He ara pukenga, he ara tauwhiro, hei whakamana mātā waka
The many pathways of knowledge, the many pathways of social work, upholding the dignity of all
On this page:
Ko wai tātou | Who are we?
The Social Workers Registration Board (SWRB) / Kāhui Whakamana Tauwhiro is a Crown Entity which is Aotearoa’s social worker regulator and lead agency for social worker workforce planning.
It protects the safety of members of the public by ensuring social workers are competent and safe to practise and are accountable for the way in which they practise. It also enhances social workers’ professional practice and provide insight into the opportunities and challenges facing the social worker workforce.
As the SWRB, we recognise our Crown-Māori commitment as a Te Tiriti O Waitangi partner and are committed to improving services and outcomes for Māori, strengthening the Crown’s relationship with Māori, and developing our Māori capability.
We strive to have a diverse workplace of people with different backgrounds, experience and ability working together to make us stronger organisation. The SWRB value input and ideas and enable work autonomy. We are also committed to providing you with opportunities for professional growth that will benefit you now and in the future. We believe diversity, autonomy and growth creates an energised, innovative and flexible workplace where you will feel appreciated and respected.
Policy Advisor, Strategy (Senior or Junior)
Mō te tūnga | About the role
Are you an analytical thinker who would be excited about an opportunity to shape a key and influential project. The Social Workers Registration Board (SWRB) are looking for a Senior/ Policy Advisor until the end of December 2025 to join our small but dedicated Strategy team, driven by a shared commitment to enhance the professionalism of social workers. The mahi will contribute to the regular review of the Social Workers Registration Act (SWRA).
We will consider all levels of experience; salary will be negotiated depending on experience. Full/ part-time is also negotiable for the right candidate.
You will hit the ground running, reporting to the Director of Strategy, and working closely with the Project lead, this role will focus on:
- Developing high quality, robust advice using appropriate evidence base and thorough research.
- Undertaking targeted research and policy work to inform advice related to the SWRA project and the wider work program as required.
- Supporting the Project Lead to liaise, inform and consult with a wide range of stakeholders.
- Embedding our Māori Development Framework (He Arapaki) into the way you do the mahi.
Mōhou ake | About you
- You work effectively and independently with stakeholders – internal SMEs and legal team, as well as external experts.
- Can distinguish between useful anecdotes/examples and research/evidence.
- Have strong strategic, analytical and critical thinking skills with the ability to apply creative thinking to develop innovative and effective solutions.
- A methodical and analytical approach.
Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience
- A developing understanding of mātauranga Māori, kaupapa Māori, te reo me ona tikanga and kaupapa Māori social work practice.
- Experience in the Social Services sector and knowledge of the social work sector/SWRA would be beneficial.
- Outstanding written and oral communication skills with great attention to detail.
- Proven ability to identify risks and use your own judgement to make risk-based recommendations and decisions
- A working knowledge of regulatory principles and practice would be an advantage.
- Understanding of the machinery of government processes is desirable.
Nōu te rourou | What’s in it for you?
Working for the SWRB will provide you with the opportunity to be part of a small crown agent and regulator to grow your experience and knowledge of working in government. You will be part of a small supportive organisation (50 staff) where learning and developing is encouraged. We also offer:
- Flexible work-life balance.
- Professional growth and development opportunities.
- Autonomy, authenticity and belonging.
- Wellbeing focused environment.
- People focused organisational culture.
If you are passionate about ensuring that we have solid policies from which to make decisions and believe as we do, in the important work that social workers do to support the well-being of whānau, rangitahi and tamariki, then this role could be for you.
To apply please submit your CV and cover letter via the Seek website.
For more information, please contact Emma.Johnstone@swrb.govt.nz. To apply please submit your CV and cover letter via the Seek website. Applications close 27 January 2025.
Registration Officer – 12 months, Fixed term
Mō te tūnga | About the role
Are you looking for mahi you can get your teeth stuck into in an organisation where nothing stands still from week to week? We are looking for a Registration Officer for a 1-year fixed-term period to join our dedicated team, driven by a shared commitment to enhance the professionalism of social workers. The mahi will be vital to supporting the day-to-day operation of the SWRB registration processes.
You will hit the ground running reporting to the Team Leader based in the Registration Team and wider Regulatory Team, this role will focus on the below tasks.
- Apply critical thinking and a risk lens to applications following policies and procedures in the registration process.
- Provide proactive support to the yearly renewals of Practising Certificate
- Identify customers’ needs, managing all inbound and outbound telephone calls, responding to regulatory team emails and voicemails using the correct information and advice.
- Work to improve and maintain data collection and reporting.
- Embed Te Ao Māori (te reo Māori, tikanga, kawa, Te Tiriti o Waitangi) into the way you do the mahi.
Mōhou ake | About you
- Communicate and engage well in person and in writing.
- Provide great customer service.
- Pro-actively build and maintain effective working relationships.
- Apply analytical ‘know-how.’
- Use your judgement to prioritise work, think ahead and manage time effectively.
- Be a self-starter who can operate independently as well as collaboratively.
Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience
- Graduate with a degree in any discipline.
- A developing understanding of mātauranga Māori, kaupapa Māori, te reo me ona tikanga and kaupapa Māori social work practice.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, including report writing.
Nōu te rourou | What’s in it for you?
Working for SWRB will provide you with the opportunity to be part of a small crown agent and regulator to grow your experience and knowledge of working in government. You will be part of a small supportive organisation (50 staff) where learning and developing is encouraged. We also offer:
- Flexible work-life balance.
- Professional growth and development opportunities.
- Autonomy, authenticity and belonging.
- Wellbeing focused environment.
- People focused organisational culture.
For more information, please contact Emma.Johnstone@swrb.govt.nz. To apply please submit your CV and cover letter via the Seek website. Applications close 27 January 2025.
