Allied Support Worker

About the opportunity

Oranga Tamariki is seeking permanent Allied Support Workers to help strengthen frontline social work services in Gore. These roles are designed to provide dependable, day-to-day operational help across sites, supporting the ongoing needs of tamariki, rangatahi, and whānau while improving continuity for social work teams.

Unlike earlier fixed-term vacancies, these positions are intended to be a stable part of the workforce and to support sustained service demand. The work contributes to better outcomes by allowing qualified Social Workers to concentrate on statutory duties and professional practice.

Role overview

This is a non-regulated support role. It is not a social work trainee position or a para-social worker role, and it does not involve case ownership or direct social work practice. You will work under the guidance of qualified Social Workers and supervisors, providing practical assistance with home visits, administration, and transport for tamariki and rangatahi.

Key duties

• Offer flexible support across the site according to the team’s day-to-day operational needs.
• Help social workers record case notes and update CYRAS and other relevant systems.
• Transport tamariki and rangatahi safely to appointments, school, sports, and other destinations.
• Assist with the preparation and administrative setup of Family Group Conferences.
• Support the care of tamariki and rangatahi when they are out of school or waiting for placements.
• Organise administrative tasks connected to placements and programme transitions.
• Help children and young people settle into school or return after time away.
• Carry out supervised contact visits, including driving, observing contact, and documenting notes.
• Build and maintain effective working relationships with internal teams and external partners.
• Be available for some weekend and after-hours work.

What you will bring

This is a high-trust, safety-critical role involving children, so strong judgement, reliability, and emotional resilience are essential. The ideal applicant will bring a mix of community support experience, cultural awareness, communication strength, and the ability to stay composed in challenging situations.

Experience and capabilities

• Experience supporting people in the community or assisting individuals in need.
• Exposure to working with Māori and/or Pasifika communities and cultures.
• Ability to handle emotionally difficult situations with empathy and professionalism.
• Strong verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Confidence working collaboratively with peers and stakeholders.

Skills and work style

• Clear and effective written and spoken communication.
• Strong people skills and professional interpersonal judgement.
• Ability to remain calm and perform well under pressure.
• Respect for cross-cultural practices, including knowledge of tikanga Māori and Pacific peoples’ culture.
• Skill in managing sensitive and confidential information appropriately.
• Commitment to upholding Te Tiriti o Waitangi in everyday practice.
• Intermediate ability with Microsoft Office tools.

Qualifications and licence

• A recognised qualification in social services is preferred.
• A current full driver’s licence is essential.
• You must be willing to drive Ministry vehicles.
• Historic convictions may be considered individually on a case-by-case basis.

What’s on offer

You’ll have the chance to put your skills to work for the wellbeing of tamariki and rangatahi, with pay starting from NZD 68,371 up to NZD 75,501. The role includes significant training and professional development opportunities to support your growth. Oranga Tamariki values diversity and aims to provide an inclusive and respectful workplace.

Application information

Applications close on Monday 29 June 2026. CVs will be reviewed as they are received, so early applications are encouraged. The employer also reserves the right to close the vacancy once all positions have been filled.

Applicants are asked to submit a CV and covering letter. Current employees should apply using their Oranga Tamariki email login. Recruitment is underway for a large number of roles across the motu, so the process may take longer than usual.

If you are interested in applying, you should also familiarise yourself with the organisation’s code of conduct, which includes expectations around attending work free from the influence of drugs and alcohol.