Job description Practice Lead – Kaitiaki Services
Hours: Permanent, full-time (40 hours per week)
Job specific information
This is a new role within our Kaitiaki Services team for a passionate and culturally responsive Practice Lead to support tamariki, rangatahi, whānau and disabled people by building connections and engaging with Māori communities. The practice lead will work to ensure the safety and wellbeing of children and young people and provide advocacy and tailored support that reflects the principles of Enabling Good Lives and Te Tiriti o Waitangi. This is a real opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of Tamariki, Whānau and disabled people.
As a practice lead some of the key tasks will be to:
Build and sustain strong, trust-based relationships with those we support, including Tamariki, whānau and communities incorporating tikanga Māori and cultural values
Work alongside those we support and their whānau to develop holistic, person-centred support plans
Work collaboratively with Oranga Tamariki and other key agencies to advocate for the safety and wellbeing of children and young people within the disability context
Liaise with Māori organisations, disability service providers and government agencies to coordinate support and ensure culturally appropriate services
Advocate for the rights of people we support – ensuring their voices and cultural identities are respected and integrated into support planning
Promote and incorporate culturally responsive practices and tikanga Māori within service delivery.
You will be part of an organisation that takes a social, rather than medical approach, supporting disabled people to live their best lives. We are guided by the Enabling Good Lives principles, shifting power and authority back to disabled people and their families, to increase choice and control in their lives.
About you
Ideally you will have:
Experience in the disability sector, child welfare, or youth services.
Proven experience working with Māori communities and understanding of Te Ao Māori.
Strong cultural competency, empathy, and excellent interpersonal skills.
An ability to work collaboratively across sectors and with diverse communities.
Knowledge of relevant legislation, including the Oranga Tamariki National Care Standards, Disability Support Services, and the Children’s Act.
A bachelor’s degree in social work or a relevant discipline would be a bonus but is not a requirement.
The availability to travel within Aotearoa New Zealand.
Why us?
At CCS Disability Action, we foster a supportive and inclusive workplace guided by the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, Te Tiriti o Waitangi, and the New Zealand Disability Strategy. We uphold a strong human rights framework and promote equal opportunities for all.
Our strategic priorities, Te Aronui, shape how we work – valuing relationships, wellbeing, and knowledge while keeping whānau hauā/disabled people at the heart of everything we do. We celebrate diversity and offer flexible work arrangements to support work-life balance. Join our friendly, values-driven team and make a meaningful impact every day.
With a strong employee value proposition, we offer great employee benefits, job-related training, and clear career growth pathways. Whether you’re with us short-term or long-term, we provide the tools and opportunities for success. Our employee benefits programme includes:
Exclusive discounts
Free access to the Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
A paid annual wellbeing day.
How to apply
Please complete the form below and upload your cover letter – where you can share a bit about yourself and your interests – along with your CV, outlining your work experience and education. Once you've submitted your application, it will be sent directly to us for review.
Applications close at 5pm on Monday 13 October 2025.
We work within a human rights framework and are committed to equal opportunity in all our employment policies and procedures. We welcome enquiries from everyone and value diversity in our workforce. We openly encourage disabled people to apply.
If you need accommodations or an alternative application method, please contact Kate Single: Kate.Single@ccsDisabilityAction.org.nz
We’re committed to making our process accessible to all.