Social Worker - Fixed Term until June 2027

New Zealand Government Joba; Te Awamutu; On-site; NZD 81,000 - 98,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Reduced premiums

Vision care

Renewal costs covered

Professional development

Annual leave 23 days (25 after 5 years

Job summary

Oranga Tamariki—Ministry for Children invites qualified social workers to join our Te Awamutu team. You will assess tamariki and rangatahi, develop intensive intervention plans, and work within hui-ā-whānau to protect and support families.

The role requires SWRB registration (or eligibility), cultural awareness, and a valid driver’s licence. A rewarding opportunity to partner with local iwi and communities, with strong professional development and clear career pathways.

Qualifications

• Fully registered social worker with SWRB or eligible for registration.
• Understanding and appreciation of cross-cultural practices, including tikanga Māori and Pacific cultures.
• A current, clean driver’s licence and professional communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Engage with tamariki, rangatahi and whānau to assess needs and formulate intervention plans.
• Lead and participate in hui-ā-whānau, family group conferences, and multi‑agency partnerships.
• Collaborate with iwi, hapū and other agencies to improve outcomes for children and families.

Skills

Communication skills

Driver's license

MS Office proficiency

Resilience / problem solving

Cross-cultural awareness

Education

Social work registration / eligible

Tools

MS Office

Job description

Fixed-Term Social Worker opportunity available - ending June 2027 Position based in Te Awamutu, Waikato Remuneration starting from $81,206 - $97,557dependent on experience

Mō te tūnga | About the role

The wellbeing of tamariki and rangatahi is everyone's responsibility. They deserve to feel safe, have their voices heard, and be surrounded by loving whānau and community.If these words capture why you became a Social Worker, then you belong on the journey we have begun at Oranga Tamariki. We're looking for qualified, registered, and experienced social workers who want to make a real difference by putting tamariki and rangatahi at the heart of everything they do.

As part of our dynamic team based at our Te Awamutu site , you may spend your day meeting with tamariki, rangatahi and their family and whānau listening to what they have to say, completing assessments of need, formulating intensive intervention plans, participating in hui-ā-whānau, family group conferences, and partnering with other agencies, community groups and local iwi to improve outcomes.Salary for this role starts between$81,206 - $97,557per annum with further progression through tenure.

Ngā pūmanawatanga ōu | What you will bring

To be successful in this rewarding position, you will need:

• Full registration with New Zealand's Social Work Registration Board (SWRB) or able to register A social worker qualification recognised by the SWRB
• Understanding and appreciation of cross-cultural practices in particular; knowledge of tikanga Māori, and Pacific peoples' culture
• A full, clean, current driver's licence
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Demonstrated resilience, problem solving techniques and flexibility
• Strong PC and Microsoft Office Suite skills with excellent report writing skills

Nōu te rourou | What's in it for you

We also offer:

• Reduced Southern Cross premiums
• Vision care
• SWRB and APC renewal costs covered
• Opportunity to build your professional network with colleagues across the wider children's workforce
• Significant training and professional development so that you can continue to grow and thrive
• 23 days annual leave for full time staff, increasing to 25 days annual leave after 5 years' service (pro-rated for part time)

Mō mātou | 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 put Tamariki first We believe Aroha is vital We respect the Mana of people We are Tika and Pono We value Whakapapa We recognise that Oranga is a journeyOur vision is to ensure New Zealand is the best place in the world to be a child. We are also committed to ensuring Oranga Tamariki partners with hapū, iwi and Māori organisations to find appropriate solutions for tamariki in need.Oranga Tamariki—Ministry for Children has a commitment of putting children first, we believe aroha is vital, we respect the mana of people, we are tika and pono, we value whakapapa and we recognise that oranga is a journey.