Allied Support Workers - Whangarei

Oranga Tamariki have exciting new opportunities available for those who are looking to change up and develop their career pathways, making a meaningful contribution to the wellbeing of tamariki, rangatahi and wh nau.

These positions have been established to provide consistent and reliable operational support to frontline Social Work teams and to respond to sustained service demand across sites. Unlike previously advertised fixedterm roles, these permanent Allied Support Worker positions are intended to be a stable, ongoing part of Oranga Tamarikis workforce, strengthening team capacity and continuity of support.

Mo te tunga | About the role

Allied Support Workers work under the direction and oversight of qualified Social Workers and supervisors, contributing to positive outcomes for tamariki, rangatahi and wh nau by enabling Social Workers to focus on statutory requirements and professional practice.

The Allied Support Worker role is non-regulated and is not a Social Worker in training, or para-social worker. The position does not undertake social work activities and does not have a case load.

These roles support Caregiver Recruitment and Support teams with caregiver recruitment activities, caregiver support, training coordination, placement support and administrative activities that contribute to positive outcomes for tamariki, rangatahi and their caregivers.

Day-to-day responsibilities will include:

• Providing support across the region based on operational priorities and service demand. This may involve travel across the region and occasionally outside the region.
• Supporting caregiver engagement, community outreach and caregiver recruitment activities.
• Coordinating caregiver training and supporting learning and development initiatives.
• Assisting with caregiver assessments, approvals, support planning and ongoing caregiver support.
• Supporting placement and matching activities through information gathering, caregiver profile development and placement coordination.
• Fostering positive working relationships with caregivers, wh nau, community organisations and internal stakeholders.
• From time-to-time, work outside normal business hours may be required.

Ng pumanawatanga ou | What you will bring

This is a hightrust, safetycritical childrens worker role, requiring sound judgement, emotional resilience, and a high level of reliability. We're looking for applicants with some of the following skills, experience and qualifications:

Experience:

• Working in the community assisting or supporting people in need.
• Working with M ori and/or Pasifika cultures.
• Experience in dealing with emotional situations and being empathic to people's challenges and stresses.
• Excellent verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to work in collaborative peer and other stakeholder relationships.

Skills:

• Well- developed written and verbal communication skills and effective interpersonal skills.
• Able to maintain a calm professional demeanour in emotionally complex situations, with the ability to maintain performance under stress.
• Understanding and appreciation of cross-cultural practices in particular; knowledge of tikanga M ori, and Pacific peoples' culture.
• Ability to manage sensitive and confidential information in an appropriate manner.
• Ability to uphold the principles of Te tiriti o Waitangi and demonstrate this in practice.
• Intermediate level of competence across the Microsoft Suite.

Qualifications/Licence:

• A recognised Social Services qualification is desirable.
• A clean, current full driver's licence is essential and a willingness to drive the Ministry's vehicles. (Historic convictions may be considered on a case-by-case basis).

Nou te rourou | What's in it for you

This is your opportunity to apply your skills and experience to the wellbeing of tamariki and rangatahi. We offer a competitive remuneration package starting at $68,371 to $75,501 as well as 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. To see all the benefits of working for Oranga Tamariki, please visit https://mahi.orangatamariki.govt.nz/working-with-us/employee-benefits/

Me pehea te tuku tono | How to Apply

Applications close 5pm, Tuesday 21 July 2026.

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.

Were currently recruiting for a large number of roles across the motu. This may mean the recruitment process takes a little longer than normal, we sincerely thank you in advance for your interest and patience while we work through applications.

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

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.