Work Pathways Navigator (12 month fixed term)

An Education Charitable Trust at Airport Precinct is seeking a dedicated and enthusiastic Work Pathways Navigator.

Role Overview: The Work Pathways Navigator will play a central role in increasing Ara’s capacity to support rangatahi as they transition from school into meaningful, sustainable employment. Working alongside young people with a strengths-based, wrap-around approach, the mentor will provide consistent, individualised support through every stage of the employment journey — from initial engagement through to long-term job retention.

Key Responsibilities Rangatahi Engagement & Support • Engage promptly with rangatahi, establishing trust and rapport from the first contact • Conduct strengths-based assessments to understand each young person’s goals, aspirations, barriers, and support needs • Develop and implement individualised employment or training plans in collaboration with each rangatahi • Maintain meaningful, regular contact and mentoring with rangatahi throughout their journey — logging all interactions via Jobadder or Monday.com • Provide wrap-around support that addresses practical, emotional, and systemic barriers to employment

Employment & Transition Outcomes • Support rangatahi to transition successfully into employment, apprenticeships, or further training • Prepare young people for the workforce through job readiness mentoring, CV development, interview preparation, and workplace expectations • Liaise with employers and training providers to facilitate placements and ensure good fit for both parties

Sustained Employment Support • Provide ongoing check-ins and support to support sustained employment • Identify risks to employment retention early and connect rangatahi with appropriate support • Gather employer feedback on preparedness and performance, using insights to improve future support

Data, Reporting & Systems • Maintain accurate and up-to-date participant records in Jobadder / Monday.com, including status, contacts, outcomes, and barriers • Ensure all phone calls, texts, and contacts are logged through approved systems in line with programme requirements • Contribute to quarterly progress check-ins and end-of-project reviews • Provide data and narrative reporting aligned to programme success indicators

Learning, Practice & Partnership • Identify emerging barriers and themes, and contribute to practice improvement across the team • Build and maintain strong relationships with schools, employers, training providers, and community organisations • Represent Ara professionally and contribute to strengthening its reputation as a youth employment partner • Participate in team reflection and contribute anonymised case stories or quotes for impact reporting

If this role sounds like you please email to newman.molai001@msd.govt.nz with your most up-to-date CV and cover letter highlighting relevant experience.

● Experience working with rangatahi or young people in an employment, careers, or youth development context ● Strong relational skills with the ability to build trust quickly, particularly with young people who may be disengaged or lacking confidence ● Knowledge of the New Zealand employment landscape, including pathways through apprenticeships and training ● Strengths-based, solution-focused approach to working with individuals facing barriers ● Strong organisational and time management skills; ability to manage a caseload independently ● Competent with digital systems for data entry, contact management, and reporting (e.g. Jobadder, Monday.com, or similar) ● Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to produce clear reports and insights ● Understanding of tikanga Maori and the ability to engage effectively with rangatahi Maori and their whanau ● Existing relationships with employers, schools, or training providers ● Experience in employment placement, or vocational guidance ● Knowledge of wrap-around support services and community resources ● Must hold a restricted/full driver’s license and have reliable transport ● Must be able to pass Ministry of Justice check.