Permanent Allied Support Worker Lower Hutt

About the opportunity

Oranga Tamariki is offering permanent Allied Support Worker roles for people who want to build their career while contributing meaningfully to the wellbeing of tamariki, rangatahi and whānau. These positions have been created to provide steady operational help to frontline social work teams and to meet ongoing demand across sites. Unlike earlier fixed-term versions of the role, these permanent positions are designed to be a reliable, long-term part of the workforce, helping strengthen continuity and team support.

Current vacancies include 2 permanent roles in Lower Hutt.

About the role

Allied Support Workers operate under the guidance of qualified Social Workers and supervisors. The role supports better outcomes for tamariki, rangatahi and whānau by allowing social workers to focus on statutory duties and professional practice.

This is a non-regulated position. It is not a social work training role or a para-social work role, and it does not involve managing a caseload or carrying out social work tasks.

Support may include assisting with home visits, general administration, and transporting tamariki and rangatahi between locations.

Key duties

• Provide on-demand support to the site based on the team’s daily operational needs.
• Help social workers record case notes and other data in CYRAS and related information systems.
• Transport tamariki and rangatahi safely between appointments, school, sports and other destinations.
• Assist with preparation and admin work for Family Group Conferences.
• Support social workers in caring for tamariki and rangatahi when they are not at school or are waiting for placements.
• Handle administrative arrangements for children and young people in placements or during programme transitions.
• Support tamariki and rangatahi at school, including helping them settle in or return after time away.
• Carry out supervised access and visitation work, including driving clients, overseeing contact and documenting contact notes; some weekend and after-hours work is required.
• Build cooperative working relationships with internal teams and external partners and stakeholders.

What you will bring

This is a high-trust, safety-critical children’s worker role. It calls for good judgement, emotional resilience, and a strong sense of dependability. The role is suited to people who bring some of the following experience, skills and qualifications.

Experience and background

• Experience supporting people in need in a community setting.
• Exposure to working with Māori and/or Pasifika communities.
• Comfort in emotionally challenging situations, along with empathy for people facing stress and difficulty.
• Strong verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to work well in collaboration with peers and other stakeholders.

Skills required

• Clear written and spoken communication, along with strong interpersonal effectiveness.
• Ability to stay composed and professional in emotionally demanding situations and perform well under pressure.
• Awareness of cross-cultural practice, including knowledge of tikanga Māori and Pacific peoples’ cultures.
• Capability to handle sensitive and confidential information appropriately.
• Willingness to uphold Te Tiriti o Waitangi in day-to-day practice.
• Intermediate proficiency with the Microsoft Suite.

Qualifications and licence

• A recognised qualification in social services would be an advantage.
• A full, current and clean driver’s licence is essential, along with a willingness to drive Ministry vehicles. Historic convictions may be considered individually.

Pay and development

The starting remuneration is between $68,371 and $75,501. The role also comes with substantial training and professional development opportunities to support your growth. Oranga Tamariki says it welcomes diversity and is committed to an inclusive and respectful workplace.

Application process

Applications close at 5pm on Sunday 12 July 2026. CVs and interviews may be reviewed as applications are received, and the role may close early if the preferred candidate is found.

Applicants should submit a CV and cover letter. Existing Oranga Tamariki employees must apply using their Oranga Tamariki email login.

Recruitment across many roles may extend the overall hiring timeline, and the organisation thanks applicants for their patience.

Code of conduct

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.