Mahi Tōtika Implementation Lead

At Barnardos Aotearoa, our mahi is grounded in the belief that every tamaiti deserves to thrive, no matter their circumstances.

This is an opportunity to bring your change leadership, implementation and quality assurance skills to work that makes a lasting difference to the lives of  tamariki, rangatahi and whānau in need.

About the Role
Reporting to the Operations Manager Care, this role provides high-quality professional support to embed the Mahi Tōtika approach (doing the right thing well), and the Care Quality Assurance Framework. You will support leaders and kaimahi to strengthen systems, processes, compliance, and practice so that services are safe, effective, and focused on positive outcomes for tamariki and rangatahi.

****This 12-month fixed term role is 40 hours per week based in our Wellington National Office. 

Key Responsibilities:****

• Support the Operations Manager Care to embed Mahi Tōtika practices across Care services.
• Strengthen assurance, compliance, reporting, and administrative systems and processes.
• Help build a culture of quality, continuous improvement, best practice, and kotahitanga (unity).
• Support leaders and teams to meet legislative, regulatory, policy, and quality assurance requirements.
• Contribute to safe service environments that uphold the dignity, wellbeing, and outcomes of tamariki and rangatahi.
• Support audits, reviews, risk management, and actions that drive service improvement.

Skills and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in education or social services
• Previous proven experience (4-5 years) in a senior leadership role
• Experience in leading and embedding high quality practice
• In-depth knowledge of current relevant legislation, regulations and codes of practice
• Excellent organisation, verbal and written communication skills
• Experience in the not for profit sector
• Current, unrestricted New Zealand driver licence

Why Choose Barnardos

• Join a respected NGO with over 55 years of impact in child welfare and advocacy
• Enjoy family-friendly policies, including flexible work arrangements where possible
• Benefit from discounted childcare at Barnardos Early Learning centres
• Competitive salary commensurate with experience and qualifications
• Supportive team environment

Embody Our Values

• Kotahitanga (unity): Cultivate a sense of belonging through meaningful relationships with rangatahi, colleagues, and the wider community
• Mahi tōtika (excellence): Demonstrate unwavering integrity and purpose in all aspects of your work, striving for the highest standards of care
• Kaikōkiritanga (innovation): Drive positive change with creativity, constantly seeking new and effective ways to support rangatahi
• Āta whakarongo (active listening): Let rangatahi voices shape your approach, ensuring their perspectives are central to decision-making
• Māiatanga (empowerment): Nurture growth and unlock potential in both rangatahi and colleagues, fostering a culture of continuous learning and development

About Barnardos Aotearoa 

Barnardos Aotearoa is a children’s charity working with tamariki and whānau to ensure every child in Aotearoa has the opportunity to thrive, no matter their circumstances. Our unique combination of social services, early learning, care services and counselling helpline provides the broadest range of child and whānau-centred services in Aotearoa. 

Each year, we work with more than 30,000 tamariki, rangatahi and whānau across the country. 

Apply Now

For a copy of the position description please email [email protected] 

We will progress applications as we receive them, so if you feel you are the right person for the role, apply today!

This role may close early if a suitable applicant is found.