Manager Clinical Services at Oranga Tamariki—Ministry for Children, Waikato

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

• Lead impactful clinical practice that changes lives for tamariki and rangatahi
• Located in the Waikato or Bay of Plenty
• permanent fulltime role

Are you a proven clinical leader who is passionate about improving outcomes for tamariki and rangatahi who have experienced trauma? Oranga Tamariki is seeking a highly skilled Clinical Service Manager to lead a specialist clinical team delivering high‑quality psychological and therapeutic services across our region.

This is an influential role where your clinical leadership and commitment to evidence‑based practice cultural competence will directly support better futures for children, young people, and their whānau.

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 part of the Health and Clinical Services group, you will provide leadership to a specialist clinical team, ensuring the delivery of safe, effective, and culturally responsive services. You’ll lead a group of dedicated psychologists — who work with tamariki and rangatahi with a range of complex presentations including experience of trauma. 

You will also be responsible for managing financial and staff resources, implementing national protocols and practice standards, and collaborating closely with the National Manager Specialist Services, Chief Psychologist, and other Oranga Tamariki leaders.

Key responsibilities

• Lead, develop, and support Clinical Service Psychologists to deliver clinical excellence in line with clinical governance requirements and  professional standards.
• Ensure high‑quality, trauma‑informed services that are responsive to tamariki, rangatahi, and their whānau.
• Manage budgets, staffing, and assets to support efficient, effective service delivery.
• Build strong relationships with iwi, Māori and Pacific peoples, and community agencies.
• Oversee quality assurance, risk management, and compliance with legislative and organisational standards.
• Ensure professional development, supervision, health and safety, and team engagement.
• Contribute to regional and national planning, reporting, and service improvement initiatives.
• Actively promote the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi in all aspects of service delivery.

Ngā pūmanawatanga ōu | What you will bring

You will be an experienced clinical leader with proven leadership of multidisciplinary clinical teams who thrives in complex environments and brings a strength based, collaborative approach.

Some other key requirements include but are not limited to:

• Tertiary and/or postgraduate qualification in health, mental health, or a related clinical field.
• Strong analytical, judgement, negotiation, and conflict resolution abilities.
• Experience working with tamariki and rangatahi with complex trauma.
• Membership of a relevant professional body.
• Proven leadership of multidisciplinary clinical teams.
• Experience influencing across teams and organisations without direct authority.
• Ability to lead change, build relationships, and inspire high performance.
• Understanding of the public sector context and agencies involved in providing services for children and young people.
• Understanding and appreciation of cross-cultural practices particularly knowledge of tikanga Māori, and Pacific peoples’ culture 

Nōu te rourou | What's in it for you

This role is part of the Health and Clinical leadership group.  The health and clinical services are valued for the specialist expertise they provide. The services are supported by a new Clinical Governance approach with a commitment to supporting the clinical workforce.

Oranga Tamariki offer a step-based remuneration package, that offers progression annually for experience through tenure. We 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 https://mahi.orangatamariki.govt.nz/working-with-us/employee-benefits/

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 anna.palmer@ot.govt.nz

Hurry as applications for this role close at midnight on 26th February 2026

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.