Social Worker - Hamilton

Oranga Tamariki; Hamilton; On-site; NZD 81,000 - 98,000; Full time

Job summary

Oranga Tamariki—Ministry for Children seeks social workers passionate about transforming child protection in New Zealand. You will engage with tamariki and whānau, assess concerns, and coordinate support and interventions as needed.

Hamilton-based role with a focus on partnership with hapū, iwi, and community partners, requiring full SWRB registration, strong communication, and ability to work under pressure.

Qualifications

• Full registration with SWRB and current practicing certificate required.
• Commitment to bi-cultural practice and culturally responsive approach.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills; experience in child protection sector.
• Ability to engage with whānau and coordinate with agencies.

Responsibilities

• Engage directly with te tamaiti, parents/caregivers, whānau or family group, and reflect their views and needs.
• Reflect views of hapū and iwi when relevant to te tamaiti.
• Consult with the Care and Protection Resource Panel.
• Collaborate with key people to address te tamaiti's needs in a coordinated way.
• Support te tamaiti and whānau when a specialist interview is required.
• Hold whānau and professional hui.

Skills

SWRB registration

Bi-cultural practice

Communication skills

Child protection experience

Whānau engagement

Judgement & organisational skills

Calm under pressure

Driver's license

Education

Social Work qualification

Job description

• Annual remuneration for this position starts between$81,206.00 and$97,557.00 dependant on experience

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 putTamarikifirst
• We believeArohais vital
• We respect theManaof people
• We areTikaandPono
• We valueWhakapapa
• We recognise thatOrangais a journey

Our 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.

About therole | Mō te tūnga

Our social workers are passionate about the transformation of the child protection system and committed to ensuring that New Zealand is the best place in the world to be a child. We believe in teamwork, we put tamariki and whānau at the centre of everything we do, we strive to achieve authentic and genuine partnership and participation with tamariki, whānau and community partners.

Kirikiriroa (The city of Hamilton) is known for its award-winning gardens, the mighty Waikato River, street culture, eateries, riverwalks and cycle paths. The Waikato is home to Waikato-Tainui, and the seat of the Kīngitanga at Tūrangawaewaemaraein Ngāruawahia. We also celebrate annual events such as Balloon's over Waikato and National Agriculture Feildays.

Come to Hamilton and join a supportive team who all have big hearts, for getting things right for tamariki. When a report of concern is made from a member of the public, professional or whānau which is reported to Oranga Tamariki it is our role to consider the concern, determine the appropriate response for te tamaiti and their whānau, complete an assessment appropriate to the level of concern, put in place the support or intervention that te tamaiti and their whānau require if necessary.

Each team of Social workers are responsible for but not limited to:

• Engaging directly with te tamaiti, their parents/caregivers, significant whānau or family group, and seek and reflect their views, wishes and feelings.
• Consider direct engagement with, and reflect the views and participation of, hapū and iwi when it may be relevant to te tamaiti.
• Consult with the Care and Protection Resource Panel.
• Engage and collaborate with key people working with each tamaiti, to ensure their full range of needs are identified and addressed in a coordinated way.
• Support te tamaiti and their whānau or family when a specialist interview may be required.
• Hold whānau and professional hui.

A current SWRB practicing certificate, enthusiasm and experience working with tamariki and whanau.

We are looking for people with the following:

• Full registration with New Zealand's Social Work Registration Board (SWRB) and current practicing certificate is essential
• A commitment to bi-cultural practice and a culturally responsive approach
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Experience within the child protection sector and an understanding of New Zealand legislation that relates to the safety of children and young people
• The ability to engage with whanau and establish working relationships with agencies, voluntary groups, and individuals
• Ability to demonstrate sound judgement and organisational skills
• The demonstrated ability to stay calm, work collaboratively and find solutions under stressful situations
• A full, clean, current driver's licence.

Nōu te rourou | What's in it for you

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

Applications for this role close on 13th September 2026

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.

Reference # 42769

Closes on 13 Sep 2026 23:55

Location(s) Hamilton, Paeroa, Waikato

Expertise Social Work, Care Services, Management, Other, Services for children and families, Youth Justice