Kaiwhakamana

Do you have valuable experience working with tamariki and rangatahi?

VOYCE Whakarongo Mai is seeking experienced superstars to join our wonderful team of Kaiwhakamana (Advocates) to champion the voices of care experienced tamariki and rangatahi (young people in the care of Oranga Tamariki) across the Lower North Island Region (Wellington, Porirua, Kapiti, Lower Hutt, Upper Hutt).
This is a replacement role for a valued team member, and we are excited to welcome a passionate advocate to continue their important and impactful work.
Our office for this role is based in Wellington Central.

In this role, you will have the opportunity to build and nurture relationships with young people, support tūhono (events), and develop relationships with a variety of stakeholders.
It is important to note that in order to effectively carry out this role, travel across the Lower North Island will be required.
You will be working alongside a fantastic team of Kaiwhakamana based across the region, who are passionate about championing the voices of care experienced tamariki and rangatahi.

In this full-time position, you'll be working to enhance the Kaupapa and values of VOYCE Whakarongo Mai and ensure the voices of care experienced tamariki and rangatahi are heard and valued.

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 trusts young people to make their own decisions, rather than someone who thinks they know best and what is right for young people.

You Will Have
Experience working with children and/or young people and know how to build relationships with them, as well as build strong positive relationships with providers and agencies across the region.
Residential and/or FGC experience would be an advantage for this role as would experience in youth development/participation and small event management.
A strong understanding of tikanga Māori and feel comfortable working with people with disabilities.
A full clean driver's licence is essential.
The ability to obtain Children's Worker clearance (you will be asked to submit two forms of identification prior to interview if shortlisted for this role - one being a NZ Driver's Licence, with the other being a Passport, NZ Birth Certificate, or any other Category A identification document, as well as any relevant name change documentation to ensure your vetting will progress smoothly).
Flexibility and availability for travel around the region in our pool vehicles, as well as further afield when required for events, hui, professional development and other mahi-related gatherings.
This travel will at times require you to stay overnight.
Proven computer fluency and documentation skills.
In Addition, You Would Ideally Bring a qualification in youth work, social services, education, health sector or similar (or equivalent experience).
a strong knowledge of and interest in the care sector.
You will be visiting children and young people in their homes and communities (including YJ and/or Care and protection residences and group home environments) and will need to be flexible about your availability to meet with them.
This will likely mean some evening and weekend work.

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!
Provides support with relevant professional registration (role dependent).
Has a culture of learning and growth - after your first year at VOYCE, you will have access to an annual dedicated Professional Development budget to support your career.
Provides internal training opportunities, and 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.
Flexible working arrangements considered.
Is supportive, fun, and 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 Thursday 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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