Caregiver Social Worker - Permanent and Fixed Term

Oranga Tamariki—Ministry for Children; Auckland; On-site; NZD 81,000 - 97,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible work options

Wellbeing focus

Training and professional development

Inclusive and respectful workplace

Job summary

Oranga Tamariki—Ministry for Children is seeking a Caregiver Social Worker to partner with caregivers, helping them understand their role at each stage of a child's journey through care. You will build relationships with whānau and caregivers, and work with the child’s Social Worker to develop tailored strategies ensuring safe, nurturing homes.

You must hold a Social Work qualification and be registered with SWRB.

Qualifications

• A recognised Social Work qualification by the Social Worker Registration Board (SWRB).
• Full registration with New Zealand's SWRB and an annual practicing certificate.
• Demonstrated resilience, critical thinking and problem‑solving techniques.
• Upholding the Treaty of Waitangi and applying it in practice.
• Knowledge of The Oranga Tamariki Act and National Care Standards.
• Passion and vision for caregivers and what they need to succeed.
• Excellent relationship management and written/verbal communication.
• A valid and clean New Zealand driver's licence.

Responsibilities

• Partner closely with caregivers to help them understand their role at each stage of a child's journey.
• Build relationships with whānau and caregivers, emergency and long-term carers.
• Work with the child's Social Worker to identify key issues and develop tailored strategies.
• Collaborate with other agencies to meet caregiver needs and ensure cohesive support.

Skills

SWRB registration

Social Work qualification

Registration with SWRB

Driver's licence

Resilience

Critical thinking

Problem solving

Treaty of Waitangi knowledge

Oranga Tamariki Act knowledge

National Care Standards knowledge

Education

Social Work qualification

Registered with SWRB

Annual practicing certificate

Job description

1x Permanent and 1x Fixed Term / Secondment opportunity to December 2027 Located in Grey Lynn, with the possibility of being based at Westgate or Onehunga with coverage across all three required

Mŋ mătou | About us

Oranga Tamariki—Ministry for Children has a commitment to putting tamariki and rangatahi at the heart of what we do. In our work, we aim to demonstrate these values: We putTamarikifirst We believeArohais vital We respect theManaof people We areTikaandPono We valueWhakapapa We recognise thatOrangais a journey

Mŋ te tūjŋn | About the role

Caregivers take on a critically important role in the lives of tamariki who cannot live safely at home. As a Caregiver Social Worker, you will partner closely with our caregivers to help them understand the role they play at each stage of a child's journey through care. With your strong relationship management skills and commitment to providing tailored support, you will ensure that our caregivers are well prepared with the resources, skills and information that they need to provide nurturing, safe and stable homes for tamariki. As part of your work, you will build relationships with and support whānau and non-whānau caregivers, emergency and respite caregivers and long-term caregivers. The role of a Caregiver Social Worker is varied and deeply rewarding, with the opportunity to deliver tangible and meaningful benefits to your community. You will work as a team with the child's Social Worker to identify key or underlying issues and develop creative, individually tailored strategies that provide cohesive support from all angles to facilitate great outcomes for tamariki who need caring for. Where required, you also will work with other agencies, community groups and providers to ensure the needs of our caregivers are met. As this role is a Social Worker position, not Caregiver, you must hold a Social Work qualification and be registered with SWRB.

Ngā pūmanawatanga ōoŋu | What you will bring

• A recognised Social Work qualification by the Social Worker Registration Board (SWRB)
• Full registration with New Zealand's Social Worker Registration Board and an annual practicing certificate(or the ability to gain registration with the SWRB)
• Demonstrated resilience, critical thinking and problem‑solving techniques
• Upholding the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi and demonstrating this in practice
• Having a good understanding of The Oranga Tamariki Act and National Care Standards
• Passion and vision for caregivers and what they need to succeed
• Excellent relationship management skills
• Well‑developed written and verbal communication skills
• A valid and clean New Zealand's driver's licence

N–u te rourou | What's in it for you

Oranga Tamariki offer an impartial remuneration package, that offers progression annually for experience through tenure. Annual remuneration for this position starts between $81k and $97k dependant on experience however if currently an Oranga Tamariki Social Worker, you will retain your current salary. We offer a vibrant and supportive team, flexible work options and a genuine commitment to wellbeing. We offer significant training and professional development so that you can thrive and grow. We welcome diversity and are committed to working in an inclusive and respectful way.

To see all the benefits of working for Oranga Tamariki, please visit https://mahi.orangatamariki.govt.nz/working-with-us/employee-benefits/

This is your opportunity to apply your skills and experience to the wellbeing of tamariki and rangatahi.

Applications Close: 27th October 2026