Mātanga Tamariki (Children’s Specialist)

Make a meaningful difference for tamariki and whānau.

Tamariki Tū Tamariki Ora (TTTO) is the service delivery arm of Kirikiriroa Family Services Trust (KFST). Our services are delivered under Tamariki Tū Tamariki Ora, with KFST providing the governance and organisational foundation that supports our mahi.

As a Mātanga Tamariki, you will be employed by Kirikiriroa Family Services Trust and deliver services through Tamariki Tū Tamariki Ora, working within a kaupapa dedicated to improving outcomes for tamariki and strengthening whānau.

Our Mātanga Tamariki are dedicated children’s specialists who work alongside tamariki and their whānau to strengthen safety, wellbeing, connection, and long-term outcomes.

This is a role for someone who can build genuine relationships, navigate complexity, advocate strongly for tamariki, and work collaboratively across the systems that impact whānau.

Working within a strengths-based, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive approach, you will provide holistic, child-centred support and help tamariki and whānau navigate education, health, housing, justice, and wider social support systems.

What you’ll be doing

As a Mātanga Tamariki, you will:

• Build trusted and meaningful relationships with tamariki, whānau, and key stakeholders.
• Complete holistic assessments and develop child-centred support plans that respond to the individual needs and aspirations of tamariki and whānau.
• Coordinate referrals and connect whānau with appropriate community, government, health, education, and specialist services.
• Advocate for the rights, safety, wellbeing, and best interests of tamariki.
• Identify, monitor, and respond appropriately to risk while maintaining strong safeguarding practices.
• Maintain accurate and timely case notes, reports, assessments, and other required documentation.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues, internal teams, and partner agencies to provide coordinated and integrated support.
• Uphold Te Tiriti o Waitangi, culturally safe practice, and our organisational values throughout your mahi.
• Participate in regular supervision, professional development, reflective practice, and continuous quality improvement.

What we’re looking for

We’re looking for people who bring compassion, professionalism, sound judgement, and a genuine commitment to improving outcomes for tamariki and whānau.

Ideally, you will have:

• Experience working alongside tamariki and whānau within community, social services, education, health, or a related environment.
• A relevant qualification in social work, counselling, youth work, education, health, or a similar field, although relevant experience will also be valued.
• Strong communication, advocacy, engagement, and relationship-building skills.
• The confidence to navigate complex situations and work effectively alongside multiple agencies and services.
• A commitment to child-centred, strengths-based, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive practice.
• A commitment to working in ways that uphold Te Tiriti o Waitangi and support positive outcomes for Māori.
• A full New Zealand driver licence.
• The ability to successfully complete all required Children’s Act 2014 safety checks, including Police Vetting, prior to employment.

What we offer

We believe that supporting tamariki and whānau starts with supporting the people who do this important mahi. We are committed to creating an environment where our kaimahi can develop, grow, and build meaningful careers.

As part of our team, you can expect:

• Pay parity, recognising the value, capability, and experience our kaimahi bring to their mahi.
• Health insurance after six months of employment, supporting the health and wellbeing of our people.
• Free Te Reo Māori courses, supporting your ongoing learning and confidence in te reo Māori.
• Opportunities for career progression, with pathways to develop your skills, take on greater responsibility, and grow within the organisation.
• Ongoing professional development and supervision to strengthen your practice and support continued growth.
• The opportunity to be part of a kaupapa focused on achieving meaningful, lasting outcomes for tamariki and whānau.

This is more than an opportunity to take on another role. It is an opportunity to use your skills, experience, and passion to empower tamariki, strengthen whānau, and contribute to positive change across our communities.