Tāne/Male Specialist Advocate Ōtepoti Dunedin Whānau Refuge

Ōtepoti Dunedin Whānau Refuge is seeking a Tāne/Male Specialist Advocate to play a critical role in working alongside tāne and whānau to foster safe, respectful, and thriving whānau relationships. This position supports tāne on a journey of change and accountability, guided by a holistic hauora lens that honours the wellbeing of the entire whānau.

We believe every individual has the right to be safe, valued, and free from whānau violence. Our approach is grounded in Trauma-Informed Practice, Te Ao Māori healing frameworks, and a deep understanding of whānau violence dynamics.

Key Responsibilities

• Engage tāne in one-on-one support, advocacy, and education, encouraging behaviour change and whānau reconnection.
• Facilitate group programmes exploring respectful relationships, emotional regulation, and healthy expressions of masculinity.
• Walk alongside tāne who have used violence, supporting accountability and restoration of mana motuhake through mokopuna-led values.
• Collaborate closely with the ŌDWR team to deliver a holistic, wraparound response that prioritises the safety of whānau.
• Deliver support and education in community settings, and where appropriate, work in collaboration with government and non-government agencies—such as Police, Family and Criminal Courts, Ara Poutama Aotearoa (Department of Corrections), and Te Whatu Ora (Health NZ)—to support tāne in their reintegration journey and reconnection with whānau across multiple areas of wellbeing
• Embed a culturally responsive, whānau-led, and trauma-informed approach across all areas of mahi, grounded in best practice for whānau (family) violence intervention
• Champion systemic change by addressing the underlying drivers of whānau violence and advancing equity, safety, and tino rangatiratanga for Māori.

We’re Looking For Someone Who Has:

• A strong understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi, and its relevance to the whānau (family) violence landscape.
• The ability to engage tāne in ways that uphold accountability, inspire positive change, and honour mana.
• Proven facilitation and communication skills—both in group settings and individual contexts.
• A commitment to mokopuna-led, whānau-centred transformation.
• Ability to pass Core Worker Police Vetting Process.
• Familiarity with Toi Tū Te Tiriti and a commitment to supporting equitable outcomes for Māori.

Qualifications & Experience

• Relevant qualifications in social work, counselling, psychology, or related areas.
• Experience is preferable as to walking alongside whānau and with tāne.
• Demonstrated ability to apply a Te Ao Māori lens to trauma, healing, and whānau engagement.

• Work in a supportive environment where cultural integrity, collaboration, and innovation are valued.
• Engage in meaningful mahi that actively disrupts intergenerational trauma.
• Access to:
  • External paid professional supervision
  • Paid Cultural supervision
  • Professional Development Opportunities
  • Paid Wellbeing days
  • Paid Birthday Leave
  • And more whānau-focused kaimahi initiatives

How to Apply

To apply, please send your CV and a cover letter outlining your experience and suitability for the role to community@odwr.nz