Supervisor Social Worker - Horowhenua

Oranga Tamariki—Ministry for Children; Manawatū-Whanganui; On-site; NZD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A social services organization in Horowhenua is seeking a Social Work Supervisor to lead a team and support families. The ideal candidate should be knowledgeable about social work practices, with strong leadership and cultural competencies. This role offers training, a supportive environment, and a competitive salary to encourage professionals passionate about tamariki wellbeing. Applications close on 15 October 2025.

Benefits

Significant training and professional development

Inclusive and respectful workplace

Competitive salary and generous benefits

Qualifications

• Full registration with New Zealand's Social Work Registration Board (SWRB) is mandatory.
• Previous people management experience is essential.
• Knowledge of the Oranga Tamariki Act 1989.

Responsibilities

• Lead, support, and supervise a team of social workers.
• Build and maintain positive relationships with Iwi and NGOs.
• Identify professional development needs of the team.

Skills

Team leadership

Time management

Cultural competency

Mentoring

Education

Social Work qualification recognized by SWRB

Tools

Social Work Registration Board (SWRB)

Job description

We have an opportunity at our Horowhenua site replacing an experienced employee. 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 Site works 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 the Horowhenua area. 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

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

The ideal candidate for this role will be an experienced Social Worker or Supervisor Social worker.

• 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 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. In addition we offer a competitive salary and generous benefits

Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to Apply

Apply 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

Hurry as applications close on Wednesday 15 October 2025, however, we will be reviewing CVs as they come in and inviting successful candidates to interview before the close date.

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.