Case Leader Residential Services - Rotorua at Oranga Tamariki—Ministry for Children, Bay of Plenty

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

• Residential Case Leader needed at Te Maioha o Parekarangi Youth Justice Residence in Rotorua!
• Permanent, full time opportunity
• Join a collaborative team dedicated to creating positive change for youth offenders

Mō mātou | About us

Te Maioha o Parekarangi Youth Justice Residence, just outside Rotorua, provides a safe, secure and supportive environment where rangatahi (young people) who have offended can make changes and get their lives back on track. It's a place where 13-17-year-olds accused of an offence stay to await court proceedings or serve a sentence. his means they are not free to leave. However, a residence is not a prison, and our staff are not prison guards. At all times we prioritise the safety and security of our tamariki and staff on site, however, we are committed to ensuring that the time tamariki spend in our residences will improve their prospects for the future.

Oranga Tamariki—Ministry for Children has a commitment to putting tamariki and rangatahi at the heart of what we do. In our work, we aim to demonstrate these values:

• We put Tamariki first
• We believe Aroha is vital
• We respect the Mana of people
• We are Tika and Pono
• We value Whakapapa
• We recognise that Oranga is a journey

We are committed to ensuring that New Zealand is the best place in the world to be a child. We are also committed to ensuring Oranga Tamariki partners with hapū, iwi and Māori organisations to find appropriate solutions for tamariki in need.

Mō te tūnga | About the role

The main responsibility for our Residential Case Leaders is to ensure interventions, programmes and steps are put in place for tamariki and rangatahi. These plans must address a range of different aspects including underlying criminogenic, behavioural, addiction and health (physical and mental) needs to enable a successful transition out of residential care and into employment, a vocational pathway or a stable external environment.

The hours of work will be Monday to Friday with some flexibility to occasionally work additional hours to meet the requirements of your caseload. As a Residential Case Leader, you will identify and coordinate a multi-disciplinary approach to ensure rangatahi get the support they need 24 hours per day, 7 days per week. This may include leading the programme design and delivery of clinical and therapeutic intervention services and is a great opportunity to use your knowledge of clinical practice and behavioural therapies to help deliver positive results.

Ngā pūmanawatanga ōu | What you will bring

Due to the critical need to fill this position, you must hold valid working rights in New Zealand.

Key requirements of the role include: 

• Understanding and experience in practicing trauma informed care, especially with tamariki and rangatahi.
• An undergraduate degree level qualification in psychology, education, social work, nursing (mental health) is required
• Knowledge of 'Risks Needs Responsivity' (RNR) and practical applications in writing up care plans for rangatahi.
• Experience working with a multi-agency team
• Able to conduct assessments and write court reports
• Culturally responsive practice and a good understanding of tikanga Māori
• Competency in clinical practice and working with adolescents
• Good understanding of the practical application of a range of different ecological and behavioural models
• Understanding and appreciation of cross-cultural practices in particular; knowledge of tikanga Māori, and Pacific peoples' culture 
• Hold a Full, clean New Zealand Drivers Licence

Nōu te rourou | What's in it for you

This opportunity provides the potential to change lives in a challenging, yet rewarding, environment. Oranga Tamariki offer a step-based remuneration package that offers progression annually through tenure. Annual remuneration for this position starts between $90,429 to $100,019 dependent on experience. We offer a vibrant and supportive team, flexible work options and a genuine commitment to wellbeing. We offer significant paid training and professional development so that you can thrive and grow. We welcome diversity and are committed to working in an inclusive and respectful way.

This is your opportunity to apply your skills and experience to the wellbeing of tamariki and rangatahi. To see all the benefits of working for Oranga Tamariki, please visit https://mahi.orangatamariki.govt.nz/working-with-us/employee-benefits/

Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to Apply

Apply online with your CV and Covering Letter outlining why you're a great fit for the role. If you are an Oranga Tamariki employee already, please ensure you apply using your Oranga Tamariki email address on the online Careers portal.

Applications Close: Wednesday 18 Februrary 2026! Applications will be reviewed as received and we may contact applicants prior to the advertising closing.

If you have any questions about role, please contact Info_recruit@ot.govt.nz

If you are interested in any of our vacancies, please ensure that you make yourself familiar with our code of conduct as it sets out our expectations for our kaimahi and requires you to present at work free from the influences of both drugs and alcohol.