Permanent Allied Support Worker - Upper Hutt

About the role

Oranga Tamariki is offering permanent opportunities for people who want to build their career while making a meaningful difference for tamariki, rangatahi, and whānau. These roles are designed to give frontline Social Work teams dependable operational support across sites, helping the service respond to ongoing demand. Unlike earlier fixed-term versions of this work, these positions are permanent and intended to provide long-term continuity and stability within the workforce.

Allied Support Workers operate under the guidance of qualified Social Workers and supervisors. Their purpose is to help improve outcomes for children, young people, and families by taking on practical and administrative tasks so Social Workers can concentrate on statutory duties and professional practice.

This is a non-regulated position. It is not a Social Worker training role and is not a para-social work role. The job does not involve undertaking social work functions or carrying a case load.

What the role involves

The position supports Social Workers through home visits, other face-to-face engagements, administration, and transport for tamariki and rangatahi.

• Delivering responsive support across the site according to the team’s daily operational needs.
• Helping Social Workers record case notes and other information in CYRAS and related systems.
• Driving tamariki and rangatahi safely between places such as appointments, school, and sports activities.
• Assisting with the preparation and administrative coordination of Family Group Conferences.
• Supporting the care of tamariki and rangatahi when they are between schooling or placements.
• Arranging the practical administration needed for children and young people in placement or moving into programmes.
• Helping children and young people settle into school or return after time away.
• Carrying out supervised visits and access arrangements, including transporting clients, overseeing contact, and preparing contact notes.
• Building constructive working relationships with colleagues, external partners, and other stakeholders.

What you will bring

This is a high-trust role for a children’s worker in a safety-critical environment. It calls for good judgement, strong resilience, and a dependable approach to work. Experience in community support, working with Māori and/or Pasifika communities, and handling difficult emotional situations will be valuable.

• Strong spoken, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Confidence working collaboratively with peers and stakeholders.
• Ability to stay calm and professional in complex or stressful situations.
• Respect for cross-cultural practice, including knowledge of tikanga Māori and Pacific peoples’ culture.
• Capability to manage private and sensitive information appropriately.
• Commitment to upholding Te Tiriti o Waitangi in practice.
• Intermediate skill level using the Microsoft Suite.
• A recognised Social Services qualification is preferred.
• A clean, current full driver’s licence is required, along with willingness to drive Ministry vehicles; historic convictions may be considered individually.

Pay and benefits

The salary range for this role starts at NZD 68,371 and goes up to NZD 75,501. Oranga Tamariki also offers significant training and professional development to support growth and success in the role. The organisation values diversity and works in an inclusive and respectful way.

Application process and other information

Applications close at 5:00 pm on Sunday, 12 July 2026. CVs will be reviewed and interviews may begin before the closing date, so the role may close early if the preferred candidate is identified.

Applicants should submit an online application with a CV and covering letter. Existing Oranga Tamariki employees must apply using their Oranga Tamariki email login.

The organisation is recruiting for many roles across the motu, so the recruitment process may take longer than usual. Applicants are thanked for their patience and interest.

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

Additional notes

Applicants should contact the hiring team if they have any questions about the role, although no direct contact details were provided in the source.