Senior Social Worker, Youth Development Unit

About the role Mō te tūnga | About the role The Youth Development Unit (YDU) is responsible for providing support to the NZDF for the provision of training to selected elements of New Zealand's youth, these being Limited Services Volunteer (LSV), and Youth Life Skills (YLS) Schemes. YDU is a NZDF Unit with staff from Navy, Army, Air Force and Defence Civilians Our Senior Social Worker (SSW) will provide social work services to YDU headquarters, and fulfil the functions of a consultant manager and internal supervisor for the YDU Social Workers at YDU North, South and Central. The SSW will provide governance, professional supervision and leadership to the YDU SW service to oversee and monitor the delivery of services by YDU Social Workers (SW) at all three YDU Units. The SSW is also responsible for the provision of regular group reflective practice and Youth focus training to YDU staff. This is an extremely rewarding role working amongst a team of dedicated team made up of civilians and Military personnel based at YDU headquarters at RNZAF Whenuapai. The salary for this role will be approximately $117,000, inclusive of a 4% superannuation contribution. Appointments are based on skills and experience. Skills and Experience You must be a current NZ registered social worker with significant experience (minimum 8 years) in social work or a related field, including working independently and providing professional leadership within multidisciplinary environments. Demonstrated experience working with young people, including knowledge of youth mental health, substance abuse, associated health issues, and appropriate intervention approaches. Proven leadership, staff management, coaching and facilitation skills, with the ability to support staff wellbeing, drive performance, and address professional practice gaps. Strong understanding of professional practice standards, including maintaining clear professional boundaries and operating within scope of practice. Experience interpreting and applying policy, assessing risk, and making sound, pragmatic decisions within agreed timeframes. Excellent stakeholder management skills, with the ability to build and maintain effective relationships across internal and external networks, service providers, and organisational hierarchies. Strong interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to engage confidently and professionally with a diverse range of people. Commitment to culturally responsive and multi-cultural social work practice. Highly developed organisational and time management skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities effectively. Ability to provide specialist technical guidance and support to geographically dispersed or remote teams. Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and digital workplace tools. This role requires occasional domestic travel as you will be required to visit your colleagues at other camps and bases. What's in it for you Safeguard your loved ones with a fully funded life cover of up to $300,000 and critical illness protection. Other benefits include discounted additional insurances, free will services and savings schemes for the Defence community. Get expert financial guidance and mortgage broker services. Find all our benefits and more on the Force 4 Families website. NZDF champions diversity and inclusivity, valuing every member and fuelling their success. We embrace uniqueness, understanding that diverse teams drive creativity, innovation, and excellence. With an open door to all – irrespective of gender, ethnicity, ability, age, or family dynamics – NZDF offers a flexible, empowering work environment. Eligibility To be eligible for the required level of government security clearance with the NZ Defence Force, you need to meet certain citizenship and residency criteria. Here's what you need to know: Low Level Security Clearance You must be a New Zealand citizen or you must hold New Zealand Permanent Residence or have a current New Zealand Residency Class Visa. At minimum, you must hold New Zealand Permanent Residence or have a current New Zealand Residency Class Visa, and you must be a citizen of and have lived in Australia, Canada, United Kingdom, United States of America or New Zealand continuously for the last five (5) years. You must have a five (5) year background history that can be verified and assessed appropriately by the NZ Security Intelligence Service (NZSIS) to determine if you are suitable for a security clearance at this level. If you do not meet the minimum criteria, unfortunately, your application will not be accepted. We do welcome your application at a time when you will meet the requirements. #J-18808-Ljbffr