Supervisor Social Worker

Oranga Tamariki; Hamilton; On-site; NZD 100,000 - 122,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible work options

Significant training and professional 

Wellbeing focus and support

Job summary

Oranga Tamariki—Ministry for Children in Hamilton is seeking a skilled leader to manage and supervise a team of social workers across the region. You will work with Iwi and partner agencies, travel as required and ensure the highest standards of professional practice.

You will guide development, oversee workflow, and ensure decisions are timely while keeping a tamariki-first focus and alignment with our Practice Framework and values.

Qualifications

• Full, clean driver’s licence.
• Full registration with NZ SWRB.
• Social worker qualification recognised by SWRB.
• Experience in people management or mentoring.
• Ability to build and lead an effective team.
• Proactive tamariki‑centred approach.
• Excellent time management and handling competing demands.
• Knowledge of the Oranga Tamariki Act 1989.
• Respect for tikanga Māori and Pacific cultures.

Responsibilities

• Lead, support and supervise a team of social workers.
• Collaborate with Iwi and government/non-government organisations.
• Travel around the region as required.
• Identify development needs and support team capability growth.
• Manage workflow and ensure timely decisions.
• Uphold the values, Practice Framework, Principles and Standards.
• Partner with peer supervisors and the wider leadership team.

Skills

People management

Team leadership

Cross-cultural awareness

Time management

Proactive tamariki focus

Driver's licence

Oranga Tamariki Act knowledge

tikanga Māori / Pacific cultures

Education

Social worker qualification recognised by SWRB

Full SWRB registration

Job description

This role will be located at our Hamilton North site. At this site we are working with tamariki and whānau to make positive changes in our community. We need people who have knowledge, experience and who are deeply passionate about whānau wellbeing.

• Full time, permanent opportunity
• Located at our Collingwood Hamilton office
• We're offering a competitive salary starting from, $111,020.00

We acknowledge that there is much work to do but we are up for it. If you think you have what it takes, then apply to join our team here. Our sites work hard to do things differently within the foundation of a whānau led approach focused on awhi and supporting whānau in mana‑enhancing ways.

Mō te tūnga | 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. 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.

Ngā pūmanawatanga ōu | What you will bring

• A full, clean, valid driver's licence
• Full registration with New Zealand's Social Work Registration Board (SWRB)
• 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.

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.

Hurry as applications close on 7th October 2026 however may close early dependant on applicant suitability.

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.