Coordinator Care Protection Manawatu

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

1 x permanent, full-time Care & Protection Coordinator opportunityPalmerston North - Manawatu basedRemuneration starting from $84,491depending on experienceDo you want to play an important role in securing a better pathway for our tamariki and whanau? Join a supportive team at our Manawatu site and grow your coordination experience to new heights. A unique and exciting opportunity to work with and contribute to the outcomes of our tamariki.About the role | Mo te tungaOranga Tamariki-Ministry for Children has a commitment to putting tamariki at the heart of what we do. In our work, we aim to demonstrate these values:We put Tamariki firstWe believe Aroha is vitalWe respect the Mana of peopleWe are Tika and PonoWe value WhakapapaWe recognise that Oranga is a journeyThe Care and Protection Coordinator - Family Group Conference (FGC) provides a valuable forum for wh nau, hapu, iwi and professionals to come together to create safety and care solutions for tamariki and rangatahi.The focus is on family led decisions that support wh nau to develop positive outcomes for their tamariki and working with community partners to ensure that they provide support to whanau in caring for their tamariki. For this to be successful, it requires comprehensive consultation and preparation. You will need to be highly organised; deadline driven and have a culturally sensitive and aware approach towards people in the process - all whilst keeping tamariki at the heart of everything you do.What you will bring | Ng pumanawatanga ouStrong facilitation, mediation, negotiation, and conflict resolution skills.Experience/qualifications in social servicesDemonstrated successful experience in working with M ori and with people from diverse cultural backgrounds.A moderate level understanding of Te Reo M ori, views, and tikanga.Experience in working with the community and established community knowledge and networks.Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.Demonstrated ability to write reports and plans to a high standard.Excellent problem-solving and experience in making judgement calls when necessaryIntegrity in working with wh nau and with internal colleagues and community membersAbility to work as part of a team and add support as and where neededAn open mind and want to go above and beyond what is in your job descriptionA full, clean New Zealand drivers' licence.The valid right to work in New Zealand.What's in it for you | Nou te rourouWe offer a vibrant and supportive team, and a genuine commitment to wellbeing. We offer 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.A salary range starting from $84,491A great, supportive team environment who will welcome you with open armsRegular supervision, training and career development opportunitiesMe pehea te tuku tono | How to ApplyApply 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 [e-mail] as applications for this role will close just before midnight on Sunday 18 October 2026If 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.