• Liaise with MSD, internal teams and external providers to coordinate support and follow up on case-related matters.
• Maintain professional boundaries and promptly escalate safety concerns to the Team Lead.
• Participate in kaupapa-based activities, organisational events and training opportunities.

Skills

• Ability to build rapport quickly and maintain supportive, respectful relationships.
• Strong communication and problem-solving skills.
• Confidence working with rangatahi from diverse backgrounds.
• Ability to motivate, guide and empower young people towards positive life changes.
• Strong organisational skills and ability to balance a dynamic caseload with substantial administration.
• Confidence using digital systems, with attention to accurate recordkeeping and managing competing deadlines.
• Cultural competency and willingness to learn kaupapa Māori approaches.

Experience

• Experience working with rangatahi or in youth development, social services, education or community settings.
• Experience managing caseloads or providing mentoring/coaching support is advantageous.
• Understanding of MSD youth support pathways is beneficial but not required.

Qualifications and Education

• Qualification in youth work, social services, education or related field preferred, or relevant experience.
• Full New Zealand driver licence and ability to pass Police and OT vetting are required.

Benefits

• Work in a kaupapa Māori organisation rooted in community service and cultural integrity.
• Monthly supervision and ongoing development opportunities.
• Access to medical insurance.
• Supportive team environment with a strong commitment to whanaungatanga and collective uplift.

Ready to Join Us?

If you’re passionate about supporting rangatahi and bring strong organisational skills and attention to detail, we’d love to hear from you. This role offers the opportunity to walk alongside young people, uplift their wellbeing and contribute to their long-term independence.

Join us in making a difference – apply now.

Applications close 16 November 2026.