Adoption Social Worker — Support Tamariki & Whānau

Oranga Tamariki—Ministry for Children; Christchurch; On-site; NZD 81,000 - 98,000; Full time

Job summary

Oranga Tamariki—Ministry for Children in Christchurch is seeking a positive-thinking social worker for the National Adoption Service. You will contribute to adoption services, with strong assessment and communication skills, and a commitment to ongoing learning.

The role is a permanent full-time position with a salary range NZD 81,206 to 97,557 depending on experience. The service emphasises client-centred practice, collaboration, and professional development for staff.

Qualifications

• Registered with the Social Work Registration Board and hold a current Practice Certificate
• Knowledge of and interest in adoption social work in Aotearoa
• Exceptional listening skills and proven ability to quickly build rapport with people from diverse backgrounds
• Strong cultural competency and be a promoter of working with our practice framework
• Critical thinking - you know how to gather information and make good evidence-based decisions
• A high degree of both verbal and written communication skills including formal report writing
• Resilient, motivated and caring with a positive attitude
• Enthusiasm for continuous learning
• Flexibility to work afterhours as required
• Good computer navigation and typing skills
• A full, valid and clean New Zealand driver's licence and ability to travel as required

Responsibilities

• Supporting adults who have historically placed a child for adoption and those who were adopted
• Training, educating and assessing adoptive applicants for domestic and international adoptions
• Assessing applicants in surrogacy arrangements – both domestic and international
• Writing reports to the Court
• Writing child study requests and home studies for intercountry adoptions
• Working with birthparents exploring adoption
• Supporting the placement of children in adoptive homes

Skills

Knowledge of adoption social work

Excellent listening skills

Cultural competency

Strong written and verbalcommunication

Critical thinking

Job description

Oranga Tamariki—Ministry for Children in Christchurch is seeking a positive-thinking social worker for the National Adoption Service. You will contribute to adoption services, with strong assessment and communication skills, and a commitment to ongoing learning.

The role is a permanent full-time position with a salary range NZD 81,206 to 97,557 depending on experience. The service emphasises client-centred practice, collaboration, and professional development for staff.