Practice Lead

JOB DESCRIPTION – PRACTICE LEAD – Youth and Cultural Development (YCD) | Location: Christchurch | Reports to: General Manager | Employment type: Full-time

Position purpose: The Practice Lead provides coaching, training, and practice development leadership to YCD kaimahi across all three rōpu. This role focuses on building kaimahi capability through strengths based coaching, trauma informed practice, reflective learning, and continuous professional development. Working alongside the Pouākai, Operations Manager, and Quality Lead, the Practice Lead ensures practice is consistent, culturally grounded, and focused on best outcomes for taiohi and whānau.

Key responsibilities: Practice development & coaching – Provide strengths-based coaching and mentoring across all rōpu. Embed trauma informed, strengths based, and youth centred practice. Facilitate reflective practice, case reviews, and learning conversations. Work alongside Pouākai to integrate kaupapa Māori values and Te Ao Māori frameworks. Support kaimahi to identify and grow their strengths. Program development & oversight – Provide strategic oversight of all programs. Lead design, development, and continuous improvement of programs, including specialist interventions such as criminogenics. Evaluate program effectiveness and recommend changes. Ensure all programs align with organisational values, kaupapa Māori frameworks, and legislative requirements. Training & capability building – Facilitate weekly Monday training sessions. Co-design induction training with Pouākai. Develop ongoing professional development pathways alongside Pouākai. Adapt training content to reflect evolving needs. Collaboration – Partner with Pouākai to ensure culturally grounded practice. Work alongside Operations Manager and Quality Lead as part of leadership team to align practice, operations, and quality systems. Team culture & support – Foster inclusive, collaborative, values driven team culture. Support kaimahi wellbeing. Identify and nurture emerging leaders. Operational contribution – Contribute to strategy, planning, and reporting. Represent YCD in sector forums and community hui.

Qualifications & experience: Relevant qualification/s in youth work, social work, counselling, psychology, education, kaupapa Māori services, or related field; and minimum five years' experience in youth work or social services including demonstrated coaching, mentoring, or practice leadership (e.g., supervising staff, facilitating reflective practice, leading professional development). Additionally, demonstrated experience in program development and oversight including designing, implementing, and evaluating programs for taiohi. Experience with criminogenic programs highly desirable. Experience coaching staff across multiple teams or large teams essential.

Essential skills & knowledge: Strong background in trauma informed practice, strengths based coaching, and reflective practice. Demonstrated experience in coaching, mentoring, or practice leadership. Understanding of Te Ao Māori frameworks and commitment to bicultural practice. Ability to build trust and credibility with kaimahi, whānau, and community partners. Strong facilitation, communication, and analytical skills. Experience in program design, development, and evaluation. Full driver licence required.

Key competencies: Ability to identify, nurture, and grow strengths of others. Advanced coaching and facilitation capability. Collaborative approach – works effectively alongside Pouākai, Operations Manager, and Quality Lead. Deep cultural intelligence and commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi. Calm, thoughtful, and professional under pressure. Values driven and committed to wellbeing and success of taiohi and kaimahi.

Performance measures: Increased staff confidence, skills, and engagement. Evidence of consistent, trauma informed, culturally grounded practice. Positive team cohesion, reflective practice, and high morale. Strong working relationships with Pouākai, Operations Manager, and Quality Lead. Effective training sessions, positive feedback, and improved practice outcomes. Programs regularly reviewed, developed, and enhanced to reflect best practice and deliver positive outcomes for taiohi.

Why join YCD?

This is an opportunity to make a lasting impact on kaimahi capability and the lives of taiohi and whānau. You will work alongside a dedicated team committed to culturally grounded, strengths based practice.

Please note: applications will only be considered from candidates who meet all the qualifications, experience, and skills listed in this advertisement.

Apply now with your cover letter and CV to Fred Williams at fredw@ycd.co.nz