YJ Supervisor Social Worker - Taranaki

Oranga Tamariki—Ministry for Children; New Plymouth; On-site; NZD 111,000 - 134,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remuneration progression

Flexible work options

Wellbeing program

Training & development

Job summary

Oranga Tamariki—Ministry for Children in New Plymouth (Taranaki) is seeking a Supervisor Social Worker for Youth Justice to lead a team delivering high quality services for tamariki, rangatahi and whānau. You will provide leadership, supervision and ensure practice standards and partnerships with iwi and community providers.

We value manaakitanga and Te Tiriti o Waitangi in our approach. A full NZ driver licence, SWRB registration and a tertiary social work qualification are essential.

Qualifications

• Full NZ driver licence (or equivalent)
• Registration with Social Workers Registration Board (SWRB) and Annual Practising Certificate
• Recognised tertiary qualification in social work
• Proven people leadership, supervision and performance management experience
• Ability to lead and support social workers to achieve high quality practice outcomes

Responsibilities

• Lead, support and manage a team of social workers to deliver Youth Justice services
• Provide leadership, oversight and professional supervision
• Ensure services are delivered in line with legislation, policy and practice standards
• Monitor performance, manage workflow and risk, ensure quality casework outcomes
• Foster partnerships with iwi, NGOs and community providers

Skills

People leadership

Supervision

Performance management

Relationship management

Planning & communication

Education

Social work qualification (tertiary)

Tools

Driver licence

SWRB registration

Job description

• Position can be based at either Hawera or New Plymouth in the Taranaki Region
• We're offering a competitive salary starting from, $111,020 to $133,696, depending on experience

• Permanent, fulltime position available
• Position can be based at either Hawera or New Plymouth in the Taranaki Region
• We're offering a competitive salary starting from, $111,020 to $133,696, depending on experience

This role will support our Youth Justice service. We are seeking an experienced and values-driven Supervisor Social Worker to lead a team delivering high quality services for tamariki, rangatahi, whānau and communities. You will play a key role in ensuring service excellence, supporting staff capability and fostering strong partnerships with iwi, community providers and key stakeholders.

This is an opportunity to influence positive outcomes for young people, lead practice excellence and contribute to a whānau-centred, mana-enhancing approach that reflects the values of Oranga Tamariki.

Mō mātou | About us

Oranga Tamariki—Ministry for Children has a commitment to putting tamariki and rangatahi at the heart of what we do. In our work, we aim to demonstrate these values:

• We put Tamariki first
• We believe Aroha is vital
• We respect the Mana of people
• We are Tika and Pono
• We value Whakapapa
• We recognise that Oranga is a journey

We are committed to ensuring that 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.

Mō te tūnga | About the role

As Supervisor Social Worker (Youth Justice), you will lead, support and manage a team of social workers and support staff to ensure the effective delivery of Youth Justice services. You will provide leadership, oversight and professional supervision while ensuring services are delivered in line with legislation, policy, practice standards and organisational priorities.

You will develop team capability, monitor performance, manage workflow and risk, and ensure quality casework outcomes. Working closely with the Youth Justice Manager and Practice Leader, you will contribute to continuous improvement, operational effectiveness and the achievement of key performance indicators.

Success in this role requires strong relationship management skills and the ability to work collaboratively with iwi, NGOs, partner agencies, community providers and internal stakeholders. Everything you do will reflect the values of Oranga Tamariki and support positive outcomes for tamariki, rangatahi and their whānau.

Ngā pūmanawatanga ōu | What you will bring

We are looking for an experienced social work leader with a strong commitment to tamariki wellbeing and practice excellence.

Key requirements of the role include:

• A full, clean, current New Zealand driver licence (historic convictions may be considered on a case-by-case basis)
• Full registration with the Social Workers Registration Board (SWRB) and a current Annual Practising Certificate (or eligibility to obtain these)
• A recognised tertiary qualification in social work
• Proven people leadership, supervision and performance management experience
• Demonstrated success in leading and supporting social workers to achieve high quality practice outcomes
• Strong understanding of risk management, service delivery and continuous improvement
• Excellent planning, organisational and communication skills
• Sound knowledge of relevant legislation, including the Oranga Tamariki Act 1989
• Understanding and appreciation of cross-cultural practice, particularly tikanga Māori and Pacific peoples’ cultures, with a commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi

Nōu te rourou | What's in it for you

Oranga Tamariki offer a step-based remuneration package, that offers progression annually for experience through tenure. Annual remuneration for this position starts between $111,020 and $133,696 dependent on experience.

We also 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: Thursday 1st of October 2026

Please note we do reserve the right to close the advert once all roles 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.