Social Worker Tamaki Makaurau Specialists

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

• Full Time, Permanent,
• Tāmaki Makaurau Specialist Teams, Grey Lynn Location

We are looking for a dynamic social worker to fill a vacancy in the Tāmaki Makaurau Specialist Teams.

We have opportunities to join our dynamic team. This opportunity will suit someone who wants to increase their kete of knowledge and is willing to give new things a go. Someone who feels confident working through tricky and challenging situations and is willing to evidence kaitiakitanga in their practice. Someone who is culturally competent, embracing whakamanawa, whakapapa and able to work alongside our iwi partners.

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

The site consists of three teams, each with a different Kaupapa and focus. We currently have one opportunity in each of the teams.

The Mana Tamariki team uses the Intensive Wraparound Service framework; a widely practiced international service delivery model. This framework guides our intensive social work practice focussing on creating support teams who work directly with tamariki and their whānau. Wraparound is an intensive and holistic philosophy of engaging with tamariki that have complex needs, and their Whānau so that they can achieve their goals whilst living at home and within their community.

The Kia Manawanui team was developed to meet the needs of complex rangatahi aged between 12-17 years throughout wider Tāmaki Makaurau who are very challenging for traditional social work practice to engage with. utilising an intensive social work practice the team typically works with rangatahi and whānau who have experienced trauma, mental health, severe behavioural presentations, complex living situations and/or offending behaviour.

The Ngā Pā Harekeke team was developed to meet the needs of complex rangatahi aged between 10-14 years who are offending. Utilising intensive social work practice the team works more in depth with fewer tamariki and whānau, however covering both Family Court and Youth Court jurisdictions will keep you busy.  Additionally, the team works collaboratively with each other and other stakeholders ensuring that kia mahi and rangatahi have significant support to provide the best outcomes. Often rangatahi involved with the team require creative plans and staff need to be able to adapt and create pathways for rangatahi and their whanau.

Ngā pūmanawatanga ōu | What you will bring

Key requirements of the role include: 

• Social work registration and experience working with tamariki, rangatahi and whānau
• Client focussed skills, motivational Interviewing skills are an advantage
• Experience working with complex tamariki, rangatahi and whānau
• Knowledge of the youth court and/or family court is advantageous
• Planning and organisational skills
• Information gathering skills and experience
• Cultural awareness and good relationship management
• Problem-solving and judgement
• Integrity in working with vulnerable whānau and other stakeholders
• Ability to work as part of a team and add support as and where needed
• An open mind and ability to go above and beyond what is in your job description
• Understanding and appreciation of cross-cultural practices in particular; knowledge of tikanga Māori, and Pacific peoples' culture 
• Understand, apply and embrace the principles of the Act

Nōu te rourou | What's in it for you

Oranga Tamariki offer an impartial remuneration package, that offers progression annually for experience through tenure. Annual remuneration for this position starts between $81,206 to $97,557 dependant on experience. 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/

Me pēhea te tuku tono  | How to Apply

Apply online with your CV and Covering Letter. If you are an Oranga Tamariki employee already, please ensure you apply with a log in using your Oranga Tamariki email address. If you have any questions about role, please contact info_recruit@ot.govt.nz

Hurry as applications for this role will close on 26th May 2024