Allied Support Worker - Alexandra

Overview

Oranga Tamariki is hiring permanent full-time Allied Support Workers in Alexandra for people who want to grow their career while contributing to the wellbeing of tamariki, rangatahi, and whānau. These positions have been created to deliver reliable operational assistance to frontline Social Work teams and to support ongoing service demand across sites. The roles are permanent and intended to provide steady, long-term support within the workforce.

You will be based in a diverse, multicultural office environment in Alexandra, Otago, and the salary range starts at NZ$68,371 and can go up to NZ$75,501, depending on experience.

About the role

Allied Support Workers operate under the guidance of qualified Social Workers and supervisors. The role helps improve outcomes for tamariki, rangatahi, and whānau by allowing Social Workers to focus on statutory responsibilities and professional practice.

This is a non-regulated role. It is not a social work training position or a para-social worker role, and it does not involve case ownership or direct social work practice. Instead, the position supports frontline work through home visits, administration, transport, and other practical assistance.

Key duties

• Provide flexible, site-based support according to the team’s day-to-day operational 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 sports activities.
• Assist with the organisation and administration of Family Group Conferences.
• Support care arrangements for tamariki and rangatahi who are out of school or waiting for placements.
• Handle administration linked to placement or programme transitions.
• Support tamariki and rangatahi at school, including settling in or returning after time away.
• Carry out supervised access and visitations, including driving clients, overseeing contact, and documenting contact notes.
• Work some weekends and after-hours as required.
• Build cooperative working relationships with internal teams, external partners, and stakeholders.

What you will bring

This is a high-trust, safety-critical children’s worker position. It calls for strong judgement, emotional resilience, and dependable attendance. The organisation is looking for candidates who may bring some of the following background and strengths:

• Experience supporting people in need within the community.
• Exposure to working with Māori and/or Pasifika communities.
• Confidence handling emotionally difficult situations with empathy and care.
• Strong verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with peers and stakeholders.
• Comfort working in stressful, fast-moving situations while maintaining professionalism.
• Respect for cross-cultural practice, including tikanga Māori and Pacific cultures.
• Capability to handle sensitive and confidential information appropriately.
• Commitment to upholding Te Tiriti o Waitangi in practice.
• Intermediate-level skills with the Microsoft Suite.

Qualifications and licence

• A recognised qualification in social services is preferred.
• A clean, current full driver’s licence is required.
• You must be willing to drive Ministry vehicles.
• Historic convictions may be considered individually.

What’s on offer

This role offers the chance to apply your skills in a meaningful way that supports tamariki and rangatahi. Along with a starting salary of NZ$68,371 to NZ$75,501, the organisation provides significant training and professional development so you can build your capability and progress in your career. The workplace values diversity and aims to provide an inclusive and respectful environment.

Application details

Applications close on Sunday, 12 July 2026. CVs will be reviewed as they are received, so early application is encouraged. The employer may close the advert once all vacancies are filled.

Applicants should submit a CV and covering letter. Existing employees should apply using their organisation email login. Recruitment across multiple roles may take longer than usual, and applicants are asked to be patient while applications are processed.

Additional requirements

Applicants should be familiar with the organisation’s code of conduct, which sets expectations for staff and requires people to attend work free from the influence of drugs and alcohol.

If you have questions about the role, contact details were not provided in the listing.