Senior Advisor Design and Policy

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 17: midpoint $117,782 Flexible LocationMō te tūnga | About the roleWe are looking for two highly capable Senior Advisors with social work practice and policy expertise 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.These roles will enable you to leverage your experience and skills to evaluate and develop operational policy and social work practice content to ensure tamariki and rangatahi will be safe, supported and receive tailored care, no matter where they are in the care system.You will provide specialised advice in practice design and policy enhancement and contribute to evaluating practice processes to identify and design improvement opportunities.One role will have a specific focus on: leading the design and re-development of major practice areas related to tamariki and rangatahi in care including end to end caregiver recruitment, approval and support processes.The other role will have a specific focus on: designing and developing new standard operating procedures and reviewing and updating existing standard operating procedures, helping ensure these are in place for all care environments.Both are 12-month fixed term or secondment roles. The locations for both roles are flexible.Ngā pūmanawatanga ōu | What you will bringWe are particularly interested in people with strengths and experience in these areas: Highly developed written, analytical, review and advisory skills, Proven experience designing and writing operational policy, social work practice content and/or business processes that are fit for purpose and easily understood by operational teams and/or external stakeholders, Experience evaluating existing practice policies and practice content to identify and recommend improvement areas, Demonstrated background in roles with a particular focus on enhancing the quality of services and practices for tamariki and their whānau, Good working knowledge of the operational policy development and implementation process, Experience in a public sector organisation in a role requiring consultation, communication, and relationship management skills, Understanding and commitment to professional practice that is drawn from Te Ao Māori principles of oranga and an appreciation of cross-cultural practices in particular; knowledge of tikanga Māori, and Pacific peoples' culture, Exceptional prioritisation and organisation skills; a keen eye for detail with proven ability to work to deadlines, A tertiary qualification or equivalent relevant experience is essential. The qualification may come from a number of different fields of study, including social work (desirable) or other human sciences.Nōu te rourou | What's in it for youOranga Tamariki offer a step-based remuneration package, that offers progression annually for experience through tenure. Annual remuneration for this position starts between $106,416 and $117,782 dependant on experience. 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 contactHurry as applications for this role close at midnight on Wednesday 26 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.