Social Worker - Caregiver Recruitment and Support

New Zealand Government; Queenstown; On-site; NZD 81,000 - 98,000; Full time

Job summary

New Zealand Government is seeking a Caregiver Social Worker on a fixed-term, full-time basis to recruit, assess and support caregivers ensuring tamariki and rangatahi live in nurturing, safe homes. You will work with the child''s Social Worker to identify needs and tailor strategies, travelling across the Central Otago, Queenstown Lakes and North Otago areas as required.

You must hold a Social Work qualification, be SWRB registered with an annual practicing certificate, and demonstrate

Qualifications

• Must hold a Social Work qualification and be registered with SWRB.
• Full registration with NZ SWRB and an annual practicing certificate.
• Experience in child welfare or long-term care settings is advantageous.
• Excellent relationship management and communication skills are essential.

Responsibilities

• Recruit, assess and support caregivers to provide nurturing, safe and stable homes for tamariki and rangatahi.
• Partner with the child''s Social Worker to develop tailored strategies and cohesive support.
• Travel across Central Otago, Queenstown Lakes and North Otago as required.
• Collaborate with agencies and community providers to meet caregiver needs.
• Receive induction, ongoing training and supervision to deliver best practice.

Skills

Relationship management

Critical thinking

Problem solving

Written and verbal communication

Resilience

Driver's licence

Education

Social Work qualification

SWRB registration + annual practicing certificate

Job description

Specialised role, focusing on recruiting, assessing and supporting caregivers to provide the best possible care to tamariki and rangatahiFixed term, full time opportunity to 30 June 2027This role can be based at our Dunedin Ōtepoti, Alexandra, or Oamaru SiteChampion the protection, wellbeing and best management of tamariki in safe familiesMō te tūnga | About the roleCaregivers 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.Our close-knit and supportive team are fully committed to achieving positive change for tamariki, whānau and caregivers. We also understand and have experience in managing the challenges you may face in this role. We work from a strengths-based perspective and proactively share knowledge, learnings and insights across the team to ensure that all our members feel heard, supported and well prepared to deliver their best. You will receive a full induction into the role, regular training and supervision, and have the benefit of a strong peer and leadership group.As this role is a Social Worker position, not Caregiver, you must hold a Social Work qualification and be registered with SWRB. This role is also required to travel across the Central Otago, Queenstown Lakes, and North Otago areas.Ngā pūmanawatanga ōu | What you will bringA 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 techniquesUpholding the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi and demonstrating this in practiceA good understanding of the Oranga Tamariki 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 license (historic convictions may be considered on a case-by-case basis)Nōu te rourou | What's in it for youOranga Tamariki offer an impartial remuneration package, that offers progression annually for experience through tenure. Annual remuneration for this position starts between $81,206 to $97,557 pro rated dependent 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 applyApply online with your CV and Covering Letter, please include in your application your work availability. 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 just before midnight on Sunday 15 November 2026.We may begin reviewing applications and inviting candidates to interview prior to the closing date, so early applications are encouraged.If 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.