• 1x Permanent, fulltime position available!
• Role will be based at our Ellerslie Office, Tāmaki Makaurau/Auckland, other locations can be considered
• We're offering a competitive salary starting from $125,926 to $139,459, depending on experience

Mō te tūnga | About the role

This is a senior role in the recently established Residential Care Practice Team. Situated in the Office of the Chief Social Worker and Professional Practice, this team exists to drive an enhanced service to tamariki, rangatahi and whānau through the provision of high-quality social work and professional practice.

As a National Practice Advisor for residential care, you'll be the go-to expert for specialist practice advice for senior leaders ensuring that they understand practice expectations and have plans in place for continuous improvement. As a direct point of contact, you will also provide guidance and support to teams to support the development of practice that responds to the unique needs, aspirations and opportunities for practice across individual residences, teams and communities.

Working closely with your colleagues in the Office of the Chief Social Worker and Professional Practice promoting a collaborative approach, you will provide credible practice advice and guidance on a range of projects and initiatives underpinned by the Practice Approach and aligned to our strategic intentions, our commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and the obligations that arise the Oranga Tamariki Act, National Care Standards and Residential Care Regulations.

In addition to the provision of specialist advice, you will undertake a range of activities to provide opinions on practice and support the provision of practice information for both internal and external stakeholders. You will whakamana and champion the rights of tamariki and rangatahi, within the Oranga Tamariki system, identifying barriers and enablers to our key strategic deliverables.

This is your opportunity to make a meaningful impact on practice systems and frameworks, collaborate with a dedicated and supportive team, and specialise in areas that align with your expertise and passion.

This role is based in our Ellerslie office. Due to the operational requirements and dynamic nature of the role, it will be beneficial for you to be able to travel to Auckland based residences and homes as well as travel throughout the motu occasionally as required.

Ngā pūmanawatanga ōu | What you will bring

Key requirements of the role include:

• Relevant Social Work qualification or equivalent relevant experience is required
• Extensive practice or relevant operational delivery experience
• Technical understanding of the care and protection system, youth justice system and residential care or specialist understanding in one with demonstrated ability to upskill.
• Strongly demonstrated leadership in working to achieve best practice with others
• Have highly developed written, analytical, review, strategic and advisory skills
• Knowledge of and commitment to professional practice that is framed in Te Tiriti o Waitangi and drawn from Te Ao Māori principles of oranga.
• Using creative approaches to get complex ideas across in a clear manner to any audience
• Critical thinking with the ability to draw on various sources to help our and senior leadership make informed decisions
• A proactive and collaborative approach to building strong relationships
• An ability to provide peer support and coaching to colleagues
• Able to be self-managing, in prioritising and meeting deadlines
• Ability to identify barriers that impede effective policy and practice application and find resolutions to resolve these
• Understanding and appreciation of cross-cultural practices in particular; knowledge of tikanga Māori, and Pacific peoples' culture

Nōu te rourou | What's in it for you

We offer a vibrant and supportive team, flexible work options and a genuine commitment to wellbeing. We offer significant training and professional development so that you can thrive and grow. We welcome diversity and are committed to working in an inclusive and respectful way. This is your opportunity to apply your skills and experience to the wellbeing of tamariki and rangatahi.

To see all the benefits of working for Oranga Tamariki, please visit https://mahi.orangatamariki.govt.nz/working-with-us/employee-benefits/

Mō mātou | About us

Oranga Tamariki—Ministry for Children has a commitment to putting tamariki and rangatahi at the heart of what we do. In our work, we aim to demonstrate these values:

• We put Tamariki first
• We believe Aroha is vital
• We respect the Mana of people
• We are Tika and Pono
• We value Whakapapa
• We recognise that Oranga is a journey

We are committed to ensuring that New Zealand is the best place in the world to be a child. We are also committed to ensuring Oranga Tamariki partners with hapū, iwi and Māori organisations to find appropriate solutions for tamariki in need.

Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to Apply

Apply online with your CV and Covering Letter. If you are an Oranga Tamariki employee already, please ensure you apply with a log in using your Oranga Tamariki email address.

If you have any questions about role, please contact Info_recruit@ot.govt.nz

Hurry as applications for this role close at midnight on Monday 28th April 2025

However, we will be reviewing applications and inviting candidates to interview prior to this date, so apply now!

If you are interested in any of our vacancies, please ensure that you make yourself familiar with our code of conduct as it sets out our expectations for our kaimahi and requires you to present at work free from the influences of both drugs and alcohol.