Social Worker -Kaikohe

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

Job summary

Oranga Tamariki is seeking a permanent Social Worker at Kaikohe to support tamariki and whānau across the Te Tai Tokerau region. You will apply mana tamaiti, whakapapa and whanaungatanga in practice, ensuring culturally grounded services in a team-focused environment.

The role requires SWRB registration, a full driver’s license, and strong communication skills. A supportive, values-led organisation offers regular supervision and opportunities for professional growth.

Qualifications

• Registration with the NZ Social Workers Registration Board (SWRB) and current Annual Practising Certificate.
• Must hold a full, clean driver’s license.
• Cultural awareness and understanding of Tikanga Māori principles.
• Ability to analyse and prepare social work and financial plans.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Apply mana tamaiti, whakapapa and whanaungatanga in practice to support tamariki and whānau.
• Work with tamariki, rangatahi, whānau and communities to keep tamariki safe.
• Conduct initial safety checks and assessments on children and caregivers.
• Collaborate with community partners, NGOs and state agencies.
• Advocate for tamariki to ensure access to resources and support.
• Assist with transition planning for placement home or permanency.

Skills

Cultural awareness

Tikanga Māori

Driver's license

Analytical skills

Risk assessment

Verbal communication

Written reports

Education

SWRB registered social worker

Job description

Permanent Social Worker opportunity - Supporting Kaikohe and broader regionPermanent, full-time vacancies up for grabs!Competitive salary, ranging $81,206- $97,557, depending on experienceReporting to our Kaikohe Site, applications will be considered from across the Te Tai Tokerau regionHei awhitanga nga mahi o Te Tai Tokerau. Tu te Tangata, Tu te Rohe, Tu te Mana. Tihei, tihei mauri ora (embrace the collective response with communities).'It takes a whole village to raise tamariki' we are offering a renewed sense of community and a unique opportunity for social workers to join our growing wh nau orientated team at Kaikohe site - where you will be encouraged and supported to work effectively with M ori using Te Toka Tumoana, our indigenous and bicultural principled framework.In these fast-paced roles, you will be expected to operate collectively with a team of social workers and other critical thinkers, inclusive of wh nau hapu, iwi and communities. Tamariki do not live-in isolation; they sit at the centre of a wh nau and sometimes caregiving families.Mo m tou | About usOranga Tamariki is a name that has been gifted to us and is our commitment to improving the safety and wellbeing of tamariki and that of the community we serve, north of Whangarei. As a values-led organisation, we use the principles of mana (prestige), tika & pono (doing things the right way), aroha (love) and wh kapapa (relationships) to shape how we work and deliver the outcomes in our site plan.This role represents an opportunity to shape a new way of working with culturally grounded solutions and innovations that support our approach and direction toward transformational change for the care and protection system - one that builds on the good things that are already happening, and, most importantly, innovates to find new ways of doing things to achieve better outcomes for all.About the role | Mo te tungaThis role requires a passion to actively keep tamariki in the hearts and minds of everything we do. You will apply the principles of mana tamaiti, whakapapa and whanaungatanga to your practice, to ensure you are responsive to tamariki and wh nau M ori. It's more than a job, it's an opportunity to improve the lived experiences of tamariki and their caregiving communities. We recognise the importance of Kaimahi ora (staff wellbeing) and are committed to ensuring you receive regular supervision and take the necessary breaks needed to restore Oranga and wellbeing.hear tamariki and rangatahi voices and support them or their family/wh nau to make positive changeswork alongside various cultural groups and people from different backgroundscomplete initial safety checks and assessments on the child, young person, and wh nauwork alongside partners in our community, non-government organisations and state sector agenciestransition children and young people back to their families/wh nau or into their forever homebe an advocate on behalf of tamariki to ensure they have the support and resources needed to reach their full potentialNg pumanawatanga ou | What you will bringKey requirements of the role include:registration with New Zealand's Social Work Registration Board (SWRB) including current Annual Practicing Certificatecultural awareness and an understanding of Tikanga M ori principlesa commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangia social worker qualification recognised by the SWRBa full, clean and valid driver's licencethe ability to analyse and prepare social work and financial planssound judgement skillsstrong organisational skillsthe ability to manage risk and make tough decisionsexcellent verbal communication skills with the ability to adapt to your audiencegood written skills as you will need to write court reports and case notesa positive outlook and supporting natureMe pehea te tuku tono | How to ApplyApply online with your CV and Covering Letter. 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] for this role close on 11th October 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.\"