• 1 x Permanent position available
• Role will be based at our Lower Hutt (Te Awakairangi) Site
• Competitive salary starting from $111,020 to $133,968 depending on experience.

Are you an inspirational leader who is passionate about improving the outcomes for tamariki, rangatahi and whānau? We have an exciting opportunity available to lead practice in a permanent full-time role at our lovely Lower Hutt site.

Lower Hutt, located in the Wellington region, with Te Āti Awa as Mana whenua. It offers a vibrant and dynamic community with a perfect blend of urban amenities and natural beauty, nestled between picturesque hills and the stunning Wellington Harbour. Lower Hutt is renowned for its excellent schools, diverse recreational facilities, and thriving local businesses. With easy access to central Wellington and a range of housing options, it's an ideal place for families and professionals alike. Whether you're enjoying the scenic river trails, exploring the art and culture scene, or indulging in the region's culinary delights, Lower Hutt provides an exceptional lifestyle that balances work and leisure.

Mō te tūnga | About the role

Our staff are motivated and committed to working with mokopuna and building wider relationships that assist the site achieving better results for whānau. Kaimahi are extremely supportive of each other and benefit from a solid leadership team. Site resources are being increased and different ways of working are being tried.

The Practice Leader role will be operating in a way that ensures all practice expectations and standards are maintained by Social Worker staff and include partnering colleagues where appropriate.

We are a site which is continually looking for innovative ways to shape our practice and provide opportunities for growth and learning. We are looking for a practice extraordinaire to champion social work practice across the site. You will coach, develop, mentor and supervise social work staff to help our tamariki, rangatahi and whānau.

Ngā pūmanawatanga ōu | What you will bring

Ideal candidate for this role is an experienced Social Worker/Supervisor who has worked in Aotearoa in a similar role in a non-governmental organisation (NGO) sector and/or someone who has worked within Oranga Tamariki previously.

Key requirements of the role include:

• A social worker qualification recognised by the SWRB
• Full registration with New Zealand's Social Work Registration Board (SWRB)
• A full, clean, current driver's licence
• Expert experience in managing complex practice and casework
• The ability to work collaboratively with peers and stakeholders
• Sound knowledge of relevant legislation and experience of what Oranga Tamariki does and how we work
• Resilience, initiative and a proactive approach
• Empathy, patience and ability to see past what someone may be struggling with
• Sound judgement, time management and organisational skills
• The ability to manage risk and make tough decisions
• Cultural awareness and confidence to back yourself
• 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.

• A tight-knit team who enjoys working hard and having fun
• Support to achieve your goals through tailored training and career development opportunities
• Reimbursement for your annual practicing fee
• Close to the city location in a recently refurbished site
• Access to a generous Southern Cross health plan and banking package with Westpac
• Rewarding and challenging work that truly makes a difference to the community
• Opportunities to work alongside various cultural groups, build your network and strengthen community relationships

Mō mātou | About us

Oranga Tamariki—Ministry for Children has a commitment to putting tamariki and rangatahi at the heart of what we do.

Our vision is to ensure 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.

Oranga Tamariki—Ministry for Children has a commitment of putting tamariki first, we believe aroha is vital, we respect the mana of people, we are tika and pono, we value whakapapa and we recognise that oranga is a journey.

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/

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 10th of March 2025! Please note: 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."