Regional Practice Advisor

• Make a real impact for tamariki and whānau by shaping better frontline practice across the region
• Take on a senior, influential role where you’ll coach leaders, drive improvement, and support system-wide change
• Join the influential mahi of the Office of the Chief Social Worker at Oranga Tamariki – Ministry for Children

This position can be based in one of our North Island offices.

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

As a Regional Practice Advisor, you’ll play a vital role in supporting frontline kaimahi to deliver safe, effective, and culturally responsive practice. You’ll provide specialist practice advice, lead local learning initiatives, and support the implementation of national frameworks, models, and tools.

In this role, you’ll:

• Strengthen practice capability across Youth Justice and Care and Protection services.
• Provide coaching, mentoring, and expert advice to leaders and practitioners.
• Analyse regional practice needs and support continuous quality improvement.
• Build strong relationships with regional leaders, partners, and stakeholders.
• Champion Te Tiriti o Waitangi, tikanga Māori, Pacific frameworks, and inclusive practice approaches.
• Help shape a strong, connected community of practice across the region.

As a member of the Office of the Chief Social Worker, this is an opportunity to influence practice at a regional level, support frontline delivery, and help transform outcomes for tamariki and whānau.

Ngā pūmanawatanga ōu | What you will bring

Key requirements of the role include:

• Experience working for Oranga Tamariki or across Youth Justice and Care and Protection services, with a strong understanding of frontline practice environments.
• A recognised social work qualification and Social Work Registration Board registration (or the ability to become registered).
• Extensive experience in social services practice or operational delivery.
• Excellent relationship management, communication, and analytical skills.
• Ability to support practice improvement in dynamic, complex environments.
• A clean full driver’s licence and willingness to travel.
• Understanding and appreciation of cross-cultural practices in particular; knowledge of tikanga Māori, and Pacific peoples’ culture

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 depending on experience.

We also offer a vibrant and supportive team, flexible work options and a genuine commitment to wellbeing. We offer 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

If you’re passionate about strengthening practice and improving outcomes for tamariki and whānau, we’d love to hear from you.

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

For more information about the role, please review the position description. If you have any questions about role, please contact

Applications for this role close at midnight on Wednesday 17 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.