Care & Protection Coordinator, Family Group Conference Lead

New Zealand Government; Palmerston North; On-site; NZD 76,000 - 93,000; Full time

Job summary

Oranga Tamariki – Ministry for Children in Palmerston North invites a Care & Protection Coordinator to lead family group conferences, coordinating with whānau, hapū and professionals to design safety plans for tamariki. The role emphasizes cultural awareness, strong communication, and community partnerships to support whānau outcomes.

You will facilitate discussions, prepare comprehensive reports, and work within a whanau-centred framework, ensuring Tamariki priorities remain at the heart of

Qualifications

• Strong facilitation, mediation, negotiation and conflict resolution skills.
• Experience/qualifications in social services.
• Demonstrated experience working with Māori and people from diverse cultural backgrounds.
• Moderate understanding of Te Reo Māori, views, and tikanga.
• Experience working within communities and established community networks.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to write reports and plans to a high standard.
• Strong problem-solving and judgement calling abilities.
• Integrity when working with whānau and colleagues.
• Team player who can provide support as needed.
• Open-mindedness and willingness to go beyond the job description.
• Full, clean New Zealand driver’s licence.
• Right to work in New Zealand.

Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate family group conferences to develop safety and care plans for tamariki.
• Engage with whānau, iwi and professionals to support family-led decisions.
• Prepare and present reports and plans to a high standard.
• Collaborate with community partners to access support services.

Skills

Facilitation

Mediation

Negotiation

Conflict resolution

Communication

Report writing

Teamwork

Problem-solving

Cultural awareness

Integrity

Job description

Oranga Tamariki – Ministry for Children in Palmerston North invites a Care & Protection Coordinator to lead family group conferences, coordinating with whānau, hapū and professionals to design safety plans for tamariki. The role emphasizes cultural awareness, strong communication, and community partnerships to support whānau outcomes.

You will facilitate discussions, prepare comprehensive reports, and work within a whanau-centred framework, ensuring Tamariki priorities remain at the heart of