Lead Advisor Safe Care Response

• Opportunity to contribute to an exciting and ambitious programme of work responding to recommendations of the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in State Care
• Fixed term or Secondment role to 30 June 2027
• Wellington preferably but open to an Auckland location with some flexibility

Mō mātou | About us

Oranga Tamariki—Ministry for Children has a commitment to putting tamariki and rangatahi at the heart of what we do. In our work, we aim to demonstrate these values:

• We put Tamariki first
• We believe Aroha is vital
• We respect the Mana of people
• We are Tika and Pono
• We value Whakapapa
• We recognise that Oranga is a journey

We are committed to ensuring that New Zealand is the best place in the world to be a child. We are also committed to ensuring Oranga Tamariki partners with hapū, iwi and Māori organisations to find appropriate solutions for tamariki in need.

Mō te tūnga | About the role

We are looking for a Lead Advisor Safe Care Response to join our Integrated Safe Care Response Programme until the 30 June 2027. This work is being led within the Chief Social Worker and Professional Practice group at Oranga Tamariki. We have created a collaborative environment that delivers meaningful outcomes and are committed to developing solutions by working across Oranga Tamariki services and partners, being informed by our front-line expertise and experience and taking a flexible and iterative approach to design and implementation.

This role will enable you to bring your specialist knowledge and experience of care and social work practice to a meaningful programme of work to ensure tamariki and rangatahi will be safe, supported and receive tailored care, no matter where they are in the care system.

The Lead Advisor Safe Care Response is a key leadership role that will ensure several significant streams in the programme contribute to meeting the programme objectives. The role will work cross-functionally with the other practice teams and horizontally across all of Chief Social Worker and Professional Practice, Tamariki and Whānau Services, Youth Justice and Residential Care and the organisation to ensure deliverables create the shifts we require to improve Care services. This role will have a specific focus on:

• Redesigning the end-to-end caregiver approval, support and investigation pathway (this includes learning development for staff and caregivers, process improvements, re-design of the payment system & approach)
• Support for cross-agency initiatives to improve care workforce capability and safety across the system
• Designing and implementing pilots/projects

Ngā pūmanawatanga ōu | What you will bring

We are particularly interested in people with strengths and experience in these areas:

• Knowledge and/or experience of contemporary issues in social services delivery and proposed responses to the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in State Care.
• Providing specialist input for practice development through leading and participating in appropriate internal and external forums and contributing to innovative thinking.
• Experience working in fast paced complex programmes and able to comfortably re-orient based on learning and changes in context.
• Providing innovative advice and leadership on improvements to safeguarding and reducing harm for those in Care and identifying specific factors to address challenges and improve Care practice and frontline services.
• Knowledge and understanding and appreciation of cross-cultural issues and concerns, in particular, knowledge of tikanga Māori, and Pacific peoples’ culture.
• Strong child centred perspective and an enduring focus on improving outcomes for tamariki and whānau Māori, Pacific children and families, rainbow and takatāpui tamariki and rangatahi and tangata whaikaha / children and families with disabilities.
• Commitment to culturally responsive services and practices for Māori, Pacific people and other cultures.
• Ability to handle confidential material in a professional and discrete manner and the ability to generate confidence when dealing with officials, Oranga Tamariki managers and staff.
• Detailed knowledge of the legislation and regulation around Residences and Community Homes services and the Children’s Act 2014, Oranga Tamariki Act 1989 and other legislation underpinning Oranga Tamariki activity.
• Employs deep analytical and critical thinking skills and uses breakthrough methods to find innovative solutions to significant and challenging problems.
• Strong problem resolution and risk management skills including the ability to clearly identify problems, seek alternative solutions, identify risks and benefits, seek input from others, and provide sound advice based on these considerations.
• Understanding of Oranga Tamariki policies, practice approaches, and processes, particularly within the delivery of Care services.

Nōu te rourou | What's in it for you

Oranga Tamariki offer a step-based remuneration package, that offers progression annually for experience through tenure. Annual remuneration for this position starts between $125,926 and $139,459 dependent on experience. For internakl applicants; the Oranga Tamariki Secondment Policy will be adhered to when determining remuneration.

We also offer a vibrant and supportive team, flexible work options and a genuine commitment to wellbeing. We offer significant training and professional development so that you can thrive and grow. We welcome diversity and are committed to working in an inclusive and respectful way. This is your opportunity to apply your skills and experience to the wellbeing of tamariki and rangatahi.

To see all the benefits of working for Oranga Tamariki, please visit

Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to Apply

Apply online with your CV and Cover Letter. If you are an Oranga Tamariki employee already, please ensure you apply with a log in using your Oranga Tamariki email address.

If you have any questions about role, please contact

Applications for this role close at midnight on Sunday 7th June 2026.

If you are interested in any of our vacancies, please ensure that you make yourself familiar with our code of conduct as it sets out our expectations for our kaimahi and requires you to present at work free from the influences of both drugs and alcohol.