Allied Support Worker

About the opportunity

Oranga Tamariki is hiring permanent Allied Support Workers in Tauranga and Rotorua to provide steady operational help to frontline social work teams. The roles are designed to strengthen team capacity, improve continuity, and respond to ongoing service needs across the region. They offer a chance to build a meaningful career while contributing to the wellbeing of tamariki, rangatahi and whānau.

Role overview

In this position, you will work under the guidance of qualified Social Workers and supervisors. Your contribution will help social workers focus on statutory duties and professional practice. This is a non-regulated support role; it is not a social work training position, para-social worker role, or case-management job, and it does not involve holding a caseload.

The role supports Caregiver Recruitment and Support teams through caregiver recruitment, caregiver support, training coordination, placement support, and administrative tasks that improve outcomes for children, young people, and their caregivers.

Key duties

• Provide support across the region according to operational priorities and service demand, including travel within the region and occasionally beyond it.
• Assist with caregiver engagement, community outreach, and caregiver recruitment activity.
• Coordinate caregiver training and contribute to learning and development activities.
• Help with caregiver assessments, approvals, support planning, and ongoing caregiver support.
• Support placement and matching work by gathering information, developing caregiver profiles, and coordinating placements.
• Build and maintain effective working relationships with caregivers, whānau, community groups, and internal teams.
• Be available to work outside standard business hours when needed.

What you need to bring

This is a high-trust, safety-critical children's worker position. The ideal person will show strong judgement, reliability, and emotional resilience. Experience in community-based support, working with Māori and/or Pasifika communities, and handling emotionally difficult situations with empathy will be highly valued. Strong verbal and written communication, confident teamwork, and the ability to work well with a range of stakeholders are also important.

Skills and capabilities

• Clear written and verbal communication
• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building ability
• Professional calm under pressure
• Emotional resilience in complex situations
• Confidential information handling
• Cross-cultural awareness, including tikanga Māori and Pacific cultures
• Commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi in practice
• Intermediate Microsoft Office skills

Qualifications and licence

A recognised qualification in social services would be an advantage. A current, clean full driver's licence is essential, along with willingness to drive Ministry vehicles. Historic convictions may be considered individually.

Pay and development

The salary range starts at NZD 68,371 and goes up to NZD 75,501. The organisation also provides meaningful training and professional development to support growth in the role.

Other information

Applications close at 5pm on Tuesday 21 July 2026. Candidates should submit a CV and covering letter online. Current Oranga Tamariki employees should apply using their Oranga Tamariki email login. Recruitment across multiple roles may take longer than usual because there are many vacancies being managed at once. Applicants are also expected to be familiar with the code of conduct, including the requirement to attend work free from the influence of drugs and alcohol.

Commitment to inclusion

Oranga Tamariki states that it values diversity and is committed to an inclusive, respectful working environment.