Social Worker - Care Placement Support

Barnardos Aotearoa; Hamilton; On-site; NZD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Professional supervision

Ongoing professional development

Flexible work arrangements

Job summary

Barnardos Aotearoa is seeking two registered Social Workers to join the Care Placement Support Social Work service in Hamilton. The fixed-term, full-time role is 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday, 8.30am–5pm, through to 1 September 2027.

You will be onsite with Oranga Tamariki Hamilton City teams, contributing to safe, stable care arrangements. The role involves supporting tamariki, rangatahi, whānau and caregivers, with emphasis on permanency planning, transition from care to independence,

Qualifications

• Must have Social Work qualification and SWRB registration.
• Experience completing assessments and reports.
• Excellent written and verbal communication; strong report writing.

Responsibilities

• Support tamariki and rangatahi in care, their whānau and caregivers.
• Assist with return-home planning, permanency planning and transition from care to independence.
• Collaborate with Oranga Tamariki and other professionals; contribute professional judgement.

Skills

Social work practice

Assessment & reporting

Relationship building

Independent working

Education

Social Work qualification

SWRB registration

Tools

MS Office

Job description

Do you want to do more for tamariki and rangatahi in Aotearoa? We are seeking 2 x registered Social Worker to join our Care Placement Support Social Work service, delivered by Barnardos in partnership with Oranga Tamariki.

This is a fixed‑term, full‑time role (40 hours per week, Monday to Friday, 8.30am-5pm), through to 1 September 2027, offering the opportunity to contribute to meaningful, outcomes‑focused practice in a collaborative environment. Some work outside of usual hours may be required from time to time.

You will be employed by Barnardos while working onsite with the Oranga Tamariki Hamilton City teams for the duration of the fixed term. As part of this arrangement, you will be embedded in the day‑to‑day rhythm of the Hamilton City office, while continuing to receive professional supervision, support, and connection through Barnardos.

In this role, you will support tamariki, rangatahi, whānau, caregivers, and Oranga Tamariki kaimahi to achieve safe, stable, and positive care arrangements. The mahi will include supporting return-home planning, permanency planning, transition from care to independence, strengthening relationships with parents and whānau, and assisting tamariki and rangatahi living in long-term care to progress towards stable and enduring care arrangements, where this is in their best interests.

This fixed‑term role will suit a social worker who is confident working with complexity, able to build trust and strong working relationships, and who brings well‑developed assessment, analytical, and report‑writing skills to their practice. Your ability to contribute clear, well‑reasoned written work will support effective decision‑making for tamariki and rangatahi.

About The Role

As a Care Placement Support Social Worker, you will work alongside Oranga Tamariki kaimahi to provide social work support for tamariki and rangatahi in care, their whānau, and caregivers.

The Role May Include

• supporting rangatahi with transition from care to independence planning
• working alongside parents and whānau, including where there may be resistance, mistrust or barriers to engagement
• supporting long-term care cases where the focus is on helping caregivers and whānau move towards permanency
• building strong working relationships with Oranga Tamariki, caregivers, whānau and other professionals
• contributing to planning that supports stability, safety, connection and positive outcomes for tamariki and rangatahi
• supporting permanency planning for tamariki and rangatahi in long-term care
• completing assessments and contributing a clear, well-formulated professional view to support planning and decision‑making
• adjusting to changing situations, including urgent matters that may require a timely and practical responseworking in a trauma-informed, child-centred and culturally responsive way.

This is varied and meaningful mahi. You will need to be comfortable working within a statutory care setting, while bringing a relational, practical and strengths-based approach.

To Excel, You Will Need

• A recognised Social Work qualification and full registration with the Social Workers Registration Board (SWRB)
• A full, clean New Zealand driver’s licence
• Proven New Zealand experience working with tamariki, rangatahi and whānau, ideally within care and protection or statutory care settings
• The ability to work independently, with strong time management and organisational skills
• Experience completing assessments and reports and formulating clear professional views and recommendations
• Flexibility, resilience, and the ability to work in a dynamic environment where priorities can change quickly
• Excellent communication skills, including strong report writing skills and computer literacy
• Sound knowledge of care and protection practice, trauma and attachment, and permanency planning
• Strong professional judgement, clear boundaries, and the ability to navigate complex situations
• The capability to build trusting relationships with individuals and whānau who may be cautious, resistant, or have had challenging experiences with services
• Well‑developed relationship‑building skills and the ability to work collaboratively with Oranga Tamariki and a wide range of community stakeholders
• A demonstrated commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and culturally responsive, strengths‑based practice

About you

You are someone who can walk alongside people, listen deeply, and help identify practical and achievable ways forward. You are thoughtful and reflective in your practice, and confident translating your professional analysis into clear, well‑reasoned assessments and reports that support sound decision‑making for tamariki and rangatahi.

Culture

This work can sometimes be challenging. You will need resilience and a passion for working with youth, be flexible, have a positive attitude, and exhibit the ability to build strong professional relationships with young people, whanau/families, staff, and service providers. A comprehensive induction programme is undertaken with ongoing education, training, and support offered to all staff.

Embody Our Values

• Kotahitanga (Unity): Cultivate a sense of belonging through meaningful relationships with tamariki, rangatahi, colleagues, and the wider community
• Mahi Tōtika (Excellence): Demonstrate unwavering integrity and purpose in all aspects of your work, striving for the highest standards of care
• Kaikōkiritanga (Innovation): Drive positive change with creativity, constantly seeking new and effective ways to support tamariki and rangatahi
• Āta Whakarongo (Active Listening): Let tamariki and rangatahi voices shape your approach, ensuring their perspectives are central to decision‑making
• Māiatanga (Empowerment): Nurture growth and unlock potential in tamariki, rangatahi, and colleagues, fostering a culture of continuous learning and development

Why Choose Barnardos

• Join a respected NGO with over 55 years of impact in child welfare and advocacy
• Access ongoing professional development opportunities, including specialised training in trauma-informed practices and the latest care methodologies
• Contribution toward SWRB registration fees on a pro‑rata basis, supporting your ongoing professional registration (negotiable)
• Enjoy family-friendly policies, including flexible work arrangements where possible
• Competitive salary commensurate with experience and qualifications (Pay Equity)
• Supportive team environment with regular supervision and peer support
• Opportunity to make a lasting difference in the lives of vulnerable young people

About Barnardos Aotearoa

For over 55 years Barnardos has been shaping brighter futures together with children and families in Aotearoa. Our mahi across social services, early learning and advocacy for children’s rights and wellbeing means we're there for the whole childhood journey, and beyond.

Every day, we’re making a positive, long-lasting difference to children's lives.

If you would like a copy of the position description, please email [e-mail], in your email please quote the ID number: 1614740

We will commence interviews as applications are received.