Allied Support Worker

Role overview

This is a permanent full-time opportunity based in Waipukurau, Hawke's Bay. The position offers a starting remuneration range of $68,371 to $75,501, depending on experience.

Oranga Tamariki is hiring for a role that supports the wellbeing of tamariki, rangatahi and whānau by strengthening operational support for frontline Social Work teams. These permanent roles are designed to provide steady, ongoing assistance across sites and to respond to continued service demand, replacing earlier fixed-term arrangements with a more stable part of the workforce.

About the role

Allied Support Workers operate under the guidance and oversight of qualified Social Workers and supervisors. The role helps Social Workers focus on statutory duties and professional practice by taking on practical support tasks.

This is a non-regulated position. It is not a social work training role, nor a para-social worker role. It does not involve social work practice and does not carry a caseload.

The work includes assisting Social Workers during home visits and other engagements, completing administration, and transporting tamariki and rangatahi.

Key duties

• Provide on-call style support across the site based on day-to-day team needs.
• Help Social Workers record case notes and other information in CYRAS and related systems.
• Transport tamariki and rangatahi safely between locations such as appointments, school and sporting activities.
• Assist with the preparation and administration of Family Group Conferences.
• Support care arrangements for tamariki and rangatahi when they are out of school or waiting for placements.
• Complete administrative arrangements connected to placement changes and programme transitions.
• Support children and young people at school during settling-in or return-to-school periods.
• Carry out supervised access or visitations, including driving clients, supervising contact and writing contact notes.
• Build and maintain cooperative working relationships with colleagues, partners and stakeholders.
• Be available for some weekend and after-hours work.

What you will bring

This is a high-trust, safety-critical children’s worker position. Successful applicants will need strong judgement, resilience, and reliability.

Experience in community-based support work, working with Māori and/or Pasifika communities, and handling emotionally difficult situations will be highly relevant. Strong communication, teamwork and stakeholder relationship skills are important.

You should be comfortable working with sensitive and confidential information, maintaining a calm and professional approach under pressure, and applying Te Tiriti o Waitangi principles in practice. A working knowledge of tikanga Māori and Pacific cultures is also valued.

Intermediate skills in the Microsoft Suite are expected.

A recognised Social Services qualification is desirable. A clean, current full driver's licence is essential, along with a willingness to drive Ministry vehicles. Historical convictions may be considered individually.

What is offered

This role gives you the chance to use your skills in service of tamariki and rangatahi. Oranga Tamariki offers a competitive salary package, plus meaningful training and professional development to support your growth. The organisation also states a commitment to diversity, inclusion and respectful practice.

Application process and conditions

Applications close at 5:00 pm on Monday, 20 July 2026. Applicants must submit a CV and covering letter online. Current Oranga Tamariki employees should apply using their Oranga Tamariki email login.

The organisation notes that it is recruiting for many roles across the motu, so the process may take longer than usual. Candidates are encouraged to read the code of conduct, which includes expectations around attending work free from the influence of drugs and alcohol.

Additional information

Permanent, full-time employment has been confirmed. The role is based at the Waipukurau site in Hawke's Bay, New Zealand.

Some weekend and after-hours availability is required. The role also involves driving Ministry vehicles.