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- Tasks: Support youth aged 13-25 through social work services and engaging programmes.
- Company: Join the NZ Defence Force, a diverse and inclusive organisation.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, life cover, critical illness protection, and financial guidance.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in young people's lives while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Tertiary Social Work Qualification and five years of post-qualifying experience required.
- Other info: Flexible work environment with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
The Social Worker role within the Youth Development Unit (YDU) is responsible for the provision of a full range of social work services specifically with youth aged 13-25. Working with new course participants to support them through our six-week programme, including attending offsite and overnight field exercises sometimes, that may require you to be away for a few days at a time. Along with providing psycho-social and educational support to young people, you will complete screening assessments, provide assessment and brief interventions to young people with diagnosed and undiagnosed mental health needs and support with substance withdrawals, facilitating local mental health crisis team support as required. Once you have undergone training and are up to speed, there is a requirement to be part of the on-call roster for which you will be compensated.
Skills and Experience
- A strong background in social work including proven experience of working with a diverse range of youth.
- Multi-disciplinary and inter-disciplinary service delivery.
- Providing advice and counsel.
- Delivering crisis intervention and providing advice to senior personnel/command/managers.
- Able to build rapport with young people and deliver strengths based, person centred approaches.
- A strong foundation of working with Maori and Pacific peoples, their whānau and communities.
- A detailed understanding of the Code of Health and Disability services.
In terms of qualifications, we require:
- A Tertiary Social Work Qualification.
- To be registered with the New Zealand Social Workers Registration Board and hold a current social work competency Annual Practising Certificate.
Your proven counsel and group facilitation skills along with knowledge of drug/substance abuse and associated health issues, mental health and psychological issues and intervention will be key skills for this role. Therefore, this position requires a Social Worker with a minimum of five years post qualifying experience.
What's in it for you
Your skills and dedication deserve recognition, and NZDF delivers with competitive pay matched to your experience. But that’s just the beginning – 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 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. Join us in shaping a brighter future, where everyone thrives.
How to Apply
Applications close on Tuesday 10 February 2026. Use the links on this page where you’ll be directed to the Defence Careers website.
Please Note:
- All applications must be made online, via the Defence Careers website. Each listing contains the Position Description and a Contact Us option for any queries or technical issues.
- Your cover letter will be a key part of our selection process, so please highlight how your experience relates to the key activities outlined in the Advert and Position Description.
- Applicants will be required to undergo a pre-employment drug-screening test prior to any offer of employment being made.
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.
Social Worker (Youth Development Unit) in Canterbury employer: New Zealand Government
Contact Detail:
New Zealand Government Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Social Worker (Youth Development Unit) in Canterbury
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the organisation! Research the NZDF and their Youth Development Unit. Understanding their values and mission will help you tailor your approach during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in making a difference.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former employees on LinkedIn. They can provide insider tips and might even give you a heads-up about upcoming opportunities. Plus, it’s a great way to build rapport before you even step into an interview.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your interview skills! Mock interviews with friends or mentors can help you articulate your experience and how it relates to the role. Focus on your strengths in crisis intervention and working with diverse youth – these are key for this position.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in your cover letter, especially your work with Māori and Pacific peoples, as this is crucial for the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Social Worker (Youth Development Unit) in Canterbury
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Cover Letter: Make sure to customise your cover letter to highlight how your experience aligns with the key activities mentioned in the job description. We want to see your passion for working with youth and how you can contribute to our team!
Showcase Your Skills: Don’t forget to emphasise your multi-disciplinary service delivery skills and your experience with diverse youth populations. We’re looking for someone who can build rapport and deliver person-centred approaches, so let that shine through!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured applications that are easy to read. Make sure to proofread for any typos or errors – first impressions matter!
Apply Through Our Website: Remember to submit your application via the Defence Careers website. It’s the best way to ensure your application is seen by the right people. Plus, it keeps everything organised on our end!
How to prepare for a job interview at New Zealand Government
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the key responsibilities of the Social Worker role, especially around youth support and crisis intervention. Brush up on your knowledge of mental health issues and substance abuse, as these will likely come up during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past work that demonstrate your ability to build rapport with young people and deliver person-centred approaches. Highlight any experience you have working with Māori and Pacific peoples, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect to be asked how you would handle various situations involving youth in crisis. Think through potential scenarios beforehand and outline your thought process, focusing on your multi-disciplinary approach and how you would collaborate with other services.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t shy away from asking questions about the team dynamics, training opportunities, or the specific challenges faced by the Youth Development Unit. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it’s the right fit for you.
