Allied Support Worker - West Coast

About the opportunity

Oranga Tamariki is hiring for a permanent full-time Allied Support Worker in the West Coast region. This is an opportunity to build your career while making a meaningful difference to the wellbeing of tamariki, rangatahi and whānau. The role has been created to give steady operational support to frontline Social Work teams and to help meet ongoing demand across sites.

Unlike earlier fixed-term openings, this is an ongoing position designed to strengthen team capacity and provide reliable continuity of support. You will be part of a vibrant multicultural office and contribute to work that supports positive outcomes for children, young people and families.

The salary range starts at $68,371 and goes up to $75,501, depending on experience.

Role overview

Allied Support Workers operate under the guidance of qualified Social Workers and supervisors. The role helps social workers focus on statutory responsibilities and professional practice by taking on practical support tasks. This is a non-regulated position and is not a social work training role or para-social work role. It does not involve holding a caseload or carrying out social work activities.

Typical work includes supporting social workers during home visits and other engagements, handling administration tasks, and transporting tamariki and rangatahi where needed.

Key duties

• Provide on-demand support across the site according to the team’s day-to-day operational needs.
• Assist social workers with entering case notes and other records into CYRAS and related information systems.
• Transport tamariki and rangatahi safely between locations such as appointments, school, and sports activities.
• Help with the preparation and administrative tasks involved in Family Group Conferences (FGC).
• Support social workers in caring for tamariki and rangatahi when they are out of school or waiting for placements.
• Handle administrative arrangements for children and young people moving into placements or transitioning between programmes.
• Assist tamariki and rangatahi at school, including settling in or returning after time away.
• Carry out supervised access or visitation duties, including driving clients, supervising contact, and preparing contact notes.
• Build cooperative working relationships with internal teams, external partners, and other stakeholders.

What you will bring

This is a high-trust, safety-critical children’s worker position. It requires good judgment, emotional strength, and a strong sense of dependability.

• Experience supporting people in the community or working with people in need.
• Experience working with Māori and/or Pasifika communities or cultures.
• Comfort dealing with emotional situations and showing empathy toward people’s challenges and stress.
• Strong verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively in collaborative relationships with peers and stakeholders.
• Good written and verbal communication skills, along with strong interpersonal ability.
• Capacity to remain calm and professional in complex emotional situations and to perform well under pressure.
• Awareness and respect for cross-cultural practice, including knowledge of tikanga Māori and Pacific peoples’ culture.
• Ability to manage sensitive and confidential information appropriately.
• Commitment to upholding Te Tiriti o Waitangi in practice.
• Intermediate proficiency with the Microsoft Suite.

Qualifications and licence

• A recognised qualification in social services is preferred.
• A current, full, clean driver’s licence is essential, along with a willingness to drive Ministry vehicles.
• Historical convictions may be considered individually on a case-by-case basis.

What’s on offer

You will have the chance to use your skills and experience to support the wellbeing of tamariki and rangatahi. The organisation offers a competitive salary, significant training, and professional development opportunities to help you grow in your career. Diversity is valued, and the workplace is committed to being inclusive and respectful.

Application information

Applications close on Friday, 10 July 2026. CVs will be reviewed as they are received, so early applications are encouraged. The employer reserves the right to close the advert once all positions have been filled.

Applicants are expected to submit a CV and cover letter. Current employees should apply using their organisational email login.

Recruitment is taking place across many roles nationwide, so the process may take longer than usual. Applicants are asked to be patient while applications are reviewed.

Code of conduct

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