Caregiver Social Worker - Whangarei

New Zealand Government; Whangarei; On-site; NZD 81,000 - 97,000; Full time

Job summary

Oranga Tamariki in Whangārei is seeking a Caregiver Social Worker to partner with caregivers, helping provide nurturing, safe homes for tamariki and rangatahi. You will collaborate with the child’s Social Worker and other agencies to tailor strategies and ensure strong support across whānau and caregivers.

The role requires a recognised Social Work qualification and SWRB registration, a valid NZ driver’s licence, and a commitment to Treaty of Waitangi principles.

Qualifications

• Recognised Social Work qualification by the SWRB.
• Registered with SWRB and an annual practicing certificate.
• Demonstrated resilience, critical thinking and problem-solving techniques.
• Upholding the Treaty of Waitangi in practice.
• Knowledge of National Care Standards.
• Excellent relationship management skills.
• Well-developed written and verbal communication skills.
• A valid and clean New Zealand driver’s licence.

Responsibilities

• Partner with caregivers to support them at every stage of a child’s journey through care.
• Identify key issues and develop tailored strategies for cohesive support.
• Work with the child’s Social Worker and other agencies to meet caregivers’ needs.

Skills

Resilience

Critical thinking

Problem-solving

Relationship management

Written and verbal communication

Education

Social Work qualification

Job description

.Permanent position based in WhangareiUtilise your skills in a role that makes a positive difference to the lives of tamariki and rangatahi.Mō mātou | About us:Our tamariki and rangatahi deserve to feel safe, have their voices heard, and be surrounded by loving whānau. At Oranga Tamariki, we're on a journey to ensure that it happens. We are a leading social work practice that is child-centred, trauma-informed, and effective for all cultures.Mō te tūnga | 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 will also work with other agencies, community groups and providers to ensure the needs of our caregivers are met. This role may also be required to provide support across the wider Gisborne region.As this role is a Social Worker position, not Caregiver, you must hold a Social Work qualification and be registered with SWRB.Ngā pūmanawatanga ōu | What you will bring:A recognised Social Work qualification by the Social Worker Registration Board (SWRB)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 techniquesUpholding the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi and demonstrating this in practiceKnowledge of National Care StandardsPassion and vision for caregivers and what they need to succeedExcellent relationship management skillsWell-developed written and verbal communication skillsA valid and clean New Zealand's driver's licenceNōu 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, with tenure-based progression steps above this range.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.This is your opportunity to apply your skills and experience to the wellbeing of tamariki and rangatahi. To see all the benefits of working for Oranga Tamariki, please visit https://mahi.orangatamariki.govt.nz /working-with-us/employee-benefits/Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to apply:Apply online with your CV and Covering Letter. If you are an Oranga Tamariki employee already, please ensure you apply with a log in using your Oranga Tamariki email address.If you have any questions about role, please contact [e-mail] Close: 1st November 2026If you are interested in any of our vacancies, please ensure that you make yourself familiar with our code of conduct as it sets out our expectations for our kaimahi and requires you to present at work free from the influences of both drugs and alcohol.