Attendance Services Manager

At Hāpai Tūhono, we believe education is the pathway to identity, belonging, and opportunity. 
We’re a kaupapa Māori Charitable Trust based in Manukau, working alongside Māori and Pasifika whānau to strengthen connection and restore a love for learning. 
Having recently been awarded the contract to deliver Attendance Services in Ōtara, we’re establishing this new service from the ground up - supporting tamariki and rangatahi from Years 1 to 11 through targeted, whānau-centred support over an 8–10 week period (or longer where needed) to help re-engage students in education or connect them with suitable learning pathways. 
We’re now looking for an experienced, values-driven Attendance Services Manager to build the team, systems, and relationships that will bring this kaupapa to life. 

 The role | Te tūranga 

As Attendance Services Manager, you will: 

• Develop and establish the team, systems, and processes needed to deliver a high-quality Attendance Service from the ground up. 

• Lead the operational delivery of Attendance Services across the broader Ōtara catchment. 

• Provide strong, culturally grounded leadership to a multidisciplinary team of social workers, kaiawhina and hui ā-whānau facilitators 

• Oversee service quality, compliance and Ministry of Education reporting requirements 

·         Ensure the team are reporting accurately into the CMS

·         Produce reports to ascertain individual and team performance and place mitigation strategies in place

• Manage case escalation, safety planning and risk assessment for complex situations 

• Build trusted relationships with schools, community partners, and government agencies 

• Support kaimahi through mentoring, professional supervision and reflective practice 

• Drive continuous improvement and innovation in how we engage and deliver whānau-centred solutions 

This is a full-time leadership role that combines hands-on people management with operational oversight and community engagement. 

 About you | Mōu ake 

You are a compassionate, grounded manager who can inspire trust, hold people accountable with care, and navigate complexity with calm and courage. 

You’ll bring: 

• Experience in social services, education, or community leadership (ideally within kaupapa Māori or Pasifika settings) 

• Proven ability to lead, manage and develop multidisciplinary teams 

• Understanding of attendance, engagement, and the barriers faced by tamariki and whānau in South Auckland and Ōtara. 

• Strong cultural competency in te ao Māori and/or Pasifika frameworks 

• Excellent relationship management and communication skills 

• A full NZ driver’s licence and a clean police check 

A background in social work, education leadership or youth services would be advantageous. 

Why join us? | He aha koe e tono ai? 

• Be part of a kaupapa Māori organisation with deep connections to Ōtara and South Auckland 

• Lead a team passionate about restoring connection to education and community 

• Work in a collaborative, supportive environment where relationships come first 

• Receive professional and cultural supervision, and ongoing opportunities for growth 

• Make a tangible difference for ākonga, whānau, and schools across our community 

How to apply 

If you’re a natural leader who believes in the power of whānau, identity, and education, we’d love to hear from you. 

Please apply with your CV and cover letter via SeekNZ - Manager – Attendance Services Job in Manukau, Auckland - SEEK