Social Worker - Fixed term until March 2027

Oranga Tamariki—Ministry for Children; Tokoroa; On-site; NZD 81,000 - 98,000; Full time

Job summary

Oranga Tamariki—Ministry for Children is seeking a dedicated Social Worker for our Tokoroa site on a fixed-term basis until March 2027. You will hear tamariki and rangatahi voices, complete comprehensive assessments and work with whānau to create positive, lasting changes.

Experience in NZ's child protection sector and SWRB registration are highly valued. We offer a competitive NZD salary range starting from $81,206 to $97,557, depending on experience, with opportunities for growth under our

Qualifications

• Full, clean driver's licence is required.
• Registration with New Zealand's Social Work Registration Board (SWRB) must be current.
• Current practising certificate required.
• Experience in the child protection sector preferred in NZ.
• Ability to analyse and prepare social work and other plans (e.g., financial).
• Able to demonstrate sound judgement and strong organisational skills.
• Excellent verbal communication and written report-writing skills.

Responsibilities

• Hear tamariki and rangatahi voices and support whānau to make positive changes.
• Work with diverse cultural groups and backgrounds.
• Complete full assessments of tamariki, rangatahi and whānau.
• Facilitate hui to support whānau capacity to care for tamariki and rangatahi.
• Plan and deliver interventions to keep tamariki and rangatahi within their whānau.
• Collaborate with community partners and government agencies.
• Advocate for tamariki and rangatahi to access necessary support.

Skills

Driver’s license

SWRB registration

Communication skills

Written reporting

Risk assessment

Judgement & organisation

Job description

• Improve the lives of tamariki and rangatahi and carry out meaningful work that makes a difference
• Fixed term Social Worker opportunity available - until March 2027 at our Tokoroa site
• Competitive salary, including a post-graduate initiative, starting from $81,206 - $97,557, depending on experience

• Improve the lives of tamariki and rangatahi and carry out meaningful work that makes a difference
• Fixed term Social Worker opportunity available - until March 2027 at our Tokoroa site
• Competitive salary, including a post-graduate initiative, starting from $81,206 - $97,557, depending on experience

Are you looking to make a difference?

Our belief is that in the right environment, with the right people surrounding and nurturing them, any child can and should flourish. We are dedicated to supporting any child in New Zealand whose wellbeing is at significant risk of harm now, or in the future.

We have a brilliant opportunity for you to be part our amazing Service Delivery team!

Join our team based in our Tokoroa site; we have an exciting opportunity for a social worker to jpin our team until March 2027! If you are passionate about improving the lives of tamariki and rangatahi and carrying out meaningful work that makes a difference, this could be the opportunity for you!

About the role | Mō te tūnga

• Hear tamariki and rangatahi voices and support them or their whānau to make positive changes
• Work with various cultural groups and people from different backgrounds
• Complete full assessments on the tamariki, rangatahi and whānau
• Be able to hold and facilitate a hui, with a focus on supporting whānau to grow their capacity to care for their tamariki and rangatahi
• Be involved in planning and delivering interventions to maintain tamariki and rangatahi within their whānau
• Work alongside partners in our community, non-government organisations and state sector agencies
• Be an advocate on behalf of tamariki and rangatahi to ensure they have the support and resources needed to reach their full potential

What you will bring | Ngā pūmanawatanga ōu

Ideal candidate for this role is an experienced Social Worker who has worked in Aotearoa in a similar role for a non-governmental organisation (NGO) sector and/or someone who has worked within Oranga Tamariki previously.

• A full, clean, current driver's licence
• Full registration with New Zealand's Social Work Registration Board (SWRB)
• Current practising certificate
• Empathy, patience and ability to see past what someone may be struggling with
• Experience within the child protection sector, preferably within NZ
• The ability to analyse and prepare social work and other plans e.g. financial
• Able to demonstrate sound judgement and organisational skills
• The ability to manage risk and make tough decisions
• Excellent verbal communication skills with the ability to adapt to your audience
• Great written skills as you will need to write court reports, case notes and other documents
• A positive outlook and supporting nature

About us | Mō mātou

Oranga Tamariki—Ministry for Children has a commitment to putting tamariki and rangatahi at the heart of what we do.

We are committed to ensuring that 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 tamariki in need.

We are committed to putting tamariki 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.

What's in it for you | Nōu te rourou

Oranga Tamariki offer an impartial remuneration package, that offers progression annually for experience through tenure. 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

Applications for this role close at midnight on 1st October 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.