Supervisor Social Workers - Sydenham

Oranga Tamariki—Ministry for Children; Rangiora; On-site; NZD 94,000 - 128,000; Full time

Job summary

Oranga Tamariki—Ministry for Children is seeking a dedicated Supervisory social worker to lead a team at our Sydenham site in Canterbury. You will supervise and support a team of social workers, work with tamariki and whānau, and travel regionally as needed to make positive changes in our communities.

The role requires SWRB registration, a recognised social work qualification, and strong people management skills.

Qualifications

• Full, clean driver's licence required.
• Registration with NZ Social Work Registration Board (SWRB) is mandatory.
• A social worker qualification recognised by the SWRB.
• Previous people management experience is essential.
• Ability to lead and support a team across regions with iwi and NGOs.

Responsibilities

• Lead, supervise and support a team of social workers across multiple areas.
• Collaborate with Iwi and government and non-government organisations to support tamariki and whanau.
• Travel around the region as required.
• Identify professional development needs and support growth.
• Manage workflow to ensure timely decisions and maintain practice standards.

Skills

Team leadership

People management

Driver's license

Cross-cultural awareness

Time management

Tamaki-focused practice

Education

SWRB-registered social worker

Job description

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

This role will be located at our Sydenham 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 23rd September 2026.

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.