Supervisor Social Worker - Horowhenua Site

Oranga Tamariki; Wellington; On-site; NZD 111,000 - 134,000; Full time

Job summary

Oranga Tamariki, Ministry for Children, is seeking a Supervisor Social Worker for the Horowhenua Site in New Zealand. You will lead, support, and supervise a team of social workers while partnering with Iwi and government and non-government organisations to support tamariki and whānau.

Applicants should have SWRB registration, a recognised social work qualification, and prior people management experience. A focus on whānau wellbeing and tikanga Māori is essential to this role.

Qualifications

• Full, clean driving licence.
• Full registration with NZ Social Work Registration Board (SWRB).
• A social worker qualification recognised by the SWRB.
• Previous people management or mentoring experience 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 manage competing demands.
• Knowledge of the Oranga Tamariki Act 1989.

Responsibilities

• Lead, support and supervise a team of social workers across the Horowhenua area.
• Collaborate with Iwi, government and non-government organisations to support tamariki and whānau.
• Identify professional development needs and ensure team growth and capability.
• Manage workflow and ensure timely, sound decisions aligned with practice framework.

Skills

Leadership

Team supervision

People mentoring

Time management

Relationship building

Cross-cultural awareness

Education

Social Work registration with SWRB

Social Work qualification recognised by SWRB

Job description

Supervisor Social Worker - Horowhenua Site

• Position will be based at our Horowhenua Site
• We're offering a competitive salary starting from, $111,020 to $133,696, depending on experience

We have an opportunity at our HorowhenuaSite 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 Horowhenuaarea. 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.

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

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 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 & rangatahi. In addition we offer a competitive salary and generous benefits-https://mahi.orangatamariki.govt.nz/working-with-us/employee-benefits/

Location and lifestyle | Horowhenua Region

Discover the perfect balance of career opportunity and lifestyle in Horowhenua. Nestled between the Tararua Range and the Tasman Sea, Horowhenua offers stunning beaches, outdoor recreation, a warm climate, and a welcoming community, all within easy reach of Wellington.

Applications close: Monday 28th September 2026 and we will begin shortlisting candidates as we receive applications. Please note we do reserve the right toclose the advert once allroles are filled.

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.