Allied Support Worker - Balclutha/Gore

Role overview

Oranga Tamariki is hiring for permanent Allied Support Worker positions to strengthen frontline social work services and provide dependable operational assistance across sites. These roles are designed to support sustained demand and offer ongoing stability as part of the wider workforce.

The position works closely with qualified social workers and supervisors to help improve outcomes for tamariki, rangatahi, and whānau. It is a non-regulated role and is not a social work training position or para-social worker role. The job does not include social work practice or a case load.

What the role involves

The work supports social workers with home visits, administrative tasks, and the safe transport of tamariki and rangatahi. Support is provided on an on-demand basis depending on the day-to-day needs of the site.

• Helping social workers enter case notes and other records into CYRAS and related systems.
• Transporting tamariki and rangatahi safely to appointments, school, sports, and other locations.
• Assisting with the preparation and administration of Family Group Conferences.
• Supporting the care of tamariki and rangatahi when they are not at school or are waiting for placements.
• Arranging practical administration for children and young people in placement or moving into programmes.
• Helping tamariki and rangatahi settle into school or return after time away.
• Carrying out supervised access and visitation work, including driving, observing contact, and recording contact notes.
• Building effective working relationships with internal teams, partners, and external stakeholders.
• Providing site-wide support as required by operational needs.

Skills and experience

This is a high-trust, safety-sensitive children’s worker position that calls for good judgement, emotional steadiness, and strong reliability. Applicants should bring some of the following background, capabilities, and qualities:

• Experience supporting people in community settings.
• Experience working with Māori and/or Pasifika communities.
• Confidence handling emotionally difficult situations with empathy and professionalism.
• Strong communication skills, both spoken and written, along with sound interpersonal ability.
• Ability to work collaboratively with peers and stakeholders.
• Capacity to stay calm and perform well under pressure.
• Awareness of tikanga Māori and Pacific cultural practices.
• Ability to manage sensitive and confidential information appropriately.
• Commitment to applying Te Tiriti o Waitangi in practice.
• Intermediate ability with Microsoft Office tools.

Qualifications and licence

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

What’s on offer

The salary range for this role starts at NZD 68,371 and goes up to NZD 75,501. The organisation also provides substantial training and professional development to help staff grow in the role.

Oranga Tamariki values diversity and aims to create an inclusive and respectful workplace.

Application notes

Applications close on Monday 29 June 2026. CVs will be reviewed as they are received, and the employer may close the advertisement earlier if all roles are filled.

Applicants must submit an online CV and cover letter. Current Oranga Tamariki employees should apply using their Oranga Tamariki email login.

Recruitment is underway for a large number of roles across the country, so the process may take longer than usual.

Code of conduct

Applicants should be familiar with the organisation’s code of conduct, which outlines expectations for staff and requires attendance at work free from the influence of drugs and alcohol.

Additional information

This position is based in Gore, Southland, New Zealand, and is a full-time, on-site role.

The role may require some weekends and after-hours work.