Kaiārahi Team Lead

VOYCE Whakarongo Mai is seeking an exceptional, experienced, values-driven leader to join our team in Tāmaki Makaurau.
Based out of our Auckland office, and reporting to the Kaiwhakahaere (Regional Manager), you will be working alongside another kaiarahi to lead a team of passionate Kaiwhakamana (advocates) you will have an integral role driving the movement for enabling care experienced tamariki and rangatahi to live with love and mana.
We are looking for kaupapa-driven people who want to make real change to how pēpi, tamariki and rangatahi experience the care system in Aotearoa.

About The Role
The Kaiārahi role provides operational leadership and practice supervision to a team of kaiwhakamana, supporting them to build and maintain trusted relationships with the care-experienced community through face-to-face engagement, online platforms, and well-organised connection events and activities (tūhono).
As a key leader, you will focus on developing and guiding your team to listen, observe, understand, and advocate for and alongside tamariki and rangatahi in care.
You will also work collaboratively with the wider VOYCE Whakarongo Mai community to influence the wider care system to better meet the needs of our young people and support them to realise their aspirations.
You will build strong stakeholder relationships with community groups, government, iwi, hapū, schools, and relevant services to support the collective voice of tamariki atawhai and drive positive changes in the care system.

About You
We want someone who believes in the kaupapa of VOYCE Whakarongo Mai and brings an authentic passion for young people and a desire to influence the care system.
Someone who aligns with and champions our values of Aroha, Manakitanga, Tika and Pono.
Someone who trusts young people to make their own decisions, rather than someone who thinks they know best and what is right for them.
You will have proven experience in leading, managing and supervising teams, with a strong, values-based leadership style.
Like everyone else at VOYCE Whakarongo Mai, you'll work in ways that place the voices of care experienced young people at the heart of everything you do.

You Will Have
A qualification in youth work, social services, education or health sector or similar
Proven experience in leading, managing and supervising a team
Strong oral and written communication skills
Ability to build strong stakeholder relationships
Previous experience in practice supervision, with skills to keep the Kaiwhakamana team focused and active on their practice
Significant experience working with children and/or young people
A strong understanding of tikanga Māori
Experience and comfort working with a wide range of people, including those with disabilities
Knowledge of the care sector and established professional relationships (preferable)
Flexibility and availability to travel across the region (and further afield, at times), with some trips requiring overnight stays
A full, clean NZ Driver's Licence and the ability to obtain Children's Worker clearance.

Why join us at VOYCE?
Not Only Will You Leave Mahi Every Day Feeling Like You Are Making a Difference In The Lives Of Care-experienced Young People Throughout Aotearoa, You Will Also Work For An Organisation That
Gives you a paid day off on your birthday - because we believe in celebrating you!
Has a culture of learning and growth, with internal training opportunities provided and, after your first year with us, an annual Professional Development budget to support your career
Provides an excellent induction programme that sets you up for success
Prioritises your wellbeing with ongoing initiatives and support throughout the year, driven by our Hauora Committee
Provides EAP, to support you both in and out of mahi
Is supportive, fun, are incredibly passionate about what we do!

About VOYCE
VOYCE Whakarongo Mai is an independent NGO that provides advocacy services for children and young people in care.
It was co-designed by and for children and young people with care experience who wanted to talk to someone outside the care system when they felt unsure, unheard and didn't know what was happening or they wanted to have a say in their lives.

VOYCE Whakarongo Mai has five guiding pou which were developed with rangatahi:

Whakamana - Advocate with tamariki and rangatahi in care.
We listen, help them get the information they need, support them to express their views and help them to understand any decisions that may impact them.
Tūhono - We organise events to help create meaningful connections with other care experienced young people in communities.
Whakatairanga - We promote the collective voice of children and young people in care.
We represent their collective rights and views to influence the wider system.
Whai Pukenga - We support tamariki and rangatahi to develop practical skills, so they can build a positive life for themselves.
Rangatiratanga - We build leadership among tamariki and rangatahi in care.
This includes facilitating opportunities for youth participation, supporting regional youth council, providing mentors, employing rangatahi and involving them in governance.

If this sounds like you, please apply with your CV and a cover letter detailing your relevant experience.
Applications via Seek only please.

Applications close Wednesday 16 January at 5pm.

For more information or a copy of the job description, email *** .

Note:
The anticipated start date for this position will be end of February / beginning of March.

At VOYCE Whakarongo Mai, we are committed to creating a supportive and inclusive workplace that celebrates diversity.
We are Rainbow Tick accredited and take pride in being an equal opportunity employer.
We welcome all applicants that feel they have the necessary skills, experience and passion for this role to apply.
If you require any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know how we can assist you.

VOYCE - Whakarongo Mai is open to candidates with valid working visas.
Please note that we are unable to sponsor work visas for this position.

Please note:
we will not be responding to applications until the closing date of this advertisement.
We appreciate your patience and look forward to reviewing your application when the recruitment process begins.
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