Social Worker - Hamilton South

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

Benefits offered by this job

Reduced Southern Cross premiums

Vision care

SWRB and APC renewal costs covered

Professional network with children’s'

Training & professional development

23 days annual leave (25 after 5 years

Job summary

Oranga Tamariki—Ministry for Children is seeking qualified, registered social workers for a permanent full-time position in Hamilton South. The role focuses on the wellbeing of tamariki and rangatahi, with responsibilities including assessments, intervention planning, and collaboration with families and local communities.

You will work in a dynamic team, meeting tamariki and whānau, contributing to multi-agency work, and supporting enduring positive outcomes.

Qualifications

• SWRB registration or eligible for registration.
• A social work qualification recognised by the SWRB.
• Understanding and appreciation of cross-cultural practices, including tikanga Māori and Pacific cultures.
• A full, clean, current driver’s licence.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Demonstrated resilience, problem solving and flexibility.
• Strong PC skills and MS Office with reporting ability.

Responsibilities

• Meet with tamariki, rangatahi and their families to listen to their needs.
• Complete assessments of need and formulate intensive intervention plans.
• Participate in hui-ā-whānau, family group conferences and joint agency work.
• Partner with other agencies, community groups and local iwi to improve outcomes.
• Contribute to a responsive and whanau-centred service delivery.

Skills

SWRB registration eligible

Social work qualification

Cross-cultural practice

Driver's licence

Communication skills

Resilience & problem solving

Report writing & MS Office

Education

Social work degree (SWRB-recognised)

Job description

• Permanent Full time Opportunity available
• Position based in Hamilton South
• Remuneration starting from $81,206 - $97,557 dependent 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 Hamilton South 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 - $97,557 per annum with further progression through tenure.

Ngā pūmanawatanga ōu | What you will bring

• 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

• 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 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.

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.

Applications close: 2nd November 2026, however we will be reviewing CV's and interviewing as we go so get your application in today!