Supervisor Social Worker - Waitakere

New Zealand Government; New Zealand; Remote; NZD 111,000 - 134,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive remuneration package

Flexible work options

Wellbeing focused environment

Training and professional development

Diversity and inclusion commitment

Job summary

New Zealand Government seeks a qualified Supervisor to lead a Waitakere Care & Protection team, based in Auckland. You will supervise social workers, support development, and ensure decisions meet professional standards while traveling as needed across the region.

The ideal candidate holds SWRB registration with APC, a recognised SWRB credential, and a clean driver's license, with strong planning, budgeting and risk-management skills, plus excellent communication and collaboration abilities.

Qualifications

• Full registration with NZ Social Work Registration Board (SWRB) and current APC.
• Social work qualification recognised by SWRB.
• Full, clean driver’s license is required.
• Experience in planning, budgeting, resource allocation and performance monitoring.
• Experience in complex politically sensitive environments.
• Strong line management or supervisory ability.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead, support and supervise a team of social workers across care and protection areas.
• Travel around the region and work on varied projects as needed.
• Identify development needs and support team capability growth.
• Manage workflow and ensure timely, professional decisions aligned with practice standards.
• Collaborate with regional peers and leadership to support wider objectives.

Skills

Driver's license

Planning & budgeting

Risk management

People management

Cross-cultural communication

Tikanga Māori awareness

Education

Social Worker qualification recognised by SWRB

Annual Practising Certificate (APC) for SWRB

Full registration with SWRB

Job description

Our Waitakere Care & Protection team is seeking a qualified and experienced Supervisor to join us on a permanent basis. Join us in making a meaningful difference to the lives of our tamariki. Permanent, full-time vacancy available! Based at our Waitakere site - Auckland Competitive salary ranging from $111,020 - $133,696 depending on experience

Mō mātou | About us

Oranga Tamariki is a name that has been gifted to us and is our commitment to improving the safety and wellbeing of tamariki and that of the community we serve. As a values-led organisation, we use the principles of mana (prestige), tika & pono (doing things the right way), aroha (love) and whākapapa (relationships) to shape how we work and deliver the outcomes in our site plan. This role represents an opportunity to shape a new way of working with culturally grounded solutions and innovations that support our approach and direction toward transformational change for the care and protection system - one that builds on the good things that are already happening, and, most importantly, innovates to find new ways of doing things to achieve better outcomes for all.

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. There will be times when you will also be part of varying projects that occur. 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

• Success in leading and supporting other social workers and/or initiatives that improve the quality of social work practice
• Cultural awareness and an understanding of Tikanga Māori principles
• A commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi
• Full registration with New Zealand's Social Work Registration Board (SWRB) and a current Annual Practicing Certificate
• A social worker qualification recognised by the SWRB
• A full, clean and valid driver's licence
• Experience in planning, financial management, resource allocation and performance monitoring processes
• Experience in complex politically sensitive environments
• Strong line management or supervisory ability or potential
• The ability to manage risk and make tough decisions
• Excellent verbal communication skills with the ability to adapt to your audience
• Ability to communicate complex ideas to a variety of audiences and build and maintain rapport with others

Ideal candidate for this role is an experienced Supervisor / Senior Practitioner / Social Worker who is working as such in Oranga Tamariki, or who has recently been an experienced Oranga Tamariki Supervisor / Social Worker with a good understanding of the Oranga Tamariki Supervisor role.

Nōu te rourou | What's in it for you

Oranga Tamariki offer an impartial remuneration package ranging from $111, 20 to $133,696 depending on experience and offer progression annually for experience through tenure. 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.

To see all the benefits of working for Oranga Tamariki, please visit https://mahi.orangatamariki.govt.nz/working-with-us/employee-benefits/

Applications for this role close on Sunday 20th September 2026 however this may change based on application levels!