Supervisor Care and Protection - Ashburton

Oranga Tamariki—Ministry for Children; Ashburton; On-site; GBP 466,000 - 566,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible work options

Training & development

Wellbeing initiatives

Job summary

Oranga Tamariki—Ministry for Children in Ashburton is seeking an experienced Supervisor to lead, support and supervise a team of social workers across regions. Travel within the region will be required as part of the role, and you will contribute to project work with iwi and other agencies.

You will identify development needs, manage workflow, and ensure timely decisions aligned with our Practice Framework.

Qualifications

• Full, clean driver’s licence required.
• Full registration with NZ Social Workers Registration Board (SWRB) and current Annual Practising Certificate.
• SW RB-recognised social worker qualification.

Responsibilities

• Lead, support and supervise a team of social workers.
• Work on regional projects with iwi and other partners.
• Travel within the region as required.
• Ensure decisions are timely and reflect the Practice Framework, Principles and Standards.

Skills

People management

Team leadership

Time management

Cross-cultural awareness

Tikanga Māori

Pacific cultures

Oranga Tamariki Act knowledge

Proactive approach

Education

Social worker qualification recognised by SWRB

Tools

Driver's licence

Job description

Permanent Full time position Located in Ashburton We're offering a competitive salary starting from, $111,020 - $133,696. This role will be located at our Ashburton site. At this site we are working with tamariki and whānau to make positive changes in our community. This position will also be working with children that offend. We need people who have knowledge, experience and who are deeply passionate about whānau wellbeing. We acknowledge that there is much work to do but we are up for it.

About the role

As part of this role you will need to lead, support and supervise a team of social workers working across these areas. There will be times when you will also be part of varying projects that occur within Regional Office. This team also works closely with Iwi and other government and non-government organisations, supporting our tamariki and whanau. The ability to build and maintain positive relationships across this area is of high importance. It is imperative that you are able to travel around the region as and when required. The role requires you to identify the professional development needs of your team and ensure they are supported to grow their capability and practice depth. Manage workflow and ensure that the right decisions are made in a timely manner. Everything you do needs to reflect the values of Oranga Tamariki, and assure professional practice is aligned with our Practice Framework, Principles and Standards. Partner and collaborate with peer supervisors across the region, including the wider leadership team and understanding the importance of your role in the wider operational setting.

What you will bring

Ideal candidate for this role is an experienced Supervisor who is working as such in Oranga Tamariki as a Supervisor (or who has recently been a Supervisor with Oranga Tamariki).

• A full, clean, valid driver's licence
• Full registration with New Zealand's Social Work Registration Board (SWRB) and a current Annual Practicing Certificate
• A social worker qualification recognised by the SWRB
• Previous people management and/or mentoring experience is essential
• An ability to build and lead an effective team and be a team player
• A proactive approach that places the needs of tamariki front and centre in all decisions and actions.
• Excellent time management skills and ability to manage competing demands
• Knowledge of the principals and purposes of the Oranga Tamariki Act 1989
• Understanding and appreciation of cross-cultural practices in particular; knowledge of tikanga Māori, and Pacific peoples' culture.

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.

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.

Applications close 25th October 2026 however may be closed earlier due to application numbers.