Kōrero mō te tūranga – About the role

Ngāti Porou Oranga delivers kaupapa Māori health and social services across Te Tairāwhiti, strengthening whānau and supporting positive outcomes for tamariki and rangatahi.

We are seeking a Social Worker in Schools (SWiS) to join our Whānau Oranga team, based at Tolaga Bay Area School and working with schools from Tolaga Bay to Tokomaru Bay. This permanent part-time role (20 hours per week) is dedicated to enhancing the wellbeing and future success of children whose whānau circumstances place them at risk of poor education, social, and health outcomes.

The SWiS role is central to building resilience, fostering positive relationships, and ensuring tamariki and whānau are supported to thrive. You will work collaboratively with schools, whānau, Oranga Tamariki, health and social services, and community partners to create wraparound support that is strengths-based, mana-enhancing, and culturally grounded in Ngāti Porou values.

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako – Essential Qualifications, Skills & Experience

To be successful in this role, you will have:

• A recognised Social Work qualification with a current NZ Practising Certificate (mandatory).
• Proven experience as a Social Worker, ideally in school or community settings.
• Strong professional networks and the ability to work effectively with schools, whānau, hapū, and iwi.
• Knowledge of tikanga Māori and commitment to kaupapa Māori approaches.
• Ability to deliver case management, assessments, and group/1:1 programmes that support tamariki and whānau needs.
• High level of communication, organisation, and time management skills.
• Experience in collaborative practice, reporting, and quality management systems.
• A current, clean full NZ driver licence.

We are looking for someone who:

• Is approachable, empathetic, and committed to a whānau-centred practice.
• Demonstrates resilience, initiative, and the ability to manage competing priorities.
• Upholds professionalism, confidentiality, and integrity at all times.
• Leads with aroha, manaaki, tika/pono, and pakari — embodying the values of Ngāti Porou Oranga.
• Has excellent communication skills – both verbal and written.

Operating Competencies:

• Skilled in case management, assessment, and delivering 1:1 and group programmes to support tamariki and whānau.
• Ability to plan, prioritise, and manage multiple whānau needs and school demands effectively.
• Strong understanding of trauma-informed practice and child-centred, whānau-focused care.
• Able to build and maintain trusted relationships with schools, whānau, hapū, iwi, and community services.

If you are passionate about leading a team that makes a real difference in the lives of tamariki and rangatahi — and you share our values of manaaki, tika/pono, aroha, and pakari — we want to hear from you.

Te painga o te mahi tahi me mātou - What we offer:

We are committed to developing and providing opportunities for further professional growth for our kaimahi. We also offer a range of benefits including:

• A values-based, supportive workplace grounded in tikanga Māori.
• Ongoing professional development and supervision.
• Opportunities to innovate and contribute to whānau ora outcomes.
• EAP & Wellbeing Services.
• A collaborative environment where kaimahi are empowered to make a difference.

Me pēhea e tono - How to Apply:

To apply, please submit a Cover Letter and CV outlining your motivation for joining Ngāti Porou Oranga and the skills and experience you bring to this role.

Applicants must be eligible to work in Aotearoa, New Zealand. The preferred and/or successful applicants will undergo pre-employment checks which may include: Police Vetting, Child Checks, Oranga Tamariki vetting, Criminal Record Checks, Medical Checks, ID verification, and Pre-Employment Drug & Alcohol testing.

COVID-19 Vaccination requirement: As per our organisational policy, vaccination is essential. Proof of status or risk assessment will be required before commencing employment.

60 Day Trial Period: Employment terms include a trial period of up to 60 days, in line with NZ employment legislation.

For a copy of the job description or further enquiries, please email careers@tronp.org.nz

Applications close 5pm, Friday 26 September 2025.
Please note – only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Interviews may be held as applications are received.