Allied Support Worker - Timaru

Role overview

Oranga Tamariki is recruiting for a permanent full-time Allied Support Worker in Timaru. This role is designed to give steady operational help to frontline Social Work teams, supporting day-to-day service demand and contributing to better outcomes for tamariki, rangatahi, and whānau. The position is part of a long-term workforce solution rather than a fixed-term arrangement.

You will be based in a multicultural Timaru office and play a practical support role under the guidance of qualified Social Workers and supervisors. The work helps social workers focus on statutory duties and professional practice by taking on non-regulated support tasks.

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

What the role involves

This position supports social workers with home visits, administration, transport, and other operational tasks. It is not a social work role, is not a training role for social work, and does not involve holding a caseload.

• Deliver site-wide support based on daily operational needs.
• Help social workers record case notes and update CYRAS and other systems.
• Transport tamariki and rangatahi safely to appointments, school, sports, and other locations.
• Assist with planning and administrative work for Family Group Conferences.
• Support the care of tamariki and rangatahi when they are out of school or waiting for placements.
• Handle administrative steps needed for placement changes and programme transitions.
• Support children and young people at school when settling in or returning after time away.
• Carry out supervised visitations, including driving clients, overseeing contact, and writing contact notes.
• Work some weekends and after-hours as required.
• Build effective working relationships with internal teams, external partners, and stakeholders.

What you will bring

This is a high-trust, safety-critical children’s worker position, so strong judgement, emotional resilience, and dependability are essential. Experience and capability in community support, cultural responsiveness, and working through emotionally difficult situations are highly valued.

Experience and strengths

• Background supporting people in the community who need assistance.
• Experience working with Māori and/or Pasifika communities.
• Comfort handling emotionally charged situations with empathy and care.
• Strong spoken, written, and interpersonal communication.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with peers and stakeholders.

Skills and capabilities

• Clear and effective written and verbal communication.
• Professional calmness and steady performance under pressure.
• Awareness of cross-cultural practice, including tikanga Māori and Pacific peoples' culture.
• Sound judgement in handling sensitive and confidential information.
• Commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and the ability to apply it in practice.
• Intermediate proficiency with Microsoft Office tools.

Qualifications and licence

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

What’s on offer

• Permanent full-time employment.
• A competitive salary between $68,371 and $75,501.
• Training and professional development to support growth in the role.
• An inclusive workplace that values diversity and respectful collaboration.

Application notes

Applications close on Friday, 10 July 2026. CVs will be reviewed as they are received, and the advertisement may close early once all roles are filled. Applicants should submit a CV and covering letter online. Current employees must 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. Applicants should also be familiar with the organisation’s code of conduct, including expectations to attend work free from the influence of drugs and alcohol.