Specialist Child Interviewer at Oranga Tamariki—Ministry for Children, Taranaki

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

Specialist Child Interviewer, Care & Protection - Taranaki

• 1 x Permanent Fulltime position available
• Based at an Oranga Tamariki site in Taranaki, but covering multiple Taranaki sites such as New Plymouth, Whanganui and Hawera.
• Reporting to Manuwai Clinical Services, Waikato.

Are you looking for a challenge and want to work at a strategic level in collaboration with one of our key stakeholders?  We are seeking applications from energetic, committed registered social workers who have completed the national Specialist Child Witness Interviewer training, or are available to attend the next national Specialist Child Interviewing course in late August/early September 2025.

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

Our purpose is to ensure that all tamariki are in loving whānau and communities where oranga tamariki can be realised.  We believe that by getting involved early in their lives and showing love and care, we give children the best chance of growing into happy thriving New Zealanders.
 

We are committed to putting children first, we believe aroha is vital, we respect the mana of people, we are tika and pono, we value whakapapa and we recognise that oranga is a journey. 

Mō te tūnga | About the role

In collaboration with Taranaki Oranga Tamariki sites and Taranaki Police Child Protection Teams, this position will have primary responsibility for the video-recorded specialist interviews of tamariki and rangatahi who have experienced or witnessed abuse or related crime.   Travel is required across Taranaki to complete this work.

Other tasks such as site training and social work support will be involved, as well as the maintaining of robust and helpful relationships with Police and other collaborating partners.

It is a requirement of the role that all annual peer review and Specialist Child Interviewer accreditation requirements and timeframes will be met.

The interviewer will be supervised by the Manuwai Clinical Services Specialist Child Interviewer Supervisor, and will be mentored by other members of the Manuwai team.

Ngā pūmanawatanga ōu | What you will bring

Key requirements of the role include: 

• Full registration with New Zealand's Social Work Registration Board (SWRB)
• A social work qualification recognised by the SWRB
• Social Work experience, particularly in care and protection work as a senior practitioner or equivalent.
• Previous Specialist Child Interviewing training and eligibility for accreditation is preferred.
• If not previously trained as above, the key pre-requisite is confirmed availability to attend the national Specialist Child Witness training in late August or early September 2025
• Availability to attend training and Peer Reviews in Hamilton at least twice a year
• Current or previous employment with Oranga Tamariki would be an advantage.
• Understanding and appreciation of cross-cultural practices, in particular knowledge of tikanga Māori, and Pacific peoples' culture 
• A full, clean, current driver's licence

Nōu te rourou | What's in it for you

Oranga Tamariki offer an impartial 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 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 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. If you are an Oranga Tamariki employee already, please ensure you apply with a log in using your Oranga Tamariki email address.

If you are interested in applying for this position you are encouraged to contact karen.wilson@ot.govt.nz to make a time to further discuss aspects of the role and the training programme.

Applications close: 16th July 2025!