Supervisor Social Worker - Christchurch West

Oranga Tamariki—Ministry for Children; Rangiora; On-site; NZD 100,000 - 122,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible work options

Training and professional development

Wellbeing focus

Job summary

Oranga Tamariki—Ministry for Children seeks an experienced Supervisor of Social Workers to lead and support a Christchurch West team serving tamariki and whānau. Travel around the region and strong partnership with iwi and other agencies are essential.

You will identify development needs, manage workflow, and ensure decisions align with our Practice Framework. A full NZ driver’s licence and SWRB registration are required. We value a whānau-led approach focused on aroha, mana, and pono.

Qualifications

• Full, clean NZ driver’s licence required.
• Full registration with NZ Social Work Registration Board (SWRB).
• Social worker qualification recognised by SWRB.
• Previous people management and/or mentoring experience is essential.
• Ability to build and lead an effective team and be a team player.
• Proactive approach prioritising tamariki needs in decisions and actions.
• Excellent time management and ability to handle competing demands.
• Knowledge of the Oranga Tamariki Act 1989 principles and purposes.

Responsibilities

• Lead, support and supervise a team of social workers across the region.
• Travel around the region as required.
• Build and maintain positive relationships with Iwi and government/non-government partners.
• Identify professional development needs and ensure growth in capability and practice depth.
• Manage workflow and ensure timely, well-considered decisions.
• Ensure all practice reflects our values and Practice Framework.

Skills

Driver's licence

SWRB registration

Social work qualification

People management

Team leadership

Cross-cultural awareness

Education

SWRB-recognised social work qualification

Job description

• Full time, permanent opportunity
• Located at our Christchurch West Site
• We're offering a competitive salary starting from, $111,020.00

This role will be located at our Christchurch West 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.

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

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).

Key requirements of the role include:

• 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.

Applications close on 7th October 2026