Develop vocational pathways for youth using IPS-Y model with schools and employers

Youth Education and Employment Navigator - Kia Tū Ngāwari

Permanent, full-time role with the Child & Adolescent Mental Health Service

Join a passionate multidisciplinary team dedicated to supporting rangatahi to achieve their education, training and employment aspirations

Enjoy a rewarding role where you can build strong community partnerships and empower young people to achieve meaningful vocational goals as part of their recovery journey

About the Role

As a Youth Education and Employment Navigator, you’ll work alongside rangatahi accessing Youth Mental Health services to support them into meaningful employment, education, training, and apprenticeship opportunities using the Individual Placement Support for Youth (IPS Y) model.

This is a highly rewarding and diverse role where no two days are the same. You’ll spend your time building trusted relationships with young people and their whānau, understanding their strengths and aspirations, supporting vocational planning, and helping them navigate pathways into education and employment. You’ll also work closely with schools, tertiary providers, employers, community agencies, and clinical teams to create opportunities that support positive long-term outcomes. Through a recovery-oriented and strengths-based approach, you’ll help rangatahi build confidence, independence, and hope for their future.

About the Team/Service/Location

Kia Tū Ngāwari provides specialist mental health and addiction services for children, adolescents, and young people across Te Tai Tokerau. This role works across Te Roopu Kimiora (Child & Adolescent Mental Health Service), the Early Intervention Psychosis Service, and the Youth Forensic Service, supporting rangatahi to achieve their vocational goals as part of their wider recovery journey.

Based in Whangārei, you’ll join a dedicated multidisciplinary team committed to youth wellbeing, recovery, cultural responsiveness, and whānau-centred care. Northland offers an exceptional lifestyle with stunning coastlines, outdoor recreation opportunities, and welcoming communities.

About you

You will be passionate about supporting young people to realise their full potential and thrive in education, training, and employment settings. You’ll bring:

  • A qualification in youth work, employment services, social services, mental health, education, or a related field
  • Experience working with young people and supporting individuals into education, training, or employment pathways
  • Strong relationship-building skills and the ability to engage effectively with rangatahi, whānau, employers, education providers, and community organisations
  • An understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and a commitment to delivering culturally safe, equitable, and youth-centred services
  • Excellent communication, organisation and teamwork skills
  • A full New Zealand drivers licence

Working at Health New Zealand

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is dedicated to ensuring excellent healthcare for the people of New Zealand. We embrace a workforce that is diverse and inclusive so that we are better positioned to understand and service our community. We welcome applications from our diverse Māori, Pacific, disabled, and rainbow communities.

How to Apply

To apply please click apply now. All applications must be submitted through our online careers portal by 20 September 2026. If you have any questions about the role, please contact Michelle Apetera at NL-Jobs@TeWhatuOra.govt.nz

We will review applications as received and may proceed with the recruitment process, before the closing date of this advert.

Job Reference: - WHA01565

Location: - North Island - Northland - Whangarei

Job type: - Permanent Full time

Expertise: - Clinical - Mental Health - Community Support Worker

Closes: - 20-Sep-2026

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