Supervisor Social Worker - Papanui

New Zealand Government Joba; Christchurch; On-site; NZD 100,000 - 122,000; Full time

Job summary

Oranga Tamariki—Ministry for Children in Christchurch is seeking a Supervisor Social Worker to lead a team at the Papanui site, ensuring high-quality practice and tamariki wellbeing.

You will travel regionally, support staff development, and partner with iwi, organisations and the wider leadership team to deliver timely, culturally aligned social work services.

Qualifications

• Must hold a full driver’s licence.
• Full registration with NZ Social Worker Registration Board (SWRB).
• SWRB-recognised social worker qualification.
• Previous people management/mentoring experience is essential.
• Ability to build and lead an effective team and be a team player.
• Proactive approach placing tamariki needs at the centre in all decisions.
• Excellent time management and ability to meet competing demands.
• Knowledge of the Oranga Tamariki Act 1989.
• Knowledge and appreciation of cross-cultural practices, particularly tikanga Māori and Pacific cultures.

Responsibilities

• Lead, support and supervise a team of social workers.
• Travel around the region as required to support services.
• Identify development needs of your team and support growth.
• Manage workflow and ensure timely decisions in practice.
• Uphold Oranga Tamariki values and align practice with standards.
• Collaborate with peer supervisors and leadership as part of the region.

Skills

People management

Mentoring

Team leadership

Cross-cultural awareness

Education

Social worker qualification SWRB recognised

Job description

Supervisor Social Worker - Papanui

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

This role will be located at our Papanui 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 09 October 2026.