Program Lead

Program Lead - Registered Social Worker

Empower Whānau, Champion Hauora, and Transform Lives with Te Whānau Pataka

Are you a passionate, NZ Registered Social Worker eager to make a meaningful impact? Join Te Whānau Pataka, a service within Te Awhi, as our next Program Lead. Become part of a dedicated team committed to walking alongside whānau, supporting tamariki, taiohi and/or rangatahi on their journeys to wellness, resilience, and strength.

Why Join Te Whānau Pataka?

Kaupapa Māori Service: Be part of an organisation deeply rooted in Māori philosophy and tikanga, nurturing identity, dignity, and holistic wellbeing for whānau. Collaborate with cultural advisors, peer leaders and a multidisciplinary team committed to respectful, evidence-based care.

Empowering Approach: Embrace a compassionate, wraparound model that centres whānau, recognises individual and whānau strengths, and fosters autonomy.

Professional Growth: Access ongoing training in practice excellence and cultural competency, with opportunities to deepen your expertise in Kaupapa Māori and bicultural support.

Values-Driven Workplace: Join a team that champions manaakitanga, whanaungatanga and equity, where respect, inclusion, and cultural integrity underpin all we do. Experience a supportive team environment, working in a small close-knit team where your skills and voice are truly valued.

About the Role

As Program Lead, you'll deliver high-quality, culturally responsive social work to whānau whose tamariki, taiohi or rangatahi face complex behavioural or mental health challenges. You'll integrate clinical expertise with tikanga Māori, promoting holistic wellbeing, dignity, and equity through evidence-based, whānau-centred practice. Your leadership will empower whānau to heal and thrive - honouring their mana and supporting aspirations for a good life.

Key Responsibilities

Deliver safe, effective, and culturally appropriate interventions grounded in Te Ao Māori values and social work best practice.

Monitor and document whānau progress, making timely, responsive adjustments to support plans.

Educate and advocate for whānau, supporting autonomy and equitable access to resources.

Support whānau to navigate clinical services and agencies and facilitate collaboration across whānau, schools, clinical services, and community partners.

Lead with compassion, respect, and integrity - upholding the dignity and wellbeing of every whānau member.

Engage in ongoing professional and cultural development, contributing to hui and quality improvement.

Who We're Looking For

Current registration with Social Workers Registration Board NZ.

5+ years' experience in primary health, acute mental health, or community-based social work.

Experience in Kaupapa Māori or bicultural health contexts, or a commitment to learn and grow in this area.

Understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and its application in social work.

Competency in Te Reo Māori or willingness to develop language skills.

Experience working with whānau, including group facilitation eg. Triple P, 123 Magic, other parenting programmes and supports.

Full driver's licence and clear police vetting.

Passionate about culturally responsive care and whānau wellbeing; respectful, inclusive, and dedicated to equity and continuous professional growth.

Ready to Make an Impact?

If you're ready to uplift hauora, empower whānau, and thrive as part of a dynamic, values-driven team, we want to hear from you. At Te Whānau Pataka, every day is an opportunity to honour whakapapa, nurture wellbeing, and embrace endless possibility. Lead with heart and help shape the future of whānau wellbeing. Nau mai, Haere mai.