Team Manager - Family Start

Te Taiwhenua o Heretaunga; Hastings; Remote; NZD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

5 weeks annual leave

Birthday leave

Wellness activities

Kaupapa Māori values in workplace

Job summary

Te Taiwhenua o Heretaunga is a respected health and social services provider serving Hawke’s Bay. We are seeking a passionate, values-driven Team Manager Family Start to lead and coach a team of social workers and whānau support workers in Hastings.

Based at Orchard Road, this permanent full-time role offers supervision, professional development, and the chance to strengthen whānau outcomes through kaupapa Māori practices.

Qualifications

• A tertiary qualification in Social Work or a related registered profession is required.
• Significant experience working directly with whānau in the local community.
• Proven leadership or management experience within health, social services, education or community sectors.
• Knowledge of or willingness to learn kaupapa Māori practices.

Responsibilities

• Lead and coach a team of Social Workers and Whānau Support Workers in the Heretaunga/Hastings area.
• Provide supervision, guidance and professional development opportunities.
• Engage with whānau using strengths-based, culturally responsive approaches.

Skills

Leadership

People coaching

Cultural safety

Communication

Education

Bachelor-level Social Work or related registration

Tools

NZ driver’s licence

Job description

Our Family Start team is a national, award winning, best practice team, who provide practical parenting strategies and support to families with pēpe and young tamariki in the Heretaunga area.

Te Taiwhenua o Heretaunga (TToH) is well respected, successful, health and social services provider, supporting our local community in Hawkes Bay. Our health, social, education and community development teams have been working successfully with whanau for over 40 years. We combine professional expertise with personal connection, grounded in our kaupapa Māori values of Whakamana, Kaitiakitanga, Whanaungatanga, and Kotahitanga. We walk alongside whānau, offering practical strategies delivered with respect, compassion and integrity.

We are looking for a passionate, grounded and values-driven leader to join our team as Team Manager Family Start and support positive outcomes for tamariki, whānau and communities.

About the Role

Based at our large Hastings site (Orchard Road), this is a permanent, full-time role (Monday to Friday, 8.30am – 5.00pm). You'll work alongside a supportive team of Social Workers and Whānau Support Workers, who cover the Heretaunga/Hastings area. Regular supervision and training are provided in a warm, collaborative environment.

About the Person:

• Strong leadership skills with the ability to inspire, coach and support others
• Professionalism, kindness, empathy and flexibility to their mahi
• Can relate to people from all walks of life and diverse backgrounds
• Holds strong boundaries and is both assertive and non-judgmental
• Embodies compassion and demonstrates positive whānau relationships in their own life
• Is open to feedback, reflective practice and continuous learning

Ideal Candidates Will Have:

• A tertiary qualification in Social Work or a related registered profession (e.g. Teaching, Counselling, Nursing, Mental Health) OR
• Significant experience working directly with whānau in the local community, from pēpi to kaumātua.
• Proven leadership or management experience within health, social services, education or community sectors
• Confidence in offering sound advice and practical, strengths-based strategies and parenting advice
• Good local knowledge and established networks with other services and supports
• Competency in writing clear case notes and managing caseloads effectively
• A full, current New Zealand Driver's licence

You will need to:

• Have a sound understanding of the Family Start Programme and practice in accordance with accepted professional standards.
• Completed training in professional supervision. Ideally this training would incorporate an element of practice involving formal assessment and be delivered by a registered and accredited education provider.
• Have knowledge of or a genuine willingness to learn about Māori culture, tikanga and kaupapa Māori practices
• Be committed to culturally responsive and safe practice
• Work collaboratively as part of a values-based team

What We Offer:

• Social Worker Pay Equity salary
• 5 weeks annual leave
• Birthday leave
• Wellness Activities and initiatives
• A positive, workplace culture grounded in kaupapa Māori values

Ready to Make a Real Difference?