Lead Advisor Care Innovations

• 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
• 12 months Fixed term or Secondment role
• Band 18: midpoint $139,459
• Flexible Location

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 two Lead Advisor Care Innovations to join our Safe Care Response Programme This work is being led across the Chief Social Worker and Professional Practice and Tamariki and Whānau Services groups 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 the Care system 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 Care Innovations 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:

• New support approaches for tamariki who have returned or remained in the care of their parent/s
• Piloting specialised care options for Tamariki and rangatahi with complex, multi-layered support needs
• Reviewing specialist models of care
• Designing and implementing innovation pilots/projects

This is a 12-month fixed term or secondment role.

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.
• Employs deep analytical and critical thinking skills and uses breakthrough methods to find innovative solutions to significant and challenging problems.
• Proven successful lead or principal advisory experience with a strong social work or advocacy background.
• Experience working in fast paced complex programmes and able to comfortably re-orient based on learning and changes in context.
• Experience in the delivery and/or management of frontline social work services, particularly those relating to Care.
• 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 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.
• Detailed knowledge of the legislation and regulation around Residences and Community Homes services and The Children's Act 1989, Oranga Tamariki Act 1989 and other legislation underpinning Oranga Tamariki activity.
• 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.

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. Our Secondment Policy will be adhered to when determining remuneration.

We 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 Covering Letter. A strong cover letter should complement your CV by telling a compelling story about why you're the right fit for the role, why you want the role, why Oranga Tamariki and to and what you bring.

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

Hurry as applications for this role close at midnight on Friday 28 November 2025.

However, we will be reviewing applications and inviting candidates to interview prior to this date, so apply now

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.